The event written in the following words happened in 1959–1960. I was a junior at Seminole High School in Sanford, Florida. I was the fourth generation being raised on the old family property that was homestead by my great-grandfather and my great-grandmother not long after the Civil War. His son, my grandfather, was a part-time…

You can make a positive difference to people every day. Look for simple interactions where you can create a wonderful memory for someone. When a school year or semester is over, take 30 seconds to thank your favorite teacher for their work. When you leave a coffee shop, take 10 seconds to thank a barista…

Born in 1957, and raised in a divided Germany, I was fortunate to have lived in West Germany where the historic processing of what had happened under the Nazi regime was part of my high school curriculum. We were taught about the war, what led up to it, and the atrocities that were committed. One…

Dear Next Generation, At the age of 97, I still remember how all through high school I believed I wasn’t smart enough to go to college. Before I had time to seriously consider it, World War II came along, and there I was, in the Army. The sudden change was my first major “culture shock,”…

Join the Social Game! Many believe we should be frank and outspoken, to get right to the point without phoniness or too much “bull.” In the real world, however, this can be a problem when we need to win over another’s respect, whether a customer, girlfriend or boyfriend, and so on. That is when no…

Dear Next Generation, There is much that I have learned in my 70 years on earth, most of it in the last 50 years.  It is important for the younger generation to learn of the successes, failures, and history from those who preceded them. I’ll discuss a few of the more important lessons I’ve learned…

Ever feel trapped as if you are watching your life deteriorate in front of your eyes and you can do nothing? Or certain difficult circumstances lead you into wishing for a new life? But that new life will never come. Or so you think; or so your negativity wants you to think. An unseen enemy…

Our home recently went through some remodeling. We have had quite a few workmen in and out of the house over the past few months. There were painters, plumbers, roofers, carpenters, carpet layers, electricians, etc. It was interesting to watch the transformation that came over our home as each of these tradesmen completed their work….

Dear next generation, Wisdom is not a product of time, but a product of applied knowledge enhanced through the opportunity of time. We have had a year of uncertainty and wild calamity, yet it has presented the proposition of change and most importantly wisdom. As the world around us may take a dive or seem…

My Advice for Young People At the age of 63, I have solid, direct advice to young people to obtain the greatest rewards from life. First, don’t expect to walk on a plush, red carpet every day. You and only you are in charge of your life, not your parents, friends, or teachers, though their…