I’ve tried to not write this post many times, but I have got to get it out of my head. Perhaps again, this post will someday help the children I love know me better when they are older.
My favorite sound is my children’s laughter.
I am a very poor speller.
I am the granddaughter of Jews who had to flee their home and country.
I’d rather work outside than inside.
I am uncomfortable around guns, it is what my oldest brother used to take his life. I am also grateful that My Loving Spouse knows how to use one.
I like cows better than cats.
My mom & dad were Betty and Joe. I have a lot of ‘Betty’ sayings in my head. Joe mostly said, “Keep your eye on the ball”, which is always good advice.
I am a good neighbor.
When this child needed a safe home, we gave him one.
When any of my kids (including this one) needed money, I would offer them a job. I believe the empowerment of earning one’s own cash is important. I guess that makes me a capitalist.
The people I know want a good world for our children, even if we may not always agree on the road to get there.
When I was about 6 my brother told me the car lighter wasn’t hot and to put my finger in it. I learned to not trust what he said. Saying so doesn’t always make it true.
I don’t like being manipulated.
5 months ago, I began to listen to vast quantities of varied news channels, podcasts and daily researching the local news in many cities. I was prepared for bias. I wasn’t prepared for the absence of information. I wasn’t prepared for the media to say something wasn’t ‘hot’ because they said so. I believe if we truly want to be informed, not manipulated it takes listening and watching a lot of voices. Why do they cover some news and not others….and then say it wasn’t real?
I remember when people would say, “I may not agree with what you are saying, but I will fight for your right to say it.” I haven’t heard that in a long time.
Our country is divided. I didn’t vote for this President, but he won. What happened to the peaceful passing of power? I’ve heard people I care about say, it is okay to be rude about the president, because he is rude. Hmmm, Betty used to say, ‘two wrongs don’t make a right.’
I believe all lives matter. I was shocked when Black Lives Matter didn’t condemn the killing of the black teenager in CHOP in Seattle, I can be naive. Betty would say, “actions speak louder than words”.
I don’t like ‘do as I say, not as I do.’
I believe in tithing, whether I can go to my church or not.
My favorite hymn is Great Is Thy Faithfulness
I get to say who I am….whether I chose to stand for my flag or stand on a street corner.
No matter what, my job has not changed. Jesus said, “Love God. Love others, love yourself.”
My hope is built on nothing less…
…and only because of this I am blessed.
Hi Ellen
I am glad you are in this world and teaching the value system you hold dear to your children and others. The teaching, a lot of times, is by doing and not saying. I am also greatful that your are striving to find non-partisan information about a range of topics that affect our daily lives. I am often frustrated when my siblings quote information that is not true about our healthcare, economy, and environment. Please continue to publish. You are an influencer of habits and ideals to make human beings help all of us to be better people.
Brian
Brian,
Thank you so much for your words. I value them and you,
Ien
And to Rob’s list I add creative, resourceful, gracious and hospitable, willing to dig in and try new things, and also my favorite and much taller East Side Cuz!
You are so sweet, my dear Skinny Cousin. Looking forward to being together again. love, e
I adore who you are in so many ways. You are one of my favorite people! (By the way, we have more good friends moving to Washington and to Idaho…more reasons to head north. I feel a visit in my future.)
Visits are always good!
Thank you friend.
Thanks for this wise essay, Ellen. My heart hurts because of all the divisiveness and viciousness of politics right now. And you are so right–we DO all want a good, safe future for our kids, and we should be willing to work together to build it instead of just fighting, fighting, fighting.
Here is my list of your defining traits: Wise, humble, loving, creative, inventive, funny, kind, smart, generous, courageous, with a deep, deep ability to love. I miss you so much, my dear friend. XO Pat
So sweet, appreciate every word.
xo
Agreed on all counts adding ‘How Great Thou Art’
Love ALL your musings and miss enjoying you all in person.
xoxo Shelley
…and that is Pat’s all time favorite as well. We miss you too, cannot believe it has been so long.
Stay well!
Hi Ellan,
I wonder if many people really stop to take, any time, to think; “Who am I”.
We each have our own “beliefs or thoughts” about ourselves, who we “are”, how others might see us.
It is hard to “nail it” on how others see us (we know our shortcomings, things about ourselves that “they don’t”).
So , to give you my thoughts on you, somethings I think of Ellan;
Kind, Loving, Helpful, Funny, (Taller then me barely, but a fact), Entertaining, Great with kids, Mom Excellant, Faithful, Honest and my Favorite East Side Cus!
Counting the days to see you both.
One of your West Side Cousins,
Rob
That is the sweetest note, I appreciate it so very much.
Looking forward to having a wonderful time together here at the farm, just as soon as we safely can!
love,
e
Loved it.
Thank you, Doris/Dick…it means a lot to me.
So beautifully written, my friend – and what a gift to your children, grandchildren AND your friends. XXOO
Thank you dear one, miss you much!
Amen
Thank you, my brother.
Love this!
Thank you, dear Dear John,
Blessings,