July 4th

I had a delightful day yesterday, July 4th. Steve and I went to Ohio to my parents home then to see my dad's 99 year old cousin, Evelyn. She is still spunky, spry, feisty and humorous. Carol, my dad's other cousin came to Evelyn's home while we were there. Evelyn even went with us to a local Greek restaurant to have a bite to eat. She amazed everyone of her age.

Then we went to my parents farm where I borrowed an old book called "P.S. I love You/When Mom wrote she always saved the best for last." by H. Jackson Brown, Jr. The author's mom wrote hundreds of letters throughout the years The most cherished of them were the P.S. notes she would write at the end of each one. I had bought it for my Grandma Miller when I was in college. The following are some that describe it:

P.S. Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't Do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in you sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

I love you,

Mom

Regarding your D in biology, let me only say that sometimes a good scare is worth more than good advice

I love you,

Mom

P.S. Life is teaching you some painful lessons. But it is from adversity that strength is born. You may have lost the inning, but you know you'll win the game.

I love you

Mom

Luck may bring you riches, but it will never bring you wisdom.

I love you,

Mom

P.S. I have to admit that after helping you father rake all the leaves Saturday, I'm beginning to feel my age. But you won't hear me complain about getting older. Just think of the people who are denied he privilege.

I love you,

Mom

P.S. F.I.D.O

I saw this sign on the back of a Winnebago at filling station. I asked the driver if it was the name of his dog. "Oh no", he replied. "It's to remind me that when someone is discourteous on the road I should just Forget It and Drive On.

P.S. Your father defines an honest man as someone you could play checkers with over the telephone.

I love you,

Mom

P.S. Praise is satisfying to receive, but it never teaches you anything new.

I love you,

Mom

P.S. Do for others with no desire of returned favors. We all should plant some trees we'll never sit under.

I love you,

Mom

My dad is reading and finding some amusement in these now. Our job is to make others happy. That will in turn make us feel happy. Have a great day and keep smiling!