LOVE IS MORE THAN WORDS...

Love is more than words....

There are times when we are timid and shy about expressing the love we feel. For fear of embarrassing the other person, or ourselves, we hesitate to say the actual words "I love you." So we try to communicate the idea in other words.

We say 'take care' or 'don't drive too fast' or 'be good.' But really, these are just other ways of saying 'I love you,' 'you are important to me,' 'I care what happens to you,' 'I don't want you to get hurt.'

We are sometimes very strange people. The only thing we want to say, and the one thing that we should say, is the one thing we don't say. And yet, because the feeling is so real, and the need to say it is so strong, we are driven to use other words and signs to say what we really mean. And many times the meaning never gets communicated at all and the other person is left feeling unloved and unwanted.

Therefore, we have to LISTEN FOR LOVE in the words that people are saying to us. Sometimes the explicit words are necessary, but more often, the manner of saying things is even more important. A joyous insult carries more affection and love within the sentiments which are expressed insincerely.

An impulsive hug says I LOVE YOU even though the words might be saying very different.

Any expression of a person's concern for another says I love you. Sometimes the expression is clumsy, sometimes even cruel. Sometimes we must look and listen very intently for the love that contains. But it is often there, beneath the surface.

A mother may nag her son constantly about his grades or cleaning his room. The son may hear only the nagging, but if he listens carefully, he will hear the love underneath the nagging. His mother wants him to do well, to be successful. Her concern and love for her son unfortunately emerge in her nagging. But it is love all the same.

A daughter comes home way past her curfew, and her father confronts her with angry words. The daughter may hear only the anger, but if she listen carefully, she will hear the love under the anger. "I was worried about you," the father is saying. 'Because I care about you and I love you. You are important to me.'

We say I love you in many ways - with birthday gifts, and little notes, with smiles and sometimes with tears. Sometimes we show our love by just keeping quiet and not saying a word, at other times by speaking out, even brusquely. We show our love sometimes by impulsiveness. Many times we have to show our love by forgiving someone who has not listened to the love we have tried to express.

The problem in listening for love is that we don't always understand the language of love which the other person is using. A girl may use tears or emotions to say what she wants to say, and her boyfriend may not understand her because he expects her to be talking his language. Thus, we have to force ourselves to really listen for love.

The problem with our world is that people rarely listen to each other. They hear the words, but they don't listen to the actions that accompany the words or the expression on the face. Or people listen only for rejection or misunderstanding. They do not see the love that is there just beneath the surface, even if the words are angry. We have to listen for love in those around us.

If we listen intently we will discover that we are a lot more loved than we realize. Listen for love and we will find that the world is a very loving place, after all.

LOVE is a happy thing.
It makes us laugh.
It makes us sing.
It makes us sad.
It makes us cry.
It makes us seek the reason why.
It makes us take.
It makes us give.
Above all else it makes us LIVE.

It is not the presence or absence of people that makes the difference because a person need not be lonely even if he is alone. Sometimes it is good to be alone. But that does not make us lonely. It is not a matter of being present WITH someone. It is a matter of being present TO someone.

So remember...If you love someone, tell them. Remember always to say what you mean. Never be afraid to express yourself. Take this opportunity to tell someone what they mean to you. Seize the day and have no regrets.

Most importantly, stay close to your friends and family, for they have helped make you the person that you are today and are what it's all about anyway.

THE ESSENCE OF LEARNING

As quoted by Vernon Howard - “Always walk through life as if you have something new to learn and you will.” How true these words sound. Here is a short quote by Andy Rooney that I wish to share with you, friends.

I've learned.... 
That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned.... 
That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned.... 
That just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day.

I've learned.... 
That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned.... 
That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned.... 
That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned.... 
That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned.... 
That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned.... 
That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned.... 
That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned.... 
That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned.... 
That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned.... 
That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned.... 
That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned...
That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned.... 
That the Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?

I've learned.... 
That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned.... 
That when you plan to get even with someone; you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned.... 
That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned.... 
That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned.... 
That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned.... 
That there's nothing sweeter than sleeping with your babies and feeling their breath on your cheeks.

I've learned.... 
That no one is perfect until you fall in love with him or her.

I've learned.... 
That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned.... 
That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned.... 
That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned.... 
That I wish I could have told my Dad that I love him one more time before he passed away.

I've learned.... 
That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned.... 
That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned.... 
That I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it.

I've learned.... 
That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned.... 
That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned ...
That it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life-threatening situation.

I've learned.... 
That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

Instead By P. E. Calleja

Life can be more interesting when you learn to interchange the small things that matter the most in practical life. Friends, I found this inspirational writing by P. E. Calleja. which I am sure all of you could put to practical use in your daily life.

Do not think of what you do not have; 
 Instead, appreciate what you have and can still have.

Do not think of things lost; 
 Instead, value what you still have and may yet find.

Do not cry over spilled milk; 
 instead, rejoice in what was left.

Do not think of what you are not; 
 instead, be humble with what you are and can still become.

Do not think of what others say you are; 
 instead, concern yourself with what you affirm to be.

Do not think of the hours and days past; 
 Instead, look eagerly to times that are yet to come.

Do not think of what you failed to do; 
 Instead, think of those that you were able to do and can still best do.

Do not think of mistakes committed; 
 Instead, count the things you did right.

Do not think much of the pain you have caused; 
 Instead, plan for ways to make amends.

Do not think of the sufferings you now bear; 
 instead, look to the comfort when relief draws near.

Do not consume yourself with thoughts of what could have been; 
Instead, marvel at what has become and will become.

Do not be anxious to attain greater happiness; 
Instead, content yourself with the little things which bring you bliss.

Do not aspire to fill your cup at once; 
Instead, have the patience to do it little by little.

And if by chance you fail, do not fret over the empty part on top; 
 Instead, celebrate the space filled up.

Do not condemn nature when it is at its worst; 
Instead, think of the times when it was at its best.

Do not blame luck for things you miss; 
 Instead, learn from things in which you have been remiss.

Nor should you curse luck or others for life's misfortunes; 
Instead, accept them as part of life.

I say then, live fully, die a little, 
 learn much but question less.

Have just enough but give much more, 
 be contented each time to crave much less.

Doubt less and affirm a lot, 
Understand more, and be understood less.

Worry a little but hope you must, 
 Accept all, resist the least.

For all things happen, 
 in due time they must.

DEATH OF AN INNOCENT

This story that I send across to you friends reminds me of a quote by Augustine J. Duganne - "Pleasure which must be enjoyed at the expense of another's pain, can never be enjoyed by a worthy mind. Pleasure's couch is virtues grave."

Please read this story where an innocent child is brutally killed due to the fault of excessive drinking.

I went to a party, Mom,
 I remembered what you said.
 You told me not to drink, Mom,
 so I drank soda instead.
 I really felt proud inside, Mom,
 the way you said I would.
 I didn't drink and drive, Mom,
 even though the others said I should.
 I know I did the right thing, Mom,
 I know you are always right.
 Now the party is finally ending, Mom,
 as everyone is driving out of sight.
 As I got into my car, Mom,
 I knew I'd get home in one piece.
Because of the way you raised me,
 so responsible and sweet. I started to drive away, Mom, 
but as I pulled out into the road,
 the other car didn't see me, Mom, 
and hit me like a load.
 As I lay there on the pavement, Mom,
 I hear the policeman say,
"The other guy is drunk," Mom,
 and now I'm the one who will pay.
 I'm lying here dying, Mom....
I wish you'd get here soon.
 How could this happen to me, Mom?
 My life just burst like a balloon.
 There is blood all around me, Mom,
 and most of it is mine.
 I hear the medic say, Mom,
 I'll die in a short time.
 I just wanted to tell you, Mom,
 I swear I didn't drink.
It was the others, Mom.
 The others didn't think.
 He was probably at the same party as I.
 The only difference is, he drank
 and I will die. Why do people drink, Mom?
 It can ruin your whole life.
I'm feeling sharp pains now.
 Pains just like a knife.
The guy who hit me is walking, Mom,
 and I don't think it's fair.
 I'm lying here dying
 and all he can do is stare.
 Tell my brother not to cry, Mom.
 Tell Daddy to be brave.
 And when I go to heaven, Mom,
 put "Daddy's Girl" on my grave.
 Someone should have told him, Mom,
 "Not to drink and drive.
" If only they had told him, Mom,
 I would still be alive.
 My breath is getting shorter, Mom.
 I'm becoming very scared.
 Please don't cry for me, Mom.
 When I needed you,
 you were always there.
 I have one last question, Mom.
 Before I say good bye.
 I didn't drink and drive,
 so why am I the one to die?

YOU'VE TO DANCE LIKE NO ONE IS WATCHING

We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another. Then, we are frustrated that the kids aren't old enough and we'll be more content when they are. After that we're frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. We will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage. We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, are able to go on a nice vacation, when we retire. The truth is, there's no better time to be happy than right now. If not now, when? Your life will always be filled with challenges. It's best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway. One of my favorite quotes comes from Alfred D Souza. He said, "For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin - REAL LIFE. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then, life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life." This perspective has helped me to see that there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So, treasure every moment that you have. And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time with... and remember that time waits for no one. Stop waiting until you finish school, until you go back to school, until you lose ten pounds, until you gain ten pounds, until you have have kids, until your kids leave the house, until you start work, until you retire, until you get married, until you get divorced, until Friday night, until Sunday morning, until you get a new car or home, until your car or home is paid off, until spring, until summer, until fall, until winter, until you are off welfare, until the first or fifteenth, until your song comes on, until you've had a drink, until you've sobered up, until you die -- to decide that there is no better time than right now to be happy. Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

DADDY DOESN'T WANT TO PLAY WITH ME

Once there was a little boy who wanted his dad to teach him how to play catch. One sunny day the little boy's father was sitting on the couch, drinking beer, while watching a baseball game. The boy rushed into the house exclaiming, 
"Daddy, daddy, daddy, show me how to play catch!" The father, blankly staring at the television screen, replied, " In a little while son, let me finish watching this inning, come back in five minutes." "Okay daddy", said the boy and ran out of the room. Five minutes later the boy returned screaming, "Daddy, lets go lets play some catch now!" The father turned to the boy and said, "hold on son, the inning is not quite over, come back in five more minutes." "Okay, daddy", said the boy as he shuffled out the room. Five minutes later the boy returned ball and glove in hand eagerly awaiting for his father to play some catch. "Daddy, lets go, I want to be Ken Griffey Jr.!" shouted the boy By this time, the father had cracked open another cold one and another inning was taking place. Frustrated by the boys constant hindrances, the dad scanned the room. While scanning the room the father noticed a magazine underneath the coffee table. On the cover of the magazine was a large picture of the world. The father, who was angered and annoyed, began tearing the magazine cover in to small pieces. After a few moments, of shredding up the magazine cover, the father placed the torn pieces on the magazine. Then, the father turned to his boy and said, "Son, once you put this picture of the world back together we can play catch, but do not interrupt me again until you are done!" Apprehensively, the boy took the magazine and sulked into his room. As he sobbed, "Okay, daddy I won't". A few moments later the boy returned and said, "I'm done daddy can we play catch now?" Stunned, the father glanced towards his child, and there in his small hands laid the magazine with the world pieced perfectly together. Amazed, the dad asked his child how he put the world together so quickly. "It was simple" stated the boy "On the back of the world was a picture of a person, and once I put the person together that's when their world came together."

THE SLAUGHTER OF INDIAN DEMOCRACY

When Democracy is butchered….

It is sad that today every body has got the chance to see how democracy is butchered and slaughtered in a country like India. It was this country that was once held in high esteem for its righteousness, principles, and the starting point for education. We have too many Political parties, and the common man has to watch himself being exploited in the hands of the government. Those who have meditated on the art of governing mankind have been convinced that the fate of empires depends on the education of youth.

Every child is taught on his mother’s lap, “ Do not steal. The government hates Competition.” This is the truth. The tragedy is that the child has learnt it at a very tender age, an age when he is supposed to be enjoying his childhood with love, warmth and laughter. But not so in India. This is a luxury that is destined only for the privileged and the political class.

Our government is always bungling in matters of humanity, Laws for the common man. It is rightly called as “The Bungling Government.” They are still not sure what is to be done with a dreaded terrorist like Kasab. He lives like a King when just outside his cell there are thousands who are impoverished due to the lackadaisical set of Politicians that we have around us.

They are forever feasting on the hard-earned money of the poor. Today when the question comes on stopping Corruption, they are adamant about not stepping down. They want to continue the plundering life, drinking the blood of the poor, to feed the generations that continue to come into existence in their lineage.

I believe that no one Political Party is descent or a complete Saint. SAB KE SAB CHOR HAIN!! They want our votes but they do not want responsibility or the stigma attached to being called in for any accountability when there is a crisis. For a moment has anyone ever given a thought that for every effect there is definitely a root-cause? So, should we not find and address the root cause rather than try to fix the effect, as I believe that there is no end to the latter.

As the Father of our nation rightly quoted: “ Where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advice violence.” This morning, I saw a huge crowd of college students just outside my home, and out on the street shouting their lungs out in support of the Jan Lokpal Bill. There was determination in each pair of eyes and the will to fight corruption. When the mass of humanity, that forms basically of today’s youth, daring and hot-blooded, surge forward like a wave; what answer is our government ready to give them? They have seen their parents struggle to make two ends meet just to give them the basic necessities in life wit tears, a broken back and a crippled will-power. For how long?

I find that each Political Party is pointing an accusing finger at each other, blaming the other for the total chaos in our country today. When can we see some maturity in our politicians and transparency to the maximum? If something really good were on the way with the JanLokpal Bill, I would welcome it. Yes, I am against corruption and I am also against those who insinuate the common man to bribe in order to get his job done. We are paying due to compulsion to get our needs in time. So we people are both a victim and criminal, in case of corruption.

The statement said by the transparent international chief Hugette Labelle on corruption is quoted below:

“In the poorest countries, corruption levels can mean the difference between life and death, when money for hospitals or clean water is in play. The continuing high levels of corruption and poverty plaguing many of the world’s societies amount to an ongoing humanitarian disaster and cannot be tolerated. But even in more privileged countries, with enforcement disturbingly uneven, a tougher approach to tackling corruption is needed.”

I understand that people do change when they are in pain. The things that we go through in our lives teach us lessons for the betterment of the rest of our lives if we choose to learn from them. Pain makes us change, sometimes for good and sometimes the worse. In order to get over our addictions and faults in life we must endure pain most times to do so, but in the end if we fight through the pain that we experience and don't cave we will achieve the change in ourselves that we desire.

Do not be scared of pain, but instead endure it. Do not let pain deter you from the course in life that you want to take. Remember that pain is necessary in life and in order to change who you are you must experience some pain. Continue to push on, through the pain, and through the discomfort, never let pain make you stop, instead use it as motivation to keep pushing forward.

BRINGING UP KIDS - AUTHOR UNKNOWN

One young academically excellent person went to apply for a managerial position in a big company.

He passed the first interview, the director did the last interview, made the last decision.

The director discovered from the CV that the youth's academic achievements were excellent all the way, from the secondary school until the postgraduate research, never had a year when he did not score.

The director asked, "Did you obtain any scholarships in school?" the youth answered "none".

The director asked, " Was it your father who paid for your school fees?" The youth answered, "My father passed away when I was one year old, it was my mother who paid for my school fees.

The director asked, " Where did your mother work?" The youth answered, "My mother worked as clothes cleaner. The director requested the youth to show his hands. The youth showed a pair of hands that were smooth and perfect.

The director asked, " Have you ever helped your mother wash the clothes before?" The youth answered, "Never, my mother always wanted me to study and read more books. Furthermore, my mother can wash clothes faster than me.

The director said, "I have a request. When you go back today, go and clean your mother's hands, and then see me tomorrow morning.

The youth felt that his chance of landing the job was high. When he went back, he happily requested his mother to let him clean her hands. His mother felt strange, happy but with mixed feelings, she showed her hands to the kid.

The youth cleaned his mother's hands slowly. His tear fell as he did that. It was the first time he noticed that his mother's hands were so wrinkled, and there were so many bruises in her hands. Some bruises were so painful that his mother shivered when they were cleaned with water.

This was the first time the youth realized that it was this pair of hands that washed the clothes everyday to enable him to pay the school fee. The bruises in the mother's hands were the price that the mother had to pay for his graduation, academic excellence and his future.

After finishing the cleaning of his mother hands, the youth quietly washed all the remaining clothes for his mother.

That night, mother and son talked for a very long time.

Next morning, the youth went to the director's office.

The Director noticed the tears in the youth's eyes, asked: "Can you tell me what have you done and learned yesterday in your house?"

The youth answered," I cleaned my mother's hand, and also finished cleaning all the remaining clothes'

The Director asked,"please tell me your feelings."

The youth said, Number 1, I know now what is appreciation. Without my mother, there would not be the successful me today. Number 2, by working together and helping my mother, only now I realize how difficult and tough it is to get something done. Number 3, I have come to appreciate the importance and value of family relationship.

The director said, "This is what I am looking for to be my manager. I want to recruit a person who can appreciate the help of others, a person who knows the sufferings of

others to get things done, and a person who would not put money as his only goal in life. You are hired.

Later on, this young person worked very hard, and received the respect of his subordinates. Every employee worked diligently and as a team. The company's performance improved tremendously.

A child, who has been protected and habitually given whatever he wanted, would develop "entitlement mentality" and would always put himself first. He would be ignorant of his parent's efforts. When he starts work, he assumes that every person must listen to him, and when he becomes a manager, he would never know the sufferings of his employees and would always blame others. For these kind of people, who may be good academically, they may be successful for a while, but eventually would not feel any sense of achievement. He will grumble and be full of hatred and fight for more. If we fall into this kind of protective parents' category, are we really showing love or are we destroying the kid instead?

You can let your kid live in a big house, eat a good meal, learn piano, watch a big screen TV. But when you are cutting grass, please let them experience it. After a meal, let them wash their plates and bowls together with their brothers and sisters. It is not because you do not have money to hire a maid, but it is because you want to love them in a right way. You want them to understand, no matter how rich their parents are, one day their hair will grow gray, same as the mother of that young person. The most important thing is your kid learns how to appreciate the effort and experience the difficulty and learns the ability to work with others to get things done.

Law of the Garbage Truck

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us.

My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly.
So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!"

This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment.
As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally.

Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so ... Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.

Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!

KINDNESS

One day a woman was walking down the street when she spied a beggar sitting on the corner. The man was elderly, unshaven, and ragged. As he sat there, pedestrians walked by him giving him dirty looks They clearly wanted nothing to do with him because of who he was -- a dirty, homeless man. But when she saw him, the woman was moved to compassion.

It was very cold that day and the man had his tattered coat -- more like an old suit coat rather than a warm coat -- wrapped around him. She stopped and looked down. "Sir?" she asked. "Are you all right?"

The man slowly looked up. This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new. She looked like that she had never missed a meal in her life. His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before. "Leave me alone," he growled.

To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows. "Are you hungry?" she asked.

"No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president. Now go away."

The woman's smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm. "What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone."

Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked.

"No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?"

The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?"

"See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile."

"Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!" Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. "Let me go, officer. I didn't do anything."

"This is a good deal for you, Jack," the officer answered. "Don't blow it."

Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived. The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by the table. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked. "What is all this. Is this man in trouble?"

"This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered.

"Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business."

Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place."

The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?"

"Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms."

"And do you make a good profit from providing food at the weekly meetings?"

"What business is that of yours?"

"I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company."

"Oh."

The woman smiled again. "I thought that might make a difference." She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a giggle. "Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?"

"No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty."

"Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?"

"Yes, ma'am. That would be very nice."

The cafeteria manager turned on his heel. "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer."

The officer watched him walk away. "You certainly put him in his place," he said.

"That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this." She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently. "Jack, do you remember me?"

Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar."

"I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry."

"Ma'am?” the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.

"I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat."

Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said. "I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy."

"I know," the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble. Then, when I looked over, I saw you put the price of my food in the cash register. I knew then that everything would be all right."

"So you started your own business?" Old Jack said.

"I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card. "When you are finished her e, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons. He's the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office." She smiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet And if you ever need anything, my door is always opened to you."

There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you," he said.

"Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. Thank Jesus. He led me to you."

Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways. "Thank you for all your help, officer," she said.

"On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget. And... And thank you for the coffee."

She frowned. "I forgot to ask you whether you used cream or sugar. That's black."

The officer looked at the steaming cup of coffee in his hand. "Yes, I do take cream and sugar -- perhaps more sugar than is good for me." He patted his ample stomach.

"I'm sorry," she said.

"I don't need it now," he replied smiling. "I've got the feeling that this coffee you bought me is going to taste as sweet as sugar."




LESSONS ONE CAN LEARN FROM DOGS.

Being a lover of animals, I came across this loving article wherein I felt it was similar to my sentiments for my two adorable canines. Friends, I would like to share this with all of you. We have so much to learn from the Animal World. I believe that I can trust animals much more than I can lay my trust on humans!!

The 5 important life lessons I learned from my dog

By Deanna Mascle

You can learn a lot from being a pet owner... In many ways, my dog was a far better person than I can ever hope to become.

1. Stay in touch with your loved ones

And I mean really in touch! Every pet owner knows what I mean. We humans don't touch each other enough. Sure, we cuddle our babies, and fondle our new lovers, but in every relationship there comes a point when kisses are perfunctory farewells and hugs are doled out sparingly.

Dogs know that a simple touch from someone you love can make any situation better and sometimes make all the difference in the world. They appreciate the wonder and magic of a kiss (or lick) just because they love you and know that sometimes just sitting close enough to touch frequently keeps the cold, dark nights at bay.

2. Never overlook the chance for a nap

While most of us can't work into our schedules the 20-hours of sleep time that dogs enjoy, we could all benefit from taking advantage of some down time to relax and rejuvenate. There are few of us who are getting enough rest and many are subsisting on far less sleep than is really adequate. This is no way to live let alone thrive. Your dog knows how to relax, just roll on your back and let your tongue loll out. You'd be surprised how wonderful it feels!

Dogs know that sleep should be high on your priority list-surely higher than laundry and cleaning although not higher than any food-related activity. Give yourself some down time and you'll feel the better for it.

3. Jealousy is a waste of time

It would have been understandable if our dog took an instant dislike to our newborn. After all, for 11 years she had been the "baby" of the family. Even more than that, during the nine months of my pregnancy I'd been very sick and she'd been my constant companion on couch and bed. Now suddenly that was over and there was precious little time for grooming, walks, or cuddling. All our attention was focused on someone else. Jealous? Not our Shamus. She instantly bonded with the little screamer even though we didn't let her get too close while we sussed the situation out.

She was better than any baby monitor available as she would come find us at the first sign of stirring and distress. She was the best nursemaid as she carefully investigated any visitors approaching the baby and always slept by his bed to guard against intruders and be vigilante for his every need. Then as the baby grew and became more mobile she was the epitome of patience with all his hair-gripping, lip-tugging, ear-pulling explorations.

She was his guardian angel, playmate, and furry walker and she loved every minute of it.

4. The best toys are found not bought

Expensive squeaky toy? Shredded in minutes. Knobby ball? Lost in the bushes. Rubber bone? Shoved under couch. Frisbee found by the side of the road? Played with every day and stowed carefully on bed when not in use. A person's hand? Endless play opportunities.

Dogs and young children teach us an important lesson about gifts. Your time and attention are the greatest gift of all and with a little imagination and energy you don't need any toys at all, let alone expensive, electronic gadgets.

5. You are never too old to play

Arthritis and muscular atrophy sometimes make it a challenge for Shamus to get around, but she still loves to wrestle and will even romp for a little while. Although she can't be as active and play fetch for hours as she once did, she still wants to be in the center of the action and participate as much as she can.

We humans forget that the need for play and fellowship does not disappear when we leave childhood. There is no such thing as being too old to play. Perhaps we need to revise our choice of game and venue, but no matter what our age, there should be no limit to our ability to join in the fun!