My health care bill is $515 per month and doesn’t cover any prescription medication. It’s a $65 dollar monthly hike over last year’s rate – that about $780 more than I paid last year - a 15% annual increase. That increase comes during a time of recession and earned interest rates of about 1.5%.
To those who read this blog, we can’t let this opportunity to pass health care reform slip through our fingers.
I’ve got a young friend who is undergoing treatment for cancer at the Mayo Clinic. Her name is Emily. She’s 21 and has lymphoma. She has limited insurance. Yet, amazingly, the doctors and nurses at Mayo are doing all that they can to save her life. She is one of those people who are happy and outgoing and loving and kind. When healthy, she exudes energy and brings a smile to your face in a nano-second. It’s hard to grasp that her young life is in jeopardy.
Yet without the compassionate care provided at Mayo – through their uninsured patient fund – Emily would be not be alive today. Advanced chemotherapy has extended her life. Yet, the battle to overcome cancer is still raging. She’s due to have a bone marrow transplant in about one week. With luck, prayers and the skill of doctors, Emily will survive.
Hospitals such as Mayo cannot continue to provide this type of care without escalating the cost for its insured patients. There is no question that providing care right now for the uninsured is baked into the cost of everyone’s insurance. Yet, we continue to get less coverage, at higher cost, and the fears of paying for a major illness often keep us up at night.
In my own case, I have tried to get lower-cost insurance from the same provider but was turned down. In fact, they advertise a lower cost option as accessible and comprehensive for people who buy their own insurance – yet I don’t know who they sell it to. I’d like at least to get prescription coverage as part of my insurance. What if I got cancer? I couldn’t afford the medication. And I’m not alone.
Not being able to pay medical bills is one of the leading causes of personal bankruptcies. In 2007 – before the recession, 60 percent of people who declared bankruptcy cited medical reasons as the cause (either they were too sick to work, they had mortgaged their homes to pay medical bills or their out-of-pocket costs were unmanageable.) That’s according to a study done by Harvard Medical School.
The lead author, Steffie Woolhandler, M.D., said "Unless you're a Warren Buffett or Bill Gates, you're one illness away from financial ruin in this country. If an illness is long enough and expensive enough, private insurance offers very little protection against medical bankruptcy, and that's the major finding in our study."
The health care insurance system is flawed. I don’t think any of us can deny that. Congress is ready to finalize a health care plan. We’re almost there. We just need to wait now for Scott Brown to be sworn in as the replacement for the late Ted Kennedy. The health care plan has its critics and its supporters. It’s far from perfect, but it’s a start. Nothing in life is perfect – that much is true.
People are realizing that health care coverage has become part of our rights rather than a privilege. It can even be interpreted as such by the Declaration of Independence signed in 1776. I quote, “We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Let’s define those words as they relate to our lives as Americans today.
• Life: the ability to do everything possible to live, aided by surgeons and physicians when needed.
• Liberty: the freedom to be able to get health care when you are sick.
• Pursuit of happiness: Being sick is being miserable. Yes, some people put on a brave front, others simply endure, but many cry out in pain and anguish. Easing their pain is humane. It’s American.
Let’s move on to the notion that obtaining coverage should be paid for by employers or through Medicaid and Medicare. Many people without coverage do have jobs. Their employers have decided not to offer health care coverage because of the cost and they need to stay competitive to remain in business. For our young people who are just starting out, they find that their paycheck is barely enough to cover food, rent and transportation without adding another couple hundred dollars a month or more for health care. Medicare payments to hospitals don’t cover the true cost of care. There are many older people who don’t yet qualify for Medicare who are in that same boat as the younger generation: they simply can’t afford health care.
According to the census numbers, in 2007 there were 45.7 million uninsured Americans. Yet, a report issued by Families USA showed that 86.7 million Americans (that’s nearly double) were without health care for some period of time from 2007 to 2008. Let’s see, there’s about 9 million residents in Michigan. So add another 8.5 states with the same population as Michigan and you can begin to imagine the scope of the problem.
For a few months in 2009, those Americans included two of my own children, who were dropped from their Dad’s health care coverage – and that was through an automaker that decided it was cheaper for the company to have my ex go on Medicare rather than pay for a family insurance plan. As a retiree, what do you do? We had to scramble to find coverage for our young adult children. Now, my son is covered only for the minimal needs, just to keep it affordable. And my daughter is covered by a new employer.
What are regular people saying about health care coverage? Here are some comments made by readers in Sunday’s Free Press.
• “I have insurance. But every year, I have to pay way more than I did before and the coverage is less and less. There are too many problems in the current system to keep things going as they are. Something needs to be done.”
• Another reader, responding to Scott Brown’s win in Massachusetts, writes: Hopefully, now, the Democrats will be more transparent and there won’t be any closed meetings and backroom deals. We need health care reform, but let’s do it right!
Yet another reader, Thomas Hinsberg of Detroit, makes a compelling argument that we are rallying around the Haitians in the aftermath of their devasting earthquake, while ignoring the outcry of the 30 million Americans who could be insured under a national health care plan."Is it because they are not on national T.V. or in the daily news?," he ponders.
Congress has squeaked out a plan, replete with concessions. Negotiating with special interests has surely muddied the waters. But that is no reason to keep the status quo. Reform is never easy. But not passing health care legislation is cowardly and irresponsible. Was the Civil Rights Act of 1964 perfect when adopted? No. But, it was the right thing to do for America – to end racial segregation and extend voting rights. It was a legal declaration for equality among people of all races.
Not passing health care reform would be a travesty. Where is the outrage? You might think, “What can I do about it? I’m just one person.” It’s simple: make your voice heard. Talk to your neighbors and friends – get their take on it and express your opinion. Let’s not hide and be the silent majority – not in this day and age of instant internet communication, cell phones and Facebook.
President Obama will speak about health care legislation during his State of the Union address on Wednesday night. Listen to it or watch it. In the next week, my challenge to you is to contact your representative in Congress and make your voice heard. For those who live in Livonia or Canton, that would be Congressman Thaddeus McCotter.
Let’s not forget the Emilys and our children and our seniors in this dilemma. If you have good health, do everything you can to keep yourself healthy. If you aren’t in good health, know that the chance to become healthy and get over illness should be a right and not a privilege. Right now, that right is quickly slipping away.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
If the shoe fits …. buy it but forget the experience
I absolutely hate shoe shopping. It’s hard to find shoes that fit. Plus, shoes are expensive. Ninety-dollars ( $90) seems to be the going rate for a pair of shoes. And if you want really nice shoes, be prepared to pay $130, $150 or $195 – and those aren’t just for high fashion. At these prices, I’ll only be buying about two pair a year.
What I really wanted to rant and rave about was the difference in shoe departments at Twelve Oaks Mall. My first stop was Lord & Taylor. They had a decent selection of heels, but I was looking for flats. I recalled in past shoe-buying ventures how the sales people would converge on me. So, I quickly looked through the shoe selection before a sales person could assist me. The department was orderly and there were sales people. This was important to note.
Next stop: Macy’s. What a mess. Every time I go to that store, there is merchandise stacked up, spread on the floor, and in general disarray. This time was no exception. I started at the sales shelf, if you could call it that. A wire frame shelf barely held the shoes in place. Many were just thrown on the floor. Oh well, there were only very high heels anyways. Hookers would be delighted in the selection.
Surprisingly, Macy’s did have some flats displayed on the 30 or so pods of shoes in the regular (non-sales) section. And some were around $50 – more of what I hoped to pay. I selected four styles that I thought would work. Then I sat down, remembering store etiquette – when you’re ready to try on shoes, take a seat. They’ll come to you. While I was waiting, I noticed that the nearby soap department permeated the shoe area with a distinctive musky smell. I wondered if I had forgotten to put on my deodorant.
I decided to clock them. It was 8:20. At 8:25, I was getting antsy. Patience isn’t my virtue. Finally, after watching three harried sales people (all women) scurrying about, picking up trash, picking up boxes of shoes, bringing shoes to the wrong people and generally looking flustered and unorganized (the fourth sales person simply walked off the floor when I thought I might be able to snare her), a store employee ventured near me. There were six boxes of shoes to my left. She didn’t say, “Can I help you?” She did say, “Are these shoes yours?” pointing to the boxes as she was preparing to scoop them up and whisk them away.
“No, they’re not mine. But I do need help,” I said, caving in to being a hapless customer in need of assistance. Otherwise, I would have fled. I was disappointed to learn that out of four shoe styles selected, they only had one in my size.
Surprisingly again, that pair fit. I hate to reward bad retail, but I ended up buying the shoes. Fortunately, when I took them up to counter, the shoe sales person miraculously appeared (they must still work on commission). Yet, the counter was so cluttered with shoes that the sales person swiped my card on the register and I had to unearth the credit card screen on the counter in order to sign my name. She said, “Don’t mind the mess.” I thought, “Hey, I found some shoes, who cares about a counter full of shoes that couldn’t walk back into their boxes.”
I still had a half hour to spare. Plus I recalled that Lord & Taylor was open until 9:30 p.m. I would finish there.
Onward to Nordstrom’s, which is famous for shoes. As I entered the shoe department, the first pair I picked up was $275. Gag. I ventured on, vowing to see what made this store so exceptional in the shoe department. I wasn’t disappointed. The sales help was wonderful. At least three people asked if they could help me and I wasn’t even sitting down yet. Finally, I did find two pair of black shoes that I wanted to try on. Disappointment again. They only had one pair. But the sales lady (who was all of 20-something) said, “Sorry that I didn’t have the other ones, but these are the more comfortable ones anyway.”
Yes, they would probably have been comfortable with nylons but not with casual socks, which is what I planned on having on my feet along with my jeans or casual pants.
It was 9 p.m., but the sales people assured the customers, “We won’t hurry you.” One sales woman was helping an older woman who was taking a lot of time trying on shoes and complaining all the while. Yet, the sales woman was kind and helpful. I doubt any of the Macy’s sales people would be that attentive.
I must mention that when I stopped back in at Lord & Taylor to look for something to wear to a Las Vegas concert, I was delighted to find a sweet blouse and it was on sale. I knew that I’d probably only wear it once (and no, I’m not the performer). Even that late in the retail world (after 9 p.m.) at least two sales people greeted me with a pleasant hello and offer of assistance.
What’s the moral of this story? Good service is recognized. Even though I did patronize a store that needs to get its act together, I hope that all retailers – from discounters to high-end stores – continue to put the customer first.
What I really wanted to rant and rave about was the difference in shoe departments at Twelve Oaks Mall. My first stop was Lord & Taylor. They had a decent selection of heels, but I was looking for flats. I recalled in past shoe-buying ventures how the sales people would converge on me. So, I quickly looked through the shoe selection before a sales person could assist me. The department was orderly and there were sales people. This was important to note.
Next stop: Macy’s. What a mess. Every time I go to that store, there is merchandise stacked up, spread on the floor, and in general disarray. This time was no exception. I started at the sales shelf, if you could call it that. A wire frame shelf barely held the shoes in place. Many were just thrown on the floor. Oh well, there were only very high heels anyways. Hookers would be delighted in the selection.
Surprisingly, Macy’s did have some flats displayed on the 30 or so pods of shoes in the regular (non-sales) section. And some were around $50 – more of what I hoped to pay. I selected four styles that I thought would work. Then I sat down, remembering store etiquette – when you’re ready to try on shoes, take a seat. They’ll come to you. While I was waiting, I noticed that the nearby soap department permeated the shoe area with a distinctive musky smell. I wondered if I had forgotten to put on my deodorant.
I decided to clock them. It was 8:20. At 8:25, I was getting antsy. Patience isn’t my virtue. Finally, after watching three harried sales people (all women) scurrying about, picking up trash, picking up boxes of shoes, bringing shoes to the wrong people and generally looking flustered and unorganized (the fourth sales person simply walked off the floor when I thought I might be able to snare her), a store employee ventured near me. There were six boxes of shoes to my left. She didn’t say, “Can I help you?” She did say, “Are these shoes yours?” pointing to the boxes as she was preparing to scoop them up and whisk them away.
“No, they’re not mine. But I do need help,” I said, caving in to being a hapless customer in need of assistance. Otherwise, I would have fled. I was disappointed to learn that out of four shoe styles selected, they only had one in my size.
Surprisingly again, that pair fit. I hate to reward bad retail, but I ended up buying the shoes. Fortunately, when I took them up to counter, the shoe sales person miraculously appeared (they must still work on commission). Yet, the counter was so cluttered with shoes that the sales person swiped my card on the register and I had to unearth the credit card screen on the counter in order to sign my name. She said, “Don’t mind the mess.” I thought, “Hey, I found some shoes, who cares about a counter full of shoes that couldn’t walk back into their boxes.”
I still had a half hour to spare. Plus I recalled that Lord & Taylor was open until 9:30 p.m. I would finish there.
Onward to Nordstrom’s, which is famous for shoes. As I entered the shoe department, the first pair I picked up was $275. Gag. I ventured on, vowing to see what made this store so exceptional in the shoe department. I wasn’t disappointed. The sales help was wonderful. At least three people asked if they could help me and I wasn’t even sitting down yet. Finally, I did find two pair of black shoes that I wanted to try on. Disappointment again. They only had one pair. But the sales lady (who was all of 20-something) said, “Sorry that I didn’t have the other ones, but these are the more comfortable ones anyway.”
Yes, they would probably have been comfortable with nylons but not with casual socks, which is what I planned on having on my feet along with my jeans or casual pants.
It was 9 p.m., but the sales people assured the customers, “We won’t hurry you.” One sales woman was helping an older woman who was taking a lot of time trying on shoes and complaining all the while. Yet, the sales woman was kind and helpful. I doubt any of the Macy’s sales people would be that attentive.
I must mention that when I stopped back in at Lord & Taylor to look for something to wear to a Las Vegas concert, I was delighted to find a sweet blouse and it was on sale. I knew that I’d probably only wear it once (and no, I’m not the performer). Even that late in the retail world (after 9 p.m.) at least two sales people greeted me with a pleasant hello and offer of assistance.
What’s the moral of this story? Good service is recognized. Even though I did patronize a store that needs to get its act together, I hope that all retailers – from discounters to high-end stores – continue to put the customer first.
Monday, September 14, 2009
New anniversary line launched
My company’s new offering, Minted Memories®, has been launched. It’s a product line of unique anniversary booklets and videos for companies celebrating milestone anniversaries. My first batch of letters to prospects went out today. I was prepared to send them last Friday, but thought that day might be too ominous – like stepping on a crack, breaking a mirror or walking under a ladder – since it was 9/11. So, good things can and do occur on Mondays.
Mark Salloum, of VideoMagic, and I are eagerly awaiting some orders for Minted Memories® videos. My graphic designers and I are ready to put our unique stamp on booklets ordered through the program. Their skills at designing annual reports, newsletters and brochures will be just as amazing when applied to this format.
Meanwhile, the memory book for my mother is in the layout stage. When completed, it will be a fitting personal tribute to a woman who has had an incredible impact on just about everyone that she met and, most especially, her children.
These projects reflect solid values, hard work and the ability to overcome adversity to reach prosperity. In their own way, each offers a tribute and sense of hope. Best of all, these stories allow us to get a closer look at the amazing people who have brought some great things to life. Whether successful companies or close-knit families; in times of turmoil, we need more of both.
Mark Salloum, of VideoMagic, and I are eagerly awaiting some orders for Minted Memories® videos. My graphic designers and I are ready to put our unique stamp on booklets ordered through the program. Their skills at designing annual reports, newsletters and brochures will be just as amazing when applied to this format.
Meanwhile, the memory book for my mother is in the layout stage. When completed, it will be a fitting personal tribute to a woman who has had an incredible impact on just about everyone that she met and, most especially, her children.
These projects reflect solid values, hard work and the ability to overcome adversity to reach prosperity. In their own way, each offers a tribute and sense of hope. Best of all, these stories allow us to get a closer look at the amazing people who have brought some great things to life. Whether successful companies or close-knit families; in times of turmoil, we need more of both.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Summer of my discontent
I don’t know about you, but this was truly a boring summer. I guess that I had to wind down from all the excitement of my daughter’s senior year playing award-winning basketball for Hillsdale College.
I didn’t go on any trips except for a family reunion in Washington D.C. I didn’t update the house or put in new landscaping – which means more work and money to be spent later. I didn’t update my Web site or launch a new venture (which I’ll have to do in the fall).
It was quiet. It was dull. It was recessionary. It was often cold and rainy. Yet, it was life.
What I did do more of this summer was simply listen. I listened to the stories of those without jobs. Those who have been ill. Those who’ve lost a loved one. Those who’ve lost houses. Women whose long-term marriages failed – with husbands who just up and left. And, I feel lucky. Daily I count my blessings and thank God for a great life, smart kids (mine and others), a solid business, love, laughter, close friends and good health.
I guess sometimes life needs to be dull. It helps us regroup, rest and get ready for the next curve in the road. I wouldn’t mind if that curve leads to greater opportunities and a better economic climate. That would be the shot in the arm we all need.
I didn’t go on any trips except for a family reunion in Washington D.C. I didn’t update the house or put in new landscaping – which means more work and money to be spent later. I didn’t update my Web site or launch a new venture (which I’ll have to do in the fall).
It was quiet. It was dull. It was recessionary. It was often cold and rainy. Yet, it was life.
What I did do more of this summer was simply listen. I listened to the stories of those without jobs. Those who have been ill. Those who’ve lost a loved one. Those who’ve lost houses. Women whose long-term marriages failed – with husbands who just up and left. And, I feel lucky. Daily I count my blessings and thank God for a great life, smart kids (mine and others), a solid business, love, laughter, close friends and good health.
I guess sometimes life needs to be dull. It helps us regroup, rest and get ready for the next curve in the road. I wouldn’t mind if that curve leads to greater opportunities and a better economic climate. That would be the shot in the arm we all need.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
How women can feel empowered
Do you want to know how to feel powerful, strong and ready to take on the world? It all starts with muscle-building activity.
Lifting weights is one of the best ways to feel stronger. I know that it doesn’t feel feminine – especially when you are doing it – but it’s amazing what weightlifting will do for one’s body and mind. Take a cue from my girlfriend, Cheryl, or Michelle Obama – to see that it also creates very shapely arms. I must confess that I don’t weight lift anymore, because with swimming, which already creates bigger arms, I was beginning to look like the incredible hulk. But I do remember the sense of power and mastery that it gave me. I thought, if only more women knew about this. It can be as pleasing as eating chocolate but far less fattening.
The second recommended muscle-building activity is to grab a racket and start smashing some tennis balls across the court. My girlfriend, Susan, and I have done that twice this summer and loved the experience. In addition to just volleying, we played two sets – splitting the wins. It was totally empowering…not to mention simply fun and a great way to raise one’s serotonin level – a neurotransmitter associated with happiness. I eagerly await our next match.
Finally, another great muscle-building activity is to read – preferably novels and not the candy-coated stuff. Real novels let your mind wander, imagine and enter someone else’s life and space, bringing new perspectives. A couple weeks ago, I read Ken Follett’s “World Without End,” a companion to “The Pillars of the Earth” which I had read a few years earlier. He is a masterful storyteller and always portrays women as heroines. You go, Ken. You’re my hero.
Now women – or girls as we like to be called - (from 18 to 80), go pick up a racket or some weights or even a novel and start becoming more powerful.
Lifting weights is one of the best ways to feel stronger. I know that it doesn’t feel feminine – especially when you are doing it – but it’s amazing what weightlifting will do for one’s body and mind. Take a cue from my girlfriend, Cheryl, or Michelle Obama – to see that it also creates very shapely arms. I must confess that I don’t weight lift anymore, because with swimming, which already creates bigger arms, I was beginning to look like the incredible hulk. But I do remember the sense of power and mastery that it gave me. I thought, if only more women knew about this. It can be as pleasing as eating chocolate but far less fattening.
The second recommended muscle-building activity is to grab a racket and start smashing some tennis balls across the court. My girlfriend, Susan, and I have done that twice this summer and loved the experience. In addition to just volleying, we played two sets – splitting the wins. It was totally empowering…not to mention simply fun and a great way to raise one’s serotonin level – a neurotransmitter associated with happiness. I eagerly await our next match.
Finally, another great muscle-building activity is to read – preferably novels and not the candy-coated stuff. Real novels let your mind wander, imagine and enter someone else’s life and space, bringing new perspectives. A couple weeks ago, I read Ken Follett’s “World Without End,” a companion to “The Pillars of the Earth” which I had read a few years earlier. He is a masterful storyteller and always portrays women as heroines. You go, Ken. You’re my hero.
Now women – or girls as we like to be called - (from 18 to 80), go pick up a racket or some weights or even a novel and start becoming more powerful.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Education goes hand in hand with handiwork
Few people would argue that education is a worthy pursuit. On par with an education should be learning some type of skill or handiwork. Bear with me as I back my way into this logic. Just the other day, I was at Kohl’s with my boyfriend shopping for some new shorts (no, not that kind – the outerwear). He wanted plaid. I’m looking at the plaids, thinking something’s off here. Then, it struck me. The plaids at the seam did not match up. No one taught the seamstresses in Malaysia or India this basic sewing step. It’s synonymous to matching the pattern on wallpaper or making sure the nap on corduroy goes the right way. More likely, they just ignored this plaid-matching step as a cost-saving move.
Back in junior high, I was sent to sewing classes with two of my three sisters. Sewing was a great skill to have. I made many of my own clothes and also learned a lot about fabric. My sister, Margaret, took sewing to the nth degree as she does with many things, making blazers, dresses, pantsuits and later quilts. My daughter, Kelly, knows how to sew and quilt. And my sister-in-law, Cindy, has taken quilting to a new art form. Check out her designs here: http://www.cindygrisdela.com.
Yesterday, I was at my boyfriend’s community garden plot, which was looking all verdant and vibrant and I told him, “I’m proud of you for doing this.” It’s a good character trait to have something that you put a lot of effort into and get a lot of pleasure out of.
In these hard economic times, there aren’t a lot of jobs. But for those who have a skill or a special interest that they enjoy, they can still get satisfaction from a job well done. In addition to working for a living, it helps to have something you like to do that is productive or simply brings enjoyment, such as music or painting. Therefore, I recommend that we not only educate our youth but also encourage them to learn some type of handiwork. Don't even get me started on how my dad insisted my brothers help him around the house, fixing things. Guess what? They became handy. And that's another great skill to have.
Back in junior high, I was sent to sewing classes with two of my three sisters. Sewing was a great skill to have. I made many of my own clothes and also learned a lot about fabric. My sister, Margaret, took sewing to the nth degree as she does with many things, making blazers, dresses, pantsuits and later quilts. My daughter, Kelly, knows how to sew and quilt. And my sister-in-law, Cindy, has taken quilting to a new art form. Check out her designs here: http://www.cindygrisdela.com.
Yesterday, I was at my boyfriend’s community garden plot, which was looking all verdant and vibrant and I told him, “I’m proud of you for doing this.” It’s a good character trait to have something that you put a lot of effort into and get a lot of pleasure out of.
In these hard economic times, there aren’t a lot of jobs. But for those who have a skill or a special interest that they enjoy, they can still get satisfaction from a job well done. In addition to working for a living, it helps to have something you like to do that is productive or simply brings enjoyment, such as music or painting. Therefore, I recommend that we not only educate our youth but also encourage them to learn some type of handiwork. Don't even get me started on how my dad insisted my brothers help him around the house, fixing things. Guess what? They became handy. And that's another great skill to have.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Making memories
I’ve been thinking about my mom a lot lately. She passed away March 20, 2008 at age 81. I’m working on a memory book about her, with entries from my seven siblings, some aunts and friends. It’s almost done. I only have to finalize the copy, add the photos and have a designer do the layout. Yet, just as the shoemaker who can’t fix his family’s shoes, I’m dragging my feet on this project. I’m not sure why. I can get my clients' work done on schedule, whether it’s a newsletter, annual report, community report, e-newsletter, speech or Web site. But implementing my own ideas or completing non-compensatory projects often loom as monumental challenges.
Maybe it’s because I don’t think the actual book could ever encapsulate what a tremendous presence my mother had on our lives: not only her kids, but also nearly everyone she came in contact with. She was quiet but underneath that sea of calm was a churning of ideas, concern, compassion, questions and connection. She loved people and learning about them. Rather than having a WIIFM attitude (what’s in it for me), she took the perspective of how she could improve other people’s lives.
With a family of eight children and a solid 50-plus year marriage, she didn’t have a chance to fully develop her career abilities. That was a different era, yet she had earned a bachelor’s degree from Marygrove College in Detroit and two master’s degrees: from Wayne State University in Detroit and Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Once the kids were older, she became director of the religious education program at St. Alphonsus in Dearborn, our home parish. For about 10 years, that was her illustrious career. During that time, she impacted many lives and hosted fun holiday parties.
Writing this blog entry is motivational. I will continue on. I will complete it…hopefully in time for our family reunion this Labor Day weekend. I’ll just focus on how cool it will be for her family and friends to have a keepsake memory book of a wonderful woman who quietly spoke volumes about the true values in life.
Maybe it’s because I don’t think the actual book could ever encapsulate what a tremendous presence my mother had on our lives: not only her kids, but also nearly everyone she came in contact with. She was quiet but underneath that sea of calm was a churning of ideas, concern, compassion, questions and connection. She loved people and learning about them. Rather than having a WIIFM attitude (what’s in it for me), she took the perspective of how she could improve other people’s lives.
With a family of eight children and a solid 50-plus year marriage, she didn’t have a chance to fully develop her career abilities. That was a different era, yet she had earned a bachelor’s degree from Marygrove College in Detroit and two master’s degrees: from Wayne State University in Detroit and Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Once the kids were older, she became director of the religious education program at St. Alphonsus in Dearborn, our home parish. For about 10 years, that was her illustrious career. During that time, she impacted many lives and hosted fun holiday parties.
Writing this blog entry is motivational. I will continue on. I will complete it…hopefully in time for our family reunion this Labor Day weekend. I’ll just focus on how cool it will be for her family and friends to have a keepsake memory book of a wonderful woman who quietly spoke volumes about the true values in life.
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