YOU DON’T SAY!

“You made me what I am today, and I hope you’re satisfied.”  Do you recognize the words of this song?  It was on the “hit parade” well before our time.  I don’t know who wrote it, but it speaks to the fact that our words and actions may, unbeknownst to us, affect others in a profound way.  (Be patient, I’m getting to the point.)

  The other evening when clearing the supper table, I noticed there was some food left on my husband’s plate, but none on mine.  Thinking back, I recalled my grandmother telling me to “think of all the starving children in China” and eat all the food on my plate.  I am obviously still eating for those children.  I never questioned how this was supposed to help the children in China.

  Think about what we are teaching our children.  What do our actions, as well as our words, tell them?  In Trouble In Texas: A Summer Adventure, Matthew Morrison learns that his grandfather and father had a fight when Grandpa lost his temper because Matthew’s father had joined the army.  Neither had apologized.  Grandpa’s uncontrolled temper also resulted in his being captured by rustlers.

 As Grandma said, “People can do some really dumb things when they’re mad.” 

Our actions, as well as our attitude toward and comments about others, may well determine how we are perceived.  “Look before you leap.” “Think before you speak.” And as Teddy Roosevelt advised, “Speak softly, but carry a big stick.”

Remember, as we are moving forward on the road of life, we are setting an example for those who are following.  Let’s not be guilty of leading them astray.

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It seems both Delia Nolan and Matthew Morrison are anxious to share another adventure with us.  Delia has been offered a summer job in a law office in Fernandina, Florida, and Matthew is back in Omaha, Texas, for another summer with his grandparents.  If we’re to find out just what is going on, I’ll have to get busy taking dictation from the two of them.  Wish me luck!

     Until we meet again,

   Mary Nolan Brown