Like many others, on November 11^th, I took the time to pause, reflect and honor those who have gone to war.  I watched the ceremony on television and said a quiet "thank you".  What am I saying thank you for and why do I feel a sense of sorrow?

Obviously, I’m grateful to live in a democracy.  I’m grateful that I have not officially “had to go to war”.  Really, I have no idea of what front line battle feels like.  Or do I? 

I feel sorrow for the loss of life, for the families that have lived with that loss, for the soldiers that have lived with the first hand experience of going through a war.  I also feel a tremendous sadness, that despite the testimonials of countless active soldiers, veterans and their families reflecting on the futility of war; we are, in fact, still going to war.  

I watched the soldiers as they partook in the Remembrance Day ceremonies and wondered what it would be like if we did not have a need for soldiers or for the guns they carry.  What if Remembrance Day was a day for honoring the past and celebrating peace?  What if we lived in a world without distinction of borders, without a belief of “them and us”?

How would this be possible?  Many are “for peace”, attend peace rallies, and support peaceful movements.  Why have we not learned from the past and why does worldwide peace not exist?

“Once upon a time not too long ago there were these two guys.  One guy was pretty big so he was called Big Guy. The other guy wasn’t so big yet so he was called Little Guy.  They were pals!  They loved to go on these adventures together and each time Big Guy brought his compass and Little Guy brought his whistle.  One day…………………….”

 

These words are taken from a relationship formed between a grandfather and his grandson.  They took shape through circumstance, imagination and love in a series of bedtime stories.  (We now share them as Big Guy and Little Guy Adventure Stories.)  They echo the joy of nurturing and the need for young boys to have a positive male role model. This relationship is an example of the unexpected that can happen to families at any time.  We can make plans but we can’t plan outcomes!  

 

As in most cases the outcome was a joyful experience.  Somehow, through the twists and turns of life, a father with grown children found himself as surrogate father figure to his grandson.  When a father helps rear his son and daughters there is an intuitive knowing the relationship will last a lifetime in some shape or fashion.  However, little thought, if any, is given to one day being a “father figure” to a grandchild.  Well it's happening!  

Greetings & welcome to Positively Speaking! Where the world is full of “Infinite Possibilities”!

Have you heard of Cyber Charities?  There is a movement a foot, where worthwhile charities are accessing the internet to communicate with communities.  

How do you know if they are legitimate?  First, check out their site, see if they have a current charity status designation and an annual audit.  Also, links you can access in Canada or the USA include: the Better Business Bureau; www.give.org; www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/charities/menu-e.html.  Word of mouth is also an excellent source, as well as, articles from reputable newspapers and magazines.

While reading the "Globe & Mail" (Toronto, Canada) newspaper, I discovered an article about an innovative cyber charity called Modest Needs.  I went to their website to learn more and as a result, we featured them on our Munky Bytes video.

The New English Dictionary describes “joy’ as something that cause’s intense happiness!   I like the idea of "intense happiness" so how do I get to these "somethings" to experience joy?

 Remember the movie Oliver Twist? Young Oliver was still hungry after his first bowl of porridge.  He quietly rose from his seat and approached his keeper to say, “more please!”  Was it a joy for him to nourish himself with a simple bowl of porridge.  Did the joy of the experience (eating tasty, sustaining porridge) prompt the request for more or was it simply the need to fill his tummy with food?  

All of sudden my heart began beating and the challenge was on! I got my start close to VE Day. Voila, a bundle of joy delivered on the eve of 1946 - a kind of Preemie Boomer; blessed to be born into a time of peace, and prosperity; sort of marooned in the north west of North America. Nice gig if you could get it! 

We didn't so much pick up the ball, as we had it handed to us by a gutsy generation that came before. Along came: fridges and the Lone Ranger on TV; Jackie Robinson and Civil Rights; Pensions and Medicare (I'm Canadian!); JFK and Rockets to the Moon; Elvis and the Beatles;  The Internet and iPods. We boomers are the great receivers and the great adapters.