The other day, I realized how much I owe my intelligence to other people, animals and events. We’ve all seen the books and articles like “All I really know I learned from my dog or cat or kindergarten” and you know, there's some truth to it.
How do we learn? How many people, places or things are needed to teach us what we know? Quite a few I'd say. lt seems like when there were things I needed to learn or experience, there was someone to teach me if I kept my eyes, ears and mind open.
To name just a few...
My Lord has taught me to pray to have faith and to love one another.
My uncle once said his best friend was his dog. He said he could tell him anything, pour out his deepest secrets, and the dog never told anyone. Lesson learned: a loyal friend keeps a secret.
My kids taught me that it is okay to say yes and no at appropriate times. That love isn't always on just the outside, but buried deep inside.
My dad taught me that it isn't good to be wasteful. He also taught me that something can always be made from nothing. And that success isn’t something you wear on your sleeve or in your pocketbook, but in your heart.
From my niece Ava and her Teddy Bear, I learned a loyal friend stays with you through good times and bad. No matter how old and battered things have become, these true friends are still the most important part of your life. A special friend is there to hold tight and warm your heart and take away your hurts.
My granddaughters have taught me to love someone unconditionally and completely. That greatest moments come to you unexpectedly out of the blue and childhood innocence is irreplaceable. When little Amelia smiles, everyone smiles.
My cousin Jim has tried to teach me lots of things — but most of all to keep learning and experiencing new and interesting things and to have fun and enjoy the adventure while you’re doing it.
My husband has tried to teach me the art of time and patience. It is sometimes hard for me to slow down and remember that there is another day.
My grandmother taught me many things besides cooking and cleaning. She taught me how to count to 100 while picking up sticks, pulling weeds or climbing stairs and that every task can be a learning experience. She also taught me that cocoa, choo-choo train toast, Listerine and peroxide almost cure anything. And there is always room for one more in the house, at the table or even in a sleepover.
A teacher taught me how important my name is and to always spell correctly (well almost always.) Another thing she made me realize is how important it was that my papers were neat and on time.
In 4-H I learned to sew and put things together.
During summers at the lake, I learned to swim.
My mother taught me how to love and appreciate the written word, to read and spell, and to write (even though I’ve had to re-learn those lessons over and over again.)
My sister taught me that sometimes the challenge of adversity can lead us up to higher things.
My nephews taught me that though they may have reached for the stars in height, they never used it for an excuse to look down on anyone.
My accident made me realize that two legs aren’t always that much better than one and sometimes you just have to work harder. My bout with encephalitis taught me things won’t always be the same. You just have to learn to accommodate them the best you can.
I’ve found that I’m a lot stronger and more competent than I give myself credit for, if I have the courage to take on an issue or task.
Working for the paper has been an experience of a lifetime. I realize how many people there really are, how different they may be and yet how much they are alike. They have trials and tribulations, too! The experience taught me that few people get through life without some problems to work through but that’s what gives them their strength.
I am so grateful for the chance to be able to express my thoughts (like these.) It has forced me every week to sit down at the computer, reflect, and put my thoughts together. I love being able to literally write “Whatever Comes To Mind.” Most people don't have a forum like this.
Happy people are that way because they choose to be and they make others happy because of it. The same is true of unhappy people who lack the trait of enjoying life and pass it on to others.
My computer has taught me that I can communicate or stay in touch with people everyday, all over the world. Everybody or anything, (even machines) makes mistakes and have bad days. It’s taught me that there are words you don't say and there is good and bad in everything.
Doing cross stitch has taught me I can be creative. Baking cookies and banana bread most often provides distraction for me, but with others in the kitchen, a sense of love is created. I find it enjoyable, and these domestic creations have seen me through a lot of difficult days.
My aunt taught me that a decision once made for good should be accepted and not complained about.
Putting puzzles together has a calming effect which slows me down when things are moving too fast.
I have also learned that it is all right to be quiet or noisy or calm or adventurous. It is best to be polite and well mannered but everyone can shout a bit too. You never outgrow your need to learn or explore or collect information. There are always new things to find every day.
The nicest thing you can be is the nicest thing you can be with a smile for everyone, a helping hand and a mind full of interest.
The plaque on my wall says it all “Right is right and wrong is wrong no matter who or why they're doing it.”
Nursing a pet peeve will only put a sour taste in the mouth. Flowers, like babies, grow larger by nursing.
Perhaps the greatest lesson I learned from God. The Ten Commandments are not the “10 Suggestions.” Every religion has a code of conduct. They give meaning to life, and the way we interact with others.
Lord help me to remember that nothing is going to happen to me today that you and I together can’t handle.
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Birthdays and anniversaries:
• Thursday, April 12th: Tiegen Kay Richards, her 5th; Rory Ann Bickler, Guy Cromwell, Charise Oland, Cheryl Thompson, Deb Wilking, Allen & Betty Brandt, Roger & Reta Draayer.
• Friday, April 13th: Victor Mrotz, Jamie Johnson, Andrea Casteron Malo, Ava Raye Chapman, her 3rd; David Clausen, Margie Nesdahl, Pat O'Conner, Jason Sullivan, Roxie Ritz Simmons, Megan Benson, Charlotte Miller, Curtis Klecker, Shannon & Jason Peterson, their 8th.
• Saturday, April 14th: Anna Elizabeth Bailey, Tina Hagen, Jason Vogt, Rachel Oswald, Marcia Hemingway Jensen, David Jensen, Ron Huber, Butch & Gail Ottesen.
• Sunday, April 15th: Mason Robert Klemmensen, his 4th; Terry Jensen, Barry Troe, James Benson, Sarah Christine George, Cayla Conroy.
• Monday, April 16th: Linda Christensen, Eddie & Arlene Miller, their 60th; Terry & Cindy Vaith their 28th.
• Tuesday, April 17th: Mike Nesdahl, Suzanne Marcus Cory, Matthew Olson, Diane Van Riper, Kathy Paulsen, Bethany & Terry Mikesell, their 7th, Jerry & Mary Peterson.
• Wednesday, April 18th: Ellen Hanson, Marge Leak, Peggy Wallerich, Tim Stollard, Tom Kaphers, Rebecca Lyn Peterson, her 10th; Brian Olson, Danielle Zamora, Levi Michael Den Herder, his 6th.
Wishing you every joy as you celebrate your special day!
