|
|
|
|
||
|
This home in Bradford, Massachusetts is where I
lived my first 20 years. I considered myself to be fortunate. Being adopted
into my family at the age of six weeks would result in not knowing my exact
heritage. On the other hand, not knowing my heritage makes it easier for me to
be comfortable with many different ethnic groups. Being in South Florida now,
I frequently come in contact with people from all around the world. I never
know if I am talking with a distant relative.
Also, being adopted and having two
adopted sisters has very personally demonstrated to me that adoption is a very
workable plan and solution. My adopted parents were my parents in every way.
Politically I am what they
call "Pro-life". I truly cannot understand how the taking of INNOCENT human
life can be called a solution in any way, shape or form. This debate over the
loss of 4000 lives per day could be much easier to understand if the so called
"Pro-life" people could articulate their ANTI-ABORTION beliefs ..... and if
the so call "Pro-Choice" people would be honest enough to call themselves
PRO-ABORTIONISTS.
Apparently, I was quite
sheltered from the "evils" of life. I grew up in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts being conservative in almost all respects, yet I never realized
I was a minority.
|
I was very fortunate to be brought up Catholic
and to have the opportunity and privilege to attend the Sacred Hearts
Church and School. In today's climate there seems to be controversy in my
Church about many issues. Most of this "Controversy" comes from those that
"Feel" it is consistent to be "Catholic" and still be able to "Choose"
which Doctrines they will believe and follow and which they will not.
These people are wrong. The Catholic Church, by definition is the "UNIVERSAL CHURCH". Under His Holy Father in Rome, the Church's teachings are "Universal". It is not a "Pick and chose" proposition. Each and every day the Sisters of Saint Joseph had a more profound affect on my life than all the years I have been listening to priests at Mass. The sisters by their example and dedication taught right from wrong as well as the existence of GOD and of Good and Evil. Many consider the Parish Priest to be the leader of the parish. This may be true, but the Sisters are the ones that had the most profound influence on out lives. For me, it would be interesting to know how by Sacred Hearts Grade School classmates remember their time in school. As my years pass, I am increasingly impressed with the knowledge, wisdom, and Christian values taught by these dedicated Nuns.
|
My fondest memories growing up were
those of cruising along the New England Coast. Especially being on the ocean
at night, is like being in a different world.
Having the boat for the
summer months, required my dad and me to work all the weekends through the
Spring... getting the boat ready for the summer. The by-product of all
this work was the opportunity to spend time with my dad and learning how to
use tools, how to paint, and how to do many tasks that would serve me well
through life.
Maybe the best lesson during
these weekends of work was learning how to organize a big job into small
individual manageable tasks. This lesson served me well while working through
college. This lesson helped me in my first job that I kept for 18 years. This
lesson made it possible for me to start and succeed in my own business.
Of course, working along
side my dad was something I always looked forward to. We had many
conversations about all kinds of subjects. This time helped me appreciate what
a good, caring, decent, and intelligent man that I had for a dad.
Thank you Dad. Rest in peace
|
