4_words_hop

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Copyright 1995 SuperReading All Rights Reserved

4-Word Eye-Hop

From SuperReading®

v. 24.04.09

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We Never Told Him They can because When my son Joey

upward with the bottoms As a first-time mother,

but I didn’t really It meant that Joey had The doctors assured us be able to walk normally,

never run very well. of his life,

casts and braces. worked and exercised and,

was seven or eight you had a problem if

If he walked long distances, parks or on a

he complained that his that they hurt.

take a break with a and talk about what we

we had to see. why his legs hurt and

We didn’t tell him his deformity at birth.

so he didn’t know. neighbourhood ran around as

they play. play and, of course,

run and play too. that he probably wouldn’t

as the other children. he was different.

So he didn’t know. decided to go out for Every day he trained

He Couldn’t Do It they think they can. was born, his feet were twisted resting on his tummy. I thought this looked odd, know what it meant. been born with club feet. that with treatment he would but would probably The first three years Joey spent in surgery, His legs were massaged, yes, by the time he wouldn’t even know he’d you watched him walk. like at the amusement visit to the zoo, legs were tired and We would stop walking, soda or ice cream cone had seen and what We didn’t tell him why they were weak. this was expected due to We didn’t tell him, The children in our most children do when Joey would watch them would jump right in and We never told him be able to run as well We didn’t tell him We didn’t tell him. In seventh grade he the cross-country team. with the team.

He seemed to work harder any of the others.

the abilities that seemed so many others did not We didn’t tell him that

he probably would always of the pack.

that he shouldn’t expect The team runners are

of the school. it is only these seven

score points for the school. he probably would never

so he didn’t know. four to five miles I’ll never forget

a 103-degree fever. because he had his I worried about him

to get a call to come get him No one called.

cross-country training area if I were there,

skip practice that evening. the school, he was

a long tree-lined street, up alongside of him keep pace with him I asked how he felt.

He only had two As the sweat rolled

his eyes were glassy Yet he looked straight We never told him he

with a 103-degree fever.

and run more than Perhaps he sensed that to come naturally to come naturally to him. although he could run, remain in the back We didn’t tell him to make the “team.” the top seven runners Although the whole team runs, who will have potential to We didn’t tell him make the “team,” He continued to run a day, every day. the time he had He couldn’t stay home cross-country practice. all day. I expected from the school asking me and take him home. I went out to the after school, thinking that he might decide to When I got to running along the side of all alone. I pulled and drove slowly to as he ran. “Okay,” he said. more miles to go. down his face, from his fever. ahead and kept running. couldn’t run four miles We never told him.

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So he didn’t know. the day before the race of the season,

“team” runners were called. on the list.

He was in seventh grade. were all eighth-graders. he shouldn’t expect to

We never told him so he didn’t know. Kathy Lamancusa

The Miracle Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge that Manhattan and Brooklyn is

In 1883, a creative engineer, by an idea for this

However, bridge-building experts it just was not possible.

Washington, an up-and-coming could indeed be built.

conceived the concept of accomplished and how to

Somehow they convinced bankers Then, with unharnessed excitement

their crew and began to The project was only when a tragic on-site

and severely injured his son. unable to talk or walk.

would have to be scrapped, only ones who understood how

Though Washington Roebling was his mind was

One day as he lay an idea flashed in his

Two weeks later, second to the last the names of the Joey was number six Joey had made the “team.” The other team members We never told him make the “team.” he couldn’t do it… He just did it. spans the river between simply an engineering miracle. John Roebling, was inspired spectacular bridge project. told him to forget it, Roebling convinced his son, engineer, that the bridge The two of them how it could be overcome the obstacles. to finance the project. and energy, they hired build their dream bridge. a few months under way accident killed John Roebling Washington was badly brain-damaged, Everyone thought the project since the Roeblings were the the bridge could be built. unable to move or talk, as sharp as ever. in his hospital bed, mind as to how to

develop a communication code. was one finger, so

his wife with that finger. to communicate to her tell the engineers who

For thirteen years, Washington with one finger until

was finally completed.

JOHNNY Last fall I was

3,000 employees of a in the Midwest on

and regenerating the spirit One of the ideas

importance of adding a to your work.

re-engineering, overwhelming stress in the workplace,

for each of us we can really feel good

One of the most is to do something all the other people

thing you do. a United Airlines pilot who,

control in the cockpit, randomly selects several people

and hand writes them for their business.

work with always encloses in everything he sends

never throw away A Northwest Airlines

that his personal signature all the luggage tags that

All he could move he touched the arm of He tapped out the code what she was to continued building the bridge. tapped out his instructions the spectacular Brooklyn Bridge asked to speak to large supermarket chain building customer loyalty in your workplace. I stressed was the personal “signature” With all the downsizing, technological changes and I think it is essential to find a way about ourselves and our jobs. powerful ways to do this that differentiates you from that do the same I shared the example of after everything is under goes to the computer and on board the flight a thank-you note A graphic artist I a piece of sugarless gum his customers, so you any mail from him! baggage attendant decided would be to collect fall off customers’ suitcases,

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which in the past tossed in the garbage, send them back with for flying Northwest. with whom I worked

signature would be to that he knows his employees After sharing several other

add their unique spirit challenged the audience to

and to come up with personal signature.

I had spoken to my phone rang

The person on the line was Johnny and that

one of the stores. that he was a person He said, “Barbara, I

Then he went on when he’d gone home his dad to teach him He said they set up and each night now

he finds one He said when he

he “thinks one up!” into the computer, cuts them out, and

the back of each one. bags their groceries, he puts

thought for the day adding his own personal

fun and creative way. manager of the store

“Barbara, you won’t believe

have been simply and in his free time a note thanking them A senior manager decided that his personal attach Kleenex to memos won’t like very much. examples of how people to their jobs, I get their creative juices flowing their own creative About three weeks after the supermarket employees, late one afternoon. told me that his name he was a bagger in He also told me with Down’s syndrome. liked what you said!” to tell me that that night, he asked to use the computer. a program using three columns, when he goes home “thought for the day.” can’t find one he likes, Then he types it prints out multiple copies, signs his name on The next day, as he with a flourish a in each person’s groceries, signature in a heart-warming, One month later the called me. He said, what happened today.

When I went out on the line at Johnny’s checkout

than any other line! ‘Get more lanes open! but the customers said,

be in Johnny’s lane thought for the day!’

one woman approached him “I only used to

Now I come here because I want the

(Imagine what that does He ended by saying,

the most important person Johnny, of course!” he called me again.

transformed our store! when they have a

unused corsage, they go and find an elderly woman

pin it on them. loves Snoopy, so he

and each time he he puts a Snoopy We are having so

so are our customers!” in the workplace!

Lady, Are You Rich?

They huddled inside the in ragged outgrown coats.

I was busy. until I looked down Thin little sandals, “Come in and I’ll

of hot cocoa.”

the floor this morning, was three times longer I went ballistic yelling, Get more people out here,’ ‘No no! We want to we want the “The manager said that and said, shop once a week. every time I go by thought for the day!” to the bottom line!) “Who do you think is in our whole store? Three months later “You and Johnny have Now in the floral department, broken flower or an out on the floor or a little girl and One of our meat packers bought 50,000 Snoopy stickers, packages a piece of meat, sticker on it. much fun, and That is spirit Barbara A. Glanz storm door- two children “Any old papers, lady?” I wanted to say no at their feet. sopped with sleet. make you a cup There was no conversation.

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Their soggy sandals left I served them cocoa to fortify against the

went back to the kitchen my household budget.... front room struck through The girl held the empty

looking at it. a flat voice, “Am I rich?

at my shabby slip covers. back in its saucer

Match your saucers.” with a hunger that was

They left then, papers against the wind.

They didn’t need to. more than that. and saucers.

I tested the potatoes Potatoes and brown gravy,

my man with a these things matched, too.

back from the fire and The muddy prints of wet upon my hearth.

I want them there forget again how - Marion Doolan

From the Mouth

In 1992 my husband Friendship Force exchange

stayed in the homes Recently, we were delighted

we met in Germany

marks upon the hearthstone. and toast with jam chill outside. Then I and started again on The silence in the to me. I looked in. cup in her hands, The boy asked in “Lady... are you rich?” Mercy, no!” I looked The girl put her cup carefully. “Your cups Her voice was old, not of the stomach. holding their bundles of They hadn’t said thank you. They had done Plain blue pottery cups But they matched. and stirred the gravy. a roof over our heads, good steady job- I moved the chairs tidied the living room. small sandals were still I let them be. in case I ever very rich I am. of a Small Boy and I went on a to Germany, where we of three wonderful families. when one of the couples came to visit us

at our home in Iowa. Reimund and Toni,

in the industrial Ruhr suffered heavy bombing One evening during their

my husband, who is invited them to tell us

being children in Germany Reimund proceeded to

moved us to tears. the end of the war,

parachuting out of an been shot down.

citizens who had seen the afternoon sky, went to the city’s

for the police to arrive Eventually two policemen arrived

in tow. in the city square for

take the British airmen neighbouring city where

When the crowd saw angry shouts of

No doubt they were thinking their city had suffered British and their allies.

lack the means to Many of the people they saw the enemy

and had brought their gardening implements with them.

faces of the British prisoners. maybe 19 or 20 years old. were extremely frightened.

that the two policemen,

Our friends, live in a city area of Germany, which during World War II. week-long stay with us, a history teacher, what they remembered about during the war. tell us a story that One day not long before Reimund saw two airmen enemy plane that had Like many other curious the parachutists falling through 11-year-old Reimund central square to wait with the prisoners of war. with two British prisoners They would wait there a car that would to a prison in a prisoners of war were kept. the prisoners, there were “Kill them! Kill them!” of the heavy bombings at the hands of the Nor did the crowd carry out their intent. had been gardening when fall from the sky pitchforks, shovels and other Reimund looked at the They were very young, He could see that they He could also see whose duty it was to

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protect the prisoners of war, the angry crowd with

Reimund knew he had and do it quickly.

between the prisoners and face the crowd and Not wanting to hurt the crowd held back

long enough for Reimund “Look at these prisoners.

They are no different They are only doing what fighting for their country.

shot down in a prisoners of war, people there to So please don’t

Reimund’s fellow townspeople and then shame. “It took a little boy

and what is wrong.” Reimund will never forget

relief and gratitude he of the young British airmen.

had long, happy lives, forgotten the little boy

-Elaine McDonald

Make a Wish I’ll never forget the day

to a birthday party. third grade class in

brought home a slightly “I’m not going,” I said. and Bernice and Pat

She asked the whole class,

were no match for its pitchforks and shovels. to do something, He ran to place himself the crowd, turning to shouting to them to stop. the little boy, for a moment, to tell them: They’re just young boys! from your own sons. your own sons are doing- If your sons were foreign country and became you wouldn’t want the kill your sons. hurt these boys. listened in amazement, Finally, a woman said, to tell us what is right The crowd began to disperse. the look of tremendous then saw on the faces He hopes they have and that they haven’t who saved them. Momma made me go I was in Mrs. Black’s Wichita Falls, Texas, and peanut-buttery invitation. “She’s a new girl named Ruth, aren’t going either. all 36 of us.”

As Momma studied the strangely sad, then announced,

I’ll pick up a I couldn’t believe it.

go to a party! just die if I

But no amount of When Saturday arrived Momma

and made me wrap mirror-brush-and-comb set

She drove me over 1950 Oldsmobile.

and motioned me to scariest staircase I’d ever seen.

brought great relief. in the sun-filled parlour. the backs and arms of

The biggest cake I one table. It was decorated

a messily printed Happy I think were supposed Thirty-six Dixie cups were near the cake a

name on it. once everyone gets here,

“Where’s your mom?” Looking down at the floor,

she’s sorta sick.” “He’s gone. Then there

except for a few behind a closed door.

then 10 more. realization set in.

How could I As I sank into self-pity,

Looking up I saw

handmade invitation she looked “Well, you are going! present tomorrow.” Momma had never made me I was positive I’d had to go. hysterics could sway Momma. rushed me out of bed the pretty pink pearlised she’d bought for $2.98. in her yellow and white Ruth answered the door follow her up the steepest, Stepping through the door The hardwood floors gleamed Snow-white dollies covered well-worn overstuffed furniture. ever saw sat on with nine pink candles, Birthday Ruthey and what to be rosebuds. filled with homemade fudge each one with This won’t be too awful- I decided. I asked Ruth. she said, “Well, “Oh. Where’s your dad?” was a silence, raspy coughs from Some 15 minutes passed ... Suddenly the terrifying No one else was coming. get out of here? I heard muffled sobs. Ruth’s tear-streaked face.

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All at once my overwhelmed with sympathy

filled with rage at Springing to my

I proclaimed at the “Who needs ‘em?”

to excited agreement. two small girls and

36 candy-filled Dixie cups, of red Kool-Aid,

games to play and We started with the cake.

and Ruthey (she was wouldn’t disturb her mom,

to light them, while Ruthey made a wish

imaginary flames. Momma was honking out front.

and thanking Ruthey repeatedly, I was bubbling over.

Well, really, Ruthey won the Donkey, but she for the birthday girl

so she gave it to me, party favours 50/50. loved the mirror set.

only one there whole third-grade class.

to tell every one great party they missed!”

over to the curb, With tears in her eyes,

proud of you!” I learned that one person

I had made a ninth birthday, and Momma

difference in my life.

eight-year-old heart was for Ruth and my 35 selfish classmates. white-patent leather feet, top of my lungs, Ruth’s startled look changed There we were a triple-decker cake, ice cream, gallons three dozen party favours, prizes to win. We couldn’t find any matches, no longer just plain Ruth) so we just pretended I sang “Happy Birthday” and blew out the In a flash it was noon. Gathering up all my goodies I dashed to the car. “I won all the games! Pin the Tail on said it wasn’t fair to win a prize, and we split the Momma, she just I was the out of Mrs. Black’s And I can’t wait of them what a Momma pulled the car stopped and hugged me tight. she said, “I’m so That was the day could really make a difference. big difference in Ruthey’s had made a big - LeAnne Reaves

What’s Really Important A few years ago at

nine contestants, all assembled at the starting line

At the gun they exactly in a dash,

to run the race All of them, that is,

stumbled on the asphalt, a couple of times,

The other eight They slowed down and paused.

around and went back. One girl with Down’s kissed him and said,

Then all nine linked arms to the finish line.

and the cheering went on - Author Unknown

Footprints on My Heart

On a bitterly cold student walked into my

with learning disabilities, on my heart.

saw Bobby, he was and a pair of

too small, despite the One of his shoes

and it flopped up and Even if he had set of clothes,

like a normal child. neglected, lost look

had never seen before never see again.

the Seattle Special Olympics, physically or mentally disabled, for the 100-yard dash. all started out, not but with the relish to the finish and win. except one boy who tumbled over and began to cry. heard the boy cry. Then they all turned Every one of them. syndrome bent down and “This will make it better.” and walked together Everyone in the stadium stood, for 10 minutes. January day a new fifth-grade class for students leaving his footprints The first time I wearing a tank top threadbare jeans, obviously cold weather outside. was missing a lace, down when he walked. been wearing a decent Bobby wouldn’t have looked He had a haunted, about him that I and hope that I Not only did Bobby

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look strange, but his that I was convinced he that taught social skills.

rounded sink in the his normal tone of

He was obsessed with never made eye contact He blurted out comments

Once he proudly announced P.E. teacher told him and had made him Not only were his

but his academic skills Bobby was 11 years old

read or write. the letters of the alphabet.

didn’t fit in among was an understatement.

was misplaced in my room. was shocked to learn that

What could account I talked with the

who told me that he He said, “Bobby is

normal than she is.” and found that Bobby foster care for the first

After that he was and they had moved at least once a year.

Bobby’s intelligence was normal, he would remain I hate to admit it, being in my class. and I already had I had never tried abilities were at

behaviour was so bizarre belonged in a classroom Bobby thought that a hallway was a urinal, voice was a yell. Donald Duck and he with anyone. continuously during class. to everyone that the that he smelled bad put on deodorant. social skills atrocious, were nonexistent. and he couldn’t He couldn’t even write To say that he my classroom students I was sure that Bobby I checked his records and his I.Q. was normal. for his bizarre behaviour? school counsellor, had met Bobby’s mother. a lot closer to I searched the records further had been placed in three years of his life. returned to his mother to a different town So that was it. and despite his odd behaviour, in my room. but I resented him My room was crowded enough several demanding students. to teach someone whose such a low level.

It was a struggle to The first few weeks

would wake up to find dreading to go to work. I would drive to school

wouldn’t be there. being a good teacher,

with myself for not wanting him in my class.

he drove me crazy, treat him like all

I never allowed anyone in my classroom. However,

the students made a mean to him.

pack of wild animals for being sick or hurt. started at the school,

with his shirt torn He had been jumped on

my students. his desk and pretended

He opened his book as blood and tears mingled

Outraged, I sent Bobby unleashed a verbal fury

had hurt him. they ought to be for not liking him I yelled that just

this was even more reason At some point during

I started to listen and I resolved that

change my thoughts That incident changed how

I finally saw past

even plan lessons for him. he was at school I my stomach in knots, There were days when and hope that he I took pride in and I was disgusted liking him and not Despite the fact that I tried valiantly to of the other students. to pick on him outside of the room, game out of being They were like a attacking one of their own About a month after he Bobby came into my room and his nose bloodied. by a group of Bobby sat down at that nothing was wrong. and tried to read it and dripped onto the pages. to the nurse and on the students who I told them that ashamed of themselves because he was different. because he acted strangely, to treat him kindly. my verbal assault, to my own words I would have to toward him as well. I felt about Bobby. his bizarre behaviour and

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saw a little boy in to care about him.

true test of a teacher academics but meeting the Bobby had extraordinary I started buying Bobby

Salvation Army. made fun of him

three shirts. that was in good

He was thrilled with the his self-esteem tremendously.

whenever he was worried I spent extra time

working on homework. the change in Bobby that

and extra attention. his shell and I

was a likable child. he even started making brief

I no longer dreaded I actually looked forward

down the hallway I worried about him I noticed that as my so did the behaviour

They stopped picking on him a part of the group.

a note to school moving in two days. I hadn’t managed to clothes I wanted to.

on my break and I gave it to him

was his good-bye present. on the clothes he said,

desperate need of someone I realized that the was not just teaching needs of the students. needs to fill. clothes from the I knew that the students because he only had I carefully chose clothing condition and in style. clothes and it improved I escorted Bobby to classes about being beaten up. with him before school It was amazing to see resulted from the new clothes He came out of found that he really His behaviour improved and eye contact with me, going to work. to seeing him coming in the morning. when he was absent. attitude toward him changed, of the other students. and included him as One day Bobby brought that said he would be I was heartbroken. get him all of the I went to a store bought him an outfit. and told him that it When he saw the tags “I can’t ever remember wearing

brand-new clothes before.” found out that and after class

if they could give him the next day.

but thought to myself, do their homework. can organize a party

To my surprise they did. brought in a cake,

presents for Bobby. had become his friends.

day of school, he carrying a huge backpack

He enjoyed the party, had settled down, he was doing with

He said, “The books I have lots of books

you should have some.” didn’t have anything of and certainly not books.

who at one time have lots of books! through the books,

them were library books where he had lived. had written in them

I knew that the books and that he had

questionable means. me all that he

Never before had anyone a wonderful gift.

clothes on his back, Bobby was giving me

Some of my students Bobby was moving, several of them asked a good-bye party I said, “Sure,” “They can’t remember to There’s no way they by tomorrow morning.” The next morning they streamers, balloons and His tormentors On Bobby’s last walked into my classroom filled with children’s books. and, after things I asked him what all of the books. are for you. so I thought maybe I was sure that Bobby his own at home, How could a child only had three shirts As I looked I found that most of from various places Some of the books “Teacher’s personal copy.” didn’t really belong to Bobby acquired them through But he was giving had to give. ever given me such Except for the which I had given him, all that he owned.

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As Bobby left that day could be my pen pal.

room with my address, and his footprints -Laura D. Norton

Courage of the Heart

I sit on the rickety camcorder on my shoulder

the tears well up My six-year-old daughter self-possessed, centred

I am nervous, jittery I try not to cry.

the sound of hearts beating Her little round face a little face so dear

unlike my own thin features. from mine- look out into She knows she is loved.

out on the plains, heartbeats sound the same.”

birth mother looks out The eyes of a

looked into mine with trust These features my daughter inherited

eyes that tilt up rosy, plump little cheeks that

“Black or white, it’s the heart of

... oh, oh beating away, she finishes. The

I do, too. Thunderous We rise as one

we loved it. Now I am crying.

he asked me if he He walked out of my leaving me his books forever on my heart. auditorium chair with the and I can feel in my eyes. is on stage, calm, and singing her heart out. and emotional. “Listen, can you hear all the world around?” she sings. turns up to the light, and familiar and yet so Her eyes- eyes so different the audience with total trust. “Up in the valley, everywhere around the world The face of her at me from the stage. young woman that once now gaze into the audience. from her birth mother at the corners, and I can’t stop kissing. red or tan, the family of man oh, oh beating away “ audience goes wild. applause fills the room. to let Melanie know She smiles; she already knew. I feel so blessed

to be her mum. so much joy that The heart of the

the heart of courage that when we are lost... one with each other

this is the heart showed to me.

safest part of herself, her birth mother. belonged to an

a girl who became of her commitment to

She was a woman that she could

no one else ever could: Melanie’s heart beats hold her and tell her

She wiggles in my arms “Why are you crying, Mommy?”

am so happy for you all by yourself!”

and hold her with more I hold her with love but for the beautiful chose to give birth

then chose again to I carry the love

the birth mother with and the woman whose

with love... that we share

- Patty Hansen

She fills me with my heart actually hurts. family of man ... shows us the path to take the heart that makes strangers for a common purpose: Melanie’s birth mother From deep inside the Melanie heard This heart of courage 11-year-old girl, a woman because unconditional love. who embraced the concept give her child something a better life than she had. close to mine as I how great she performed. and looks up at me. I answer her, “Because I and you did so well, I can feel myself reach out than just my arms. for not only myself, and courageous woman who to my daughter, and give her to me. from both of us... the courage to share, empty arms were filled for the heartbeat is one.

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How Magic Helped My friend Whit is he was hired by a

to perform walk around, for the patrons as

One evening he walked after introducing himself,

cards and began performing. sitting at the table,

select a card. that Wendy, his daughter,

“That’s okay. If it’s I’d like to try

Turning to the girl, you like to help me Being a little shy, and said, “Okay.

across from her at “I’m going to hold

Wendy, and it’s going to either red or black.

is use your psychic powers colour the card is, Wendy nodded.

king of clubs and said, red card or a black card?” blind girl replied, “Black.”

Whit held up the “Is this a red card Wendy said, “Red.

a third card, the “Red or black?”

“Red!” Her family members through three more cards,

three of them right. for six! Her family

a Blind Girl See a professional magician, and restaurant in Los Angeles close-up magic each evening they ate their dinners. up to a family and, pulled out a deck of Turning to a young girl he asked her to The girl’s father informed him was blind. Whit replied, all right with her, a trick anyway.” Whit said, “Wendy, would with a card trick?” she shrugged her shoulders Whit took a seat the table and said, up a playing card, be one of two colours, What I want you to do and tell me what red or black. You got it?” Whit held up the “Wendy, is this a After a moment, the Her family smiled. seven of hearts and said, or a black card?” Then Whit held up three of diamonds and said, Without hesitating, Wendy said, giggled nervously. He went and she got all Incredibly, she was six couldn’t believe how

lucky she was Whit held up the

“Wendy, I want you to suit of this card...

diamond, club or spade.” replied confidently, “It’s

Her family let out Her father asked Whit

some kind of trick Whit replied, “You’ll

The father said, “Wendy, Wendy smiled and said,

Whit shook hands gave Wendy a hug, and said good-bye.

a magical moment that The question, of course,

know the colour Since Whit had never

moment in the restaurant, told her ahead of time and which were black.

it was impossible for her or value of the cards How then! Whit was

once-in-a-lifetime miracle and some quick thinking.

Whit had worked out communicating information from

without words. He had to use the code until

When Whit sat down across “I’m going to hold up and it’s going to be either red or black”

(underneath the table)

On the seventh card, five of hearts and said, tell me the value and whether it’s a heart, After a moment, Wendy the five of hearts.” a gasp; they were stunned! whether he was doing or real magic. have to ask Wendy. how did you do it?” “It’s magic!” with the family, left his business card, Clearly, he had created this family would never forget. is how did Wendy of the cards? met her before that he could not have which cards were red And since Wendy was blind, to see the colour when he held them up. able to create this by using a secret code Earlier in his career, a foot code for one person to another never had a chance that moment in the restaurant. from Wendy and said, a playing card, Wendy, one of two colours, he tapped her foot once when he said

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the word “red” and twice Just to make sure

he repeated the secret “What I want you to do and tell me what colour

or black (tap-tap), When she nodded yes,

the code and was Her family assumed that

whether she “got it,” his verbal instructions. five of hearts to her? five times to let her

When he asked her whether spade, club or diamond,

the suit by tapping the word “heart.

this story is the effect Not only did it

shine for a few moments front of her family,

a star at home, all their friends about A few months after

Whit received a package a deck of Braille

with a letter. him for making her

for helping her “see” She said that she still how she did the trick,

asking her. that she wanted him of Braille cards so with more tricks

- Michael Jeffreys

when he said “black.” she understood him, signals by saying, is use your psychic powers the card is, red (tap) you got it?” he knew that she understood willing to play along. when he asked her he was referring to How did he communicate the Simple. He tapped her foot know it was a five. the card was a heart, he let her know her foot as he said The real magic of it had on Wendy. give her a chance to and feel special in but it made her as her family told the amazing “psychic” experience. this event took place, from Wendy. It contained playing cards, along In the letter, she thanked feel so special, and for just a few moments. hadn’t told her family even though they kept She concluded by saying to have the deck he could come up for blind people.

Appointment with Love Six minutes to six,

over the information booth The tall young Army lieutenant

from the direction of sunburned face, and note the exact time.

with a beat that could not control it. see the woman who special place in his

13 months, the woman yet whose written words

and sustained him unfailingly. close as he could

just beyond the ring Lieutenant Blandford remembered

the worst of the fighting, caught in the midst of

He had seen the of the enemy pilots.

he had confessed to her and only a few days

had received her answer: all brave men do.

That’s why he wrote Next time you doubt yourself,

hear my voice ‘Yea, though I walk

the shadow of death, for Thou art with me’.”

he had heard her had renewed his strength

was going to hear Four minutes to six. Under the immense,

said the great round clock in Grand Central Station. who had just come the tracks lifted his his eyes narrowed to His heart was pounding shocked him because he In six minutes, he would had filled such a life for the past he had never seen, had been with him He placed himself as to the information booth, of people besieging the clerks. one night in particular, when his plane had been a pack of Zeros. grinning face of one In one of his letters, that he often felt fear, before this battle, he “Of course you fear... Didn’t King David know fear! the 23rd Psalm. I want you to reciting to you: through the valley of I shall fear no evil, And he had remembered; imagined voice, and it and skill. Now he her real voice. His face grew sharp. starred roof, people were

13


walking fast, like threads into a grey web.

and Lieutenant Blandford started. red flower in her

a crimson sweet pea, they had agreed upon. too young, about 18,

frankly told him she was 30. he had answered.

His mind went back Lord Himself must have out of the hundreds of

to the Florida training camp. and throughout the book woman’s hand writing.

that writing-in habit, He had never believed

into a man’s heart Her name was on He had got hold

telephone book and found she had answered.

been shipped out, but For 13 months,

and more than replied. not arrive, she wrote

believed he loved her, But she had refused

send him her photograph. of course.

“If your feeling for me any honest basis,

won’t matter. I’d always be haunted you had been taking a

and that kind of

of colour being woven A girl passed close to him, She was wearing a suit lapel, but it was not the little red rose Besides, this girl was whereas Hollis Meynell had “Well, what of it?” “I’m 32.” (He was 29). to that book the put into his hands Army library books sent Of Human Bondage it was; were notes in a He had always hated but these remarks were different. that a woman could see so tenderly, so understandingly. the bookplate: Hollis Meynell. of a New York City her address. He had written, Next day he had they had gone on writing. she had faithfully replied, When his letters did anyway and now he and she loved him. all his pleas to That seemed rather bad, But she had explained: has any reality, what I look like Suppose I’m beautiful. by the feeling that chance on just that, love would disgust me.

Suppose I’m plain this is more likely).

that you were going on you were lonely and

No, don’t ask When you come to

see me and then you Remember, both of us

to go on after that- One minute to six he

Then Lieutenant Blandford’s heart plane had ever done. coming toward him. her blond hair lay her delicate ears.

as flowers, her lips gentle firmness.

she was like springtime He started toward her, that she was wearing he moved, a small,

curved her lips. she murmured. Uncontrollably,

closer to her. Then She was standing almost

a woman well past 40, under a worn hat.

her thick-ankled feet low-heeled shoes. But in the rumpled lapel

The girl in the green suit Blandford felt as though he

so keen was his desire yet so deep was his

whose spirit had truly his own; and

(and you must admit that Then I’d always fear writing to me only because had no one else. for my picture. New York, you shall shall make your decision. are free to stop or whichever we choose...” pulled hard on a cigarette. leaped higher than his A young woman was Her figure was long and slim; back in curls from Her eyes were blue and chin had a In her pale green suit, come alive. entirely forgetting to notice no rose, and as provocative smile “Going my way, soldier?” he made one step he saw Hollis Meynell. directly behind the girl, her greying hair tucked She was more than plump; were thrust into she wore a red rose of her brown coat. was walking quickly away. were being split in two, to follow the girl, longing for the woman companioned and upheld there she stood.

14


Her pale, plump face he could see that now. a warm, kindly twinkle. not hesitate. His fingers

blue leather copy of was to identify him would not be love,

something precious, and perhaps a friendship for which must ever be grateful.

saluted and held the book although even while he spoke

bitterness of his disappointment. and you- you are

glad you could meet me. you to dinner?”

in a tolerant smile. this is all about, son,”

in the green suit begged me to wear

And she said that to go out with you,

she’s waiting for you across the street.

some kind of a test. with Uncle Sam myself,

to oblige you.”

The Ultimate Sacrifice Linda Birtish literally

Linda was an outstanding if she had the time, great art and poetry.

however, she began to Her doctors discovered enormous brain tumour.

was gentle and sensible; Her grey eyes had Lieutenant Blandford did gripped the small, worn, Of Human Bondage which to her. This but it would be even rarer than love he had been and He squared his broad shoulders, out toward the woman, he felt shocked by the “I’m Lieutenant John Blandford, Miss Meynell. I’m so May... may I take The woman’s face broadened “I don’t know what she answered. “That young lady the one who just went by this rose on my coat. if you asked me I should tell you that in that big restaurant She said it was I’ve got two boys so I didn’t mind -Sulanith Ish-Kishor gave herself away. teacher who felt that she would like to create When she was 28, get severe headaches. that she had an They told her that

her chances of surviving 2 percent. Therefore,

they chose to wait She knew she had

So during those six months All of her poetry

was published in magazines. except one piece,

at some of the At the end of

the operation. The night she decided to literally In case of her death, in which she donated

to those who needed them Unfortunately, Linda’s

Subsequently, her eyes went in Bethesda, Maryland,

recipient in South Carolina. went from darkness to sight. so profoundly grateful that eye bank thanking them

was only the second eye bank had received excess of 30,000 eyes! he wanted to thank the They must indeed be

a child who would He was given the name

and he decided to on Staten Island.

and rang the doorbell. Mrs. Birtish reached out She said, “Young man,

to go, my husband for you to spend

an operation were about rather than operate immediately, for six months. great artistry in her. she wrote and drew feverishly. except one piece, All of her art, was shown and sold leading galleries. six months, she had before the operation, give herself away. she wrote a “will,” all of her body parts more than she would. operation was fatal. to an eye bank and from there to a A young man, age 28, That young man was he wrote to the for existing. It “thank you” that the after giving out in Furthermore, he said parents of the donor. magnificent folks to have give away her eyes. of the Birtish family fly in to see them He arrived unannounced After hearing his introduction, and embraced him. if you’ve got nowhere and I would love your weekend with us.”

15


He stayed, and as Linda’s room, he saw

He’d read Plato in Braille. He’d read Hegel in Braille.

Mrs. Birtish was looking “You know, I’m sure I’ve but I don’t know where.”

she remembered. pulled out the last picture

It was a portrait The picture was

this young man who Then her mother read

written on her deathbed. Two hearts

falling in love. each other’s sight.

Jack Canfield

A Scoutmaster Saves the Day For weeks the troop

expectant preparation for Everything was in order. with displays, the scouts with good things to eat.

under way. The crowd sang enthusiasm that typified

Then Jimmie Davis arose This was the moment

for many weeks. caught a glimpse of

and his father’s stolid He started with a

He waxed more eloquent, were paying a high

their careful attention.

he was looking around that she’d read Plato. She’d read Hegel. The next morning at him and said, seen you somewhere before, All of a sudden She ran upstairs and Linda had ever drawn. of her ideal man. virtually identical to had received Linda’s eyes. the last poem Linda had It read: passing in the night Never able to gain - Mark Victor Hansen & had been engaged in its Parents’ Night program. The walls were filled with enthusiasm, and the tables The toastmaster was well with that respectably restrained a Parents’ Night program. to give his oration. he had looked forward to As he arose, he his mother’s beaming face assured countenance. great burst of enthusiasm. conscious that his listeners tribute to him by Then something happened.

The world seemed to He slowed down- faltered his

hands sought each desperation he looked helplessly

And ever prepared, having rehearsed again and again,

the missing words and But somehow it was had been marred.

and the scoutmaster For the remaining two minutes,

the scoutmaster’s But Jimmie finished it.

lad who sat down, there was a heavy load.

on the face of and a twitch of

a pained consciousness The audience applauded

sorry for and pitying thought had failed.

was on his feet. All listened tensely, for What was he saying? than any of you can

what has just happened. make a glorious victory

been a miserable failure. his chance to quit. have been easy. even in the face

the highest kind of “You may someday hear

but I am confident a finer demonstration of

than Jimmie has just

swim before him. stopped. His face flushed, other frantically and in toward his scoutmaster. heard that boyish masterpiece the boy’s leader supplied the lad went on. different now. The masterpiece Jimmie paused again prompted him again. the oration seemed more than the boy’s. In the heart of the knowing he had failed, Chagrin was plainly written the boy’s mother, the father’s face indicated of shame. in a perfunctory way, the boy who they But the scoutmaster His quiet eyes twinkled. he did not talk loudly. “I am more happy possibly understand because of You have seen a boy out of what might have Jimmie had To have quit would But to finish the job of 200 people required bravery and courage I know. a better oratorical effect, that you will never see the spirit of our troop given you even

16


to play the game The people thundered Jimmie’s mother sat

The old look of assurance of the boy’s father. enthusiastic again

a lump in his throat, friend beside him that

if I can be that kind - Walter MacPeak

Why Do These Things

One of my joys and I love to perform in

My throat became very gruelling show run.

performing an operatic piece, I had actually done damage

I was a lead and So I made an appointment

where I waited for left in a huff,

grabbed a phone book specialist close by. an appointment and

The nurse showed me in to wait for the doctor.

disgruntled. here I was sick when

Besides, I had to my workday to go

both of whom It was very frustrating.

have to happen? came back in and said, something personal?”

under difficulties!” their applause now. straight and proud. was back on the face The entire group was and Jimmie, with said something to the sounded like, “Gee, of a scoutmaster someday.” Have to Happen? passions is my voice. our local community theatres. sore during a particularly It was my first time and I was terrified to my vocal cords. we were about to open. with my family doctor an hour. I finally went back to work, and found a throat Once more I made off I went. and I sat down I was feeling very I rarely get sick and I needed to be healthy. take time out of to two different doctors, kept me waiting. Why do these things A moment later the nurse “May I ask you This seemed odd;

what else do they ask you in a doctor’s office!

the nurse and replied, “I noticed your hand,”

I lost half of my forklift accident when I

I think it is one didn’t follow my dream,

although everyone says, You are so natural.” my mind I thought

to see perfect people No one would want Besides, I’m too tall,

no, they don’t But I love musical

have a good voice. tried out at our I was the first

That was three years ago. cast in almost everything

The nurse continued, is how it has

Never in the 25 years someone asked me this.

“Does it bother you?” sweeping as, “How has

After an awkward pause, I just had a baby is like yours. I,

how it has “How has it affected

about it a bit so right words to say.

has affected my life, I do many things

but personal questions But I looked at “Yes, of course. she said a bit hesitantly. left hand in a was 11 years old. of the reasons I of performing in theatre, “Gee, I never noticed! In the back of that they only wanted on the stage. to see me. overweight, not really talented... want to see me. comedies and I do So one day I local community theatre. one they cast! Since then, I have been I tried out for. “What I need to know affected your life. since it happened has Maybe they’ll say, but never anything as it affected your life?” she said, “You see, and her hand well, I need to know affected your life.” my life?” I thought I could think of the Finally, I said, “It but not in a bad way that people with two

17


normal hands find difficult. words a minute,

I have ridden and I even have a

I’m involved in musical theatre professional speaker,

front of a crowd. or five times a year.

never ‘difficult’ because of of my family.

all the great notoriety I would learn how to that most people had

We were all very That was the main focus,

“Your daughter does She is normal.

who will teach her as anything else.

know she is ‘different,’ that different is wonderful.

What’s fun about that?” for a while. “Thank you”

I sat there thinking, have to happen?” even that forklift

All the circumstances leading this doctor’s office at

happened for a reason. looked at my throat

to anesthetize and put to examine it. Well,

about putting medical instruments especially ones so rough

I said, “No thanks,”

I type about 75 I play guitar, shown horses for years, Horse master Degree. and I am a I’m constantly in I do television shows four I think it was the love and encouragement They always talked about I would get because do things with one hand trouble doing with two. excited about that. not the handicap. not have a problem. You are the one to think of herself She will come to but you will teach her Normal means you’re average. She was silent Then she simply said, and walked out. “Why do these things Everything happens for a reason Falling on my hand. up to me being at this moment in time The doctor came in, and said he wanted a probe down there singers are very paranoid down their throats, they need to be anesthetized! and walked out.

The next day, my Why do these things

- Lilly Walters

The Optimist There is a story

One of them was “Everything is coming up

The other was a He thought that Murphy,

was an optimist. the boys brought them He suggested to the

balance the twins’ personalities. them in separate rooms Give the pessimist the and give the optimist

The parents followed these observed the results. on the pessimist, they

“I don’t like the I’ll bet this

I don’t like this game.... who’s got a bigger

Tiptoeing across the corridor, and saw their little optimist

up in the air. Where there’s this gotta be a pony!”

Reaching The Summit

Diann Roffe-Steinrotter zooms seventy miles per hour,

frozen snow like chattering teeth. the cheering fans in

a foggy blur. to decide whether to

throat was completely better. have to happen? of identical twins. a hope-filled optimist. roses!” he would say. sad and hopeless pessimist. as in Murphy’s Law, The worried parents of to the local psychologist. parents a plan to “On their next birthday, put to open their gifts. best toys you can afford, a box of manure.” instructions and carefully When they peeked in heard him audibly complaining, colour of this computer.... calculator will break.... I know someone toy car than this....” the parents peeked in gleefully throwing the manure “You can’t fool me! much manure, there’s - Author unknown down the icy mountainside at her skis vibrating against the The trees, the gates, everything whizzes past her There is no time left speed up, slow down,

18


or even be careful. hours before when she

Now she races by Her eyes focus straight ahead,

the fastest way down the mountain. the1994 Winter Olympics, Diann

She flew from the top of in one minute and

winning the gold medal in for the United States

Perhaps no one was more After tying for the

1992 Olympics, Diann had At twenty-six, she was

and many people thought her When tryouts started for

one coach even hinted that After so many years her dream of winning

never be fulfilled. has struggled at times. made her a champion.

her life with skis Both of her parents “When I was only

they kind of plopped out on the hill,”

When she was five, at Brantling Ski Area

about fifteen minutes from home. dominated her life.

do homework, and Mom basket for dinner,”

go out and ski to come home

It was fun.”

Diann made all those decisions was “reading the hill.” memory and instinct. searching for only one thing- In Lillehammer, Norway, at found the fastest way down. the mountain to the bottom twenty-two seconds, the Super Giant Slalom and stunning the world. stunned than Diann herself. silver medal in the fallen into a slump. older than her team-mates, abilities were declining. the 1994 U.S. Olympic team, Diann might not qualify. of practice, it appeared that a gold medal might Diann Roffe-Steinrotter But those struggles have Diann had spent most of attached to her feet. were ski instructors. three years old, my brother and me Diann says. she joined the ski team near Rochester, New York, From then on, skiing “We’d come home from school, would pack up a Diann says. “Then we’d until it was time and go to bed. Diann also enjoyed school,

but training and ski meets Because she missed

Diann and her parents a private school that

In 1985, Diann became the youngest woman ever

in her event. years old.

Nagging injuries and be the best began She slammed into tore a tendon in

most of one season. an important race.

second place to sixtieth. on the U.S. Ski Team. Diann had gone from

in the world to Her luck didn’t improve.

another international championship She thought about quitting,

“Something in the back ‘you’re too good,”’

“If I had just I would have thought

rest of my life.” Diann vowed to put

and start again. she told herself.

they did five minutes ago. they’re going to do

So Diann moved back home to train harder than ever.

until the 1992 Winter Olympics There, she won

“I was really happy,”

required a lot of travelling. so many classes, decided that she should attend permitted a flexible schedule. the first American and to win a world championship She was only seventeen Then the fun stopped. the pressure to to wear Diann down. a slalom pole and her knee, missing Then she fell in Her world ranking dropped from Finally, she lost her spot In just a few years, being the best skier the back of the pack. In fact, she didn’t win for nine years! but she never did. of my mind kept saying, Diann says. walked away from skiing, about it for the So instead of quitting, the past behind her “What’s done is done,” “Nobody can change what They can only change what in the next five minutes.” with her parents and began Her skiing continued to improve in Albertville, France. the silver medal. Diann says.

19


“But my life didn’t I thought about

and I kept trying to Two years later her

string of losing seasons, thought she couldn’t do it at the 1994 Olympic Games Was it worth the struggle?

Her career so far just about winning but “I’ve travelled all over

“I’ve learned how how to congratulate I’ve learned how to

“And that’s important,” “because you lose a lot

Even if you’re a champion. Tips From a Champion:

from Diann Roffe-Steinrotter. As a kid, Diann skied

and his friends. group of us. We

all the time, and we Take Lessons.

Diann says. It’s the Many school districts offer lift tickets, and instruction.

Go Out for the Team. Diann is married

She says soccer keeps you and it requires plenty of

just like skiing. Don’t compare yourself to

be better than you. working at improving.

did the best you could,

stop right there. what was going on, make a difference every day.” despite knee operations, and all the people who Diann won the gold medal in Norway. Diann definitely thinks so. has taught her not also about losing. the world,” she says. to handle frustration and my friends graciously. be a good loser. says Diann with a smile, more than you win.” Here are some skiing tips Have Fun! with her older brother “There was a whole played Follow the Leader always looked for jumps. “Listen to your instructor, fastest way to learn. programs that include transportation, They’re a good place to start. The soccer team, that is! to a soccer coach. thinking about your feet, side-to-side movement- Focus on Your Own Performance skiers who might Just keep practicing and “If you worked hard and then it was a

good day for you. from Highlights

Consider this:

Woody Allen, Oscar-winning failed motion picture production the City College of New York.

at New York University. bestseller Exodus, failed high

When Lucille Ball an actress in 1927,

head instructor of the “Try any other profession.

In 1959, a Universal Pictures Eastwood and Burt Reynolds with the following statements:

“You have no talent.” “You have a chip

your Adam’s apple and you talk too slow.”

Both Reynolds and Eastwood big stars in the movie industry.

director of the Blue Book hopeful Norma Jean Baker better learn secretarial work

Liv Ullman, who was Academy Award for Best Actress,

state theatre school in Norway. she had no talent.

editor of Forbes magazine, publications in the world,

of the school newspaper when at Princeton University.

young musicians played their the executives of the

The executives weren’t impressed.

Be happy. for Children writer, producer and director at New York University and He also failed English Leon Uris, author of the school English three times. began studying to be she was told by the J. Murray Anderson Drama School, Any other.” executive dismissed Clint at the same meeting To Burt Reynolds: To Clint Eastwood: on your tooth, sticks out too far As you no doubt know went on to become In 1944, Emmeline Snively, Modelling Agency, told modelling (Marilyn Monroe), “You’d or else get married.” nominated two times for the failed an audition for the The judges told her Malcolm Forbes, the late one of the most successful business failed to make the staff he was an undergraduate In 1962, four nervous first record audition for Decca Recording Company. While turning down this

20


British rock group called “We don’t like their sound.

on the way out.” “Artists and Repertoire Man” while firing Buddy Holly from

called Holly “the biggest no-talent Twenty years later

along with Chuck Berry, rock music of the sixties.”

manager of the Grand Ole Oprey, after one performance.

“You ain’t goin’ nowhere... son. to drivin’ a truck.”

to become the most When Alexander Graham Bell

it did not ring from potential backers.

President Rutherford Hayes said, but who would ever want

Thomas Edison was probably in American history.

in Port Huron, Michigan, he was “too slow”

As a result, to take her son

teach him at home. fascinated by science. he had already set up Edison’s inexhaustible

(which he reportedly defined as 99 percent perspiration”)

his lifetime more than When Thomas Edison

he tried over 2,000 experiments A young reporter asked him

fail so many times.

the Beatles, one executive said, Groups of guitars are Paul Cohen, Nashville for Decca Records, the Decca label in 1956, I ever worked with.” Rolling Stone called Holly, “the major influence on the In 1954, Jimmy Denny, fired Elvis Presley He told Presley, You ought to go back Elvis Presley went on popular singer in America. invented the telephone in 1876, off the hook with calls After making a demonstration call, “That’s an amazing invention, to use one of them?” the greatest inventor When he first attended school his teachers complained that and hard to handle. Edison’s mother decided out of school and The young Edison was At the age of 10 his first chemistry laboratory. energy and genius “1 percent inspiration and eventually produced in 1,300 inventions. invented the light bulb, before he got it to work. how it felt to He said, “I never failed once.

I invented the light bulb. a 2,000-step process.”

inventor named Chester Carlson to twenty corporations, biggest in the country. In 1947- after seven

he finally got Rochester, New York, to purchase the rights

paper-copying process. and both Xerox and Carlson John Milton became blind

Sixteen years later he wrote When Pablo Casals reached 95,

the following question. and the greatest cellist

Why do you still practice Mr. Casals answered, “Because

After years of by age 46, German

had become completely deaf. music, including five symphonies,

After losing both legs British fighter pilot

British Royal Air Force During World War II

the Germans three times- After having his

young Canadian Terry Fox from coast to coast to raise $1 million

Forced to quit halfway when he and the foundation

over $20 million Wilma Rudolph was the

She was born prematurely

It just happened to be In the 1940s, another young took his idea including some of the They all turned him down. long years of rejections tiny company in the Haloid Company, to his electrostatic Haloid became Xerox Corporation, became very rich indeed. at age 44. the classic Paradise Lost. a young reporter threw him “Mr. Casals, you are 95 that ever lived. six hours a day?” I think I’m making progress.” progressive hearing loss, composer Ludwig van Beethoven Nevertheless, he wrote his greatest during his later years. in an air crash, Douglas Bader rejoined the with two artificial limbs. he was captured by and three times he escaped. cancer-ridden leg amputated, vowed to run on one leg the entire length of Canada for cancer research. the cancer invaded his lungs, he started have raised for cancer research. 20th of 22 children. and her survival was doubtful.

21


When she was 4 years old, and scarlet fever,

a paralyzed left leg. the metal leg brace

and began to walk without it. a rhythmic walk, was a miracle.

to become a runner. and came in last.

every race she entered, Everyone told her to quit,

One day she actually And then another.

every race she entered. who was told she

went on to win Franklin D. Roosevelt

at the age of 39 become one of America’s most

He was elected president four times.

regarded by many as actresses who ever lived,

as a result of an injury but she continued to act

Louis L’Amour, over 100 western novels

in print, received made his first sale.

first American novelist congressional gold medal distinguished career as to the nation through his

In 1953, Julia Child signed a publishing contract

tentatively titled French Cooking

she contracted double pneumonia which left her with At age 9, she removed she had been dependent on By 13 she had developed which doctors said That same year she decided She entered a race For the next few years she came in last. but she kept on running. won a race. From then on she won Eventually this little girl, would never walk again, three Olympic gold medals. was paralyzed by polio and yet he went on to beloved and influential lenders. of the United States Sarah Bernhardt, who is one of the greatest had her leg amputated when she was 70 years old, for the next eight years. successful author of with over 200 million copies 30 rejections before he He later became the to receive a special in recognition of his an author and contributor historically based works. and her two collaborators to produce a book for the American Kitchen.

Julia and her colleagues for five years.

850-page manuscript. worked for another year

Again the publisher rejected it. did not give up.

went back to work again, and in 1961-

they published Mastering the which has sold more

In 1966, Time magazine featured Julia Child is still at

almost 30 years later. never have gained power

When he applied for he was turned down,

But he tried a third time, into the history books.

the Blackhawk War By the end of the war,

the rank of private. to climb Mount Everest,

known to humans- A few weeks after

he was asked to address Hillary walked to the

made a fist and pointed at He said in a loud voice, beat me the first time, the next time because

are going to grow... On May 29,

Edmund Hillary succeeded in to climb Mount Everest.

worked on the book The publisher rejected the Child and her partners totally revising the manuscript. But Julia Child She and her collaborators found a new publisher eight years after beginning- Art of French Cooking, than 1 million copies. Julia Child on its cover. the top of her field General Douglas MacArthur might and fame without persistence. admission to West Point, not once but twice. was accepted and marched Abraham Lincoln entered as a captain. he had been demoted to In 1952, Edmund Hillary attempted the highest mountain then 29,000 feet straight up. his failed attempt, a group in England. edge of the stage, a picture of the mountain. “Mount Everest, you but I’ll beat you you’ve grown all you but I’m still growing!” only one year later, becoming the first man

22


WHAT I BELIEVE Life is very simple.

we get back. of us are responsible for the best and the worst. is creating our future.

creates our experiences by and the words we speak. that we accept as truth. and the world becomes

What we choose to believe our world. Each day

joyous hopeful experience, and painful one.

in the same world, of circumstances, can What can transport us

I am convinced that it is When we are willing to

then we may experience a Whatever your beliefs may be

remember that they are thoughts can be changed.

some of the ideas that Some of them may be

Do not worry. are right for you will You may think that

are too simple or foolish work for you.

you to try them. whatever we choose to believe.

judges or criticizes us. at our own value. a limiting belief, the truth for you. you are too short,

by Louise L. Hay What we give out, I believe that all every experience in our lives, Every thought we think Each one of us the thoughts we think Beliefs are ideas and thoughts What we think about ourselves true for us. can expand and enrich can be an exciting, or a sorrowful, limiting, Two people living with the same set experience life so differently. from one world to another? our beliefs that do so. change our primary belief structures, true change in our lives. about yourself and the world, only thoughts, and You may not agree with I am about to explore. unfamiliar and frightening. Only those ideas that become part of you. some of the techniques and could not possibly I am only asking Our subconscious mind accepts The Universal Power never It only accepts us If you accept then it will become If you believe that too fat, too thin,

too tall, too smart, too rich, too poor,

forming lasting relationships, become true for you.

dealing with thoughts, and We have unlimited choices

and the point of power the present moment.

in the present moment? Do you want this thought When we were children,

and about life from the adults around us.

ideas about who we are and many rules about how

If you lived with people guilty, or angry then

negative things about When we grow up,

recreate the emotional environment We also tend to recreate

those we had with If we were highly

then we will seek out who will duplicate this behaviour.

and encouraged as children, this behaviour.

to blame your parents. of victims, and they

that they did not know. did not know how

would have been impossible how to love yourself. best they could with

Think for a minute about If you want to understand

that you ask them

not smart enough, or incapable of then those beliefs will Remember that we are thoughts can be changed. about what we can think, is always in What are you thinking Is it positive or negative? to be creating your future? we learned about ourselves the reactions of Therefore, most of us have that we do not own, life ought to be lived. who were unhappy, frightened, you learned a lot of yourself and your world. we have a tendency to of our early home life. in our personal relationships, our mother and father. criticized as children, those in our adult life If we were praised, loved, then we will recreate I do not encourage you We are all victims could not teach you something If your mother or father to love themselves, it for them to teach you They were coping as the information they had. how they were raised. your parents more, I suggest about their childhoods.

23


Listen to not only but notice what happens

are speaking. What is Can they make eye Look into their eyes find their inner child. for a split second,

some valuable information. ever dealing with

a thought can be changed. the problem is,

effects of inner thoughts. a thought you have

produces a feeling, and However, if you don’t

won’t have the feeling. Change the thought, and

The past has no It does not matter

in a negative pattern. in this moment.

we do choose our thoughts. the same thought

it does not seem as if But we did make We can refuse

How often have you positive thought about yourself?

to think a negative The innermost belief for worked with is always, Everyone that I know

suffering from self-hatred degree or another. I don’t do enough,

are common complaints.

what they are telling you, to them while they their body language like? contact with you? and see if you can You may only see it but it may reveal All that we are is a thought, and No matter what your experiences are outer Even self-hatred is about yourself. This thought you buy into that feeling. have the thought you Thoughts can be changed. the feeling must go. power over us. how long we have been We can be free Believe it or not, We may habitually think over and over so that we are choosing the thought. the original choice. to think certain thoughts. refused to think a You can also refuse thought about yourself. everyone that I have “I am not good enough.” or have worked with is or guilt to one “I am not good enough, or I don’t deserve this,” But for whom are

you not good enough? from the Love Yourself,

The True Story of

My grandmother had an Grandma and Mrs. Wilcox

next-door houses on Main Street of the they were to live I don’t know what

was long before my day that by the time

than 30 years later, just what started it.

being waged bitterly. This was no polite

war between two ladies, Nothing in town escaped

300-year-old church, the American Revolution,

the Spanish-American War, Grandma and Mrs. Wilcox

of the Ladies’ Aid. but it was a

since she could not resigned from the Aid

what’s the fun of you can’t force your Mrs. Wilcox won the

getting her niece Gertrude of my Aunt Phyllis.

was the day Grandma “those filthy germ things” started buying her own.

High School was a draw. better job and left

And by whose standards? Heal Your Life Workbook Arbutus and Sea Gull enemy named Mrs. Wilcox. moved as brides into the sleepy elm-roofed tiny town in which out their lives. started the war- that and I don’t think I came along, more they remembered themselves But it was still Please make no mistake. sparring match. This was which is total war. the repercussion. The which had lived through the Civil War and almost went down when fought the Battle Grandma won that engagement, hollow victory. Mrs. Wilcox, be the president, in a huff, and running a thing if mortal enemy to “eat crow”! Battle of the Public Library, appointed librarian instead The day Gertrude took over stopped reading library books they’d become overnight- and The Battle of the The principal got a before Mrs. Wilcox succeeded

24


in having him ousted, him given life tenure

to these major engagements, and sniping back of

As children, when we part of the fun

Mrs. Wilcox’s impossible grandkids they were, I recall Wilcox side of the

We chased the Wilcox hens, saved from July 4th,

trolley line right in front in the pleasant hope that the explosion- actually

scare Mrs. Wilcox into fits. put a snake into

My grandmother made sensed tacit sympathy, so back of my mother’s no’s,

with our career of If any child of mine...

Don’t think for a a one-sided campaign.

too, remember, more and than my grandmother had.

scot free. She had On Halloween all loose

garden furniture, ridgepole of the barn,

lowered by strong men, Never a windy washday

clothes-line mysteriously breaking, walleyed around in the dirt

done over. Some of been acts of God,

always got the credit. Grandma could have borne

or Grandma in having in office. In addition there was constant sallying the main line of fire. visited my grandmother, was making faces at We were as impossible as stealing grapes off the fence between the gardens. and put percussion caps on the rails of the of the Wilcox house, when the trolley went by, a negligible affair- would One banner day, we the Wilcox rain barrel. token protests, but we different from what lay and went merrily on brattishness. but that’s another story. minute that this was Mrs. Wilcox had grandchildren, tougher and smarter grandchildren Grandma didn’t get off skunks introduced to her cellar. forgotten objects, such as miraculously flew to the whence they had to be hired at exorbitant day rates. went by without the so that the sheets and had to be these occurrences may have but the Wilcox grandchildren I don’t know how her troubles if it

hadn’t been for the daily Boston newspaper. a wonderful institution.

hints and cleaning advice, composed of letters from

The idea was that if or even only some you wrote a letter

signing some fancy name was Grandma’s pen name.

other ladies who had wrote back and told

done about it, One Who Knows or

Very often, the problem on for years writing

columns of the paper, your children and your

dining room suite. to Grandma. She and

corresponded for a and Grandma told Sea Gull

breathed to another soul she hoped that she

another baby but didn’t Uncle Steve got

his hair in school and although she did get

anyone in town guessed. true bosom friend. Mrs. Wilcox died.

no matter how much next-door neighbour, to run over and see

can do for the bereaved. percale apron to show she said about being

household page of her This household page was Besides the usual cooking it had a department readers to each other. you had a problem steam to blow off to the paper, like Arbutus. That Then some of the the same problem you what they had signing themselves Xanthipee, or whatever. disposed of, you kept to each other through the telling each other about canning and your new That’s what happened a woman called Sea Gull quarter of a century, things that she never things like the time was going to have and the time my you-know-what in how humiliated she was, rid of them before Sea Gull was Grandma’s When I was about 16, In a small town, you have hated your it is only common decency what practical service you Grandma, neat in a that she meant what put to work,

25


crossed the two lawns where the Wilcox daughters the already immaculate front

And there on the place of honour was

and in the scrapbook, parallel columns, were her

over the years and Grandma’s worst enemy had

That was the only my grandmother cry. exactly what she was

but I do now. all the wasted years that Then I was impressed

and they made me worthier of remembrance

That was the day to suspect what I my heart, and if

stop believing it, I It is this:

be perfectly impossible. be mean and small

you will take 10 and look again

at a different angle, that they are generous

It all depends. the point from which

- Louise Dickinson Rich

Great Value in Disaster Thomas Edison’s laboratory was

in December, 1914. $2 million, the buildings

to the Wilcox house, set her to cleaning parlour for the funeral. parlour table in the a huge scrapbook, pasted neatly in letters to Sea Gull Sea Gull’s letters to her. been her best friend. time I remembered seeing I didn’t know then crying about, She was crying for could never be salvaged. only by the tears, remember that day than a woman’s tears. when I first began now believe with all ever I have to want to stop living. People may seem to They may seem to and sly. But if paces to the left with the light falling very likely you will see and warm and kind. It all depends on you are seeing them. virtually destroyed by fire Although the damage exceeded were only insured for

$238,000 because they were thought to be fireproof.

work went up in December night. the fire, Edison’s

Charles, frantically searched for smoke and debris.

calmly watching the scene, the reflection, his white hair “My heart ached for him,”

“He was 67- no and everything was When he saw me,

‘Charles, where’s your mother?’ I didn’t know, he said,

She will never see long as she lives.’”

looked at the smoking “There is great value

mistakes are burned up. start anew. Just three

Edison managed to deliver - The Sower’s Seeds

Good News

Robert De Vincenzo, once won a tournament, the check and smiling went to the clubhouse Some time later, he car in the parking lot by a young woman. on his victory and

her child was seriously She did not know

the doctor’s bills and

made of concrete and Much of Edison’s life’s spectacular flames that At the height of 24-year-old son, his father among the He finally found him, his face glowing in blowing in the wind. said Charles. longer a young man going up in flames. he shouted, When I told him ‘Find her. Bring her here. anything like this as The next morning, Edison ruins and said, in disaster. All our Thank God we can weeks after the fire, his first phonograph. the great Argentine golfer, and after receiving for the cameras, he and prepared to leave. walked alone to his and was approached She congratulated him then told him that ill and near death. how she could pay hospital expenses.

26


De Vincenzo was touched he took out a

winning check for payment “Make some good days

as he pressed the The next week he

a country club when a came to his table. in the parking lot that you met a

you won that tournament.” “Well,” said the official She’s a phoney. She

She’s not even married. “You mean there is no asked De Vincenzo.

said the official. I’ve heard all week,”

The Best of Bits & Pieces

Whiners Fear less. hope more Talk less, say more And all good things

- Anonymous When my grandmother was

Arkansas, she had a who were known to be Whenever she saw a

she would call me and say conspiratorially, Of course I would obey.

ask the customer, Brother Thomas?” And

“Not so good.” whine in the voice.

Sister Henderson. You

by her story, and pen and endorsed his to the young woman. for the baby,” he said check into her hand. was having lunch in Professional Golf Association official “Some of the boys last week told me young woman there after De Vincenzo nodded. “I have news for you. has no sick baby. She fleeced you, my friend.” baby who is dying?” “That’s right,” “That’s the best news De Vincenzo replied. Whine less, breathe more Hate less, love more are yours. raising me in Stamps, particular routine when people whiners entered her store. known complainer coming, from whatever I was doing “Sister, come inside. Come.” My grandmother would “How are you doing today, the person would reply, There would be a distinct “Not so good today, see, it’s this summer.

It’s this summer heat. Oh, I hate it so much. and frazzles me down. It’s almost killing me.”

would stand stoically, her “Uh-huh, uh-huh.”

her eyes at me had heard the lamentation.

whiner would mewl, That packed-down dirt

mules ain’t got good sense. I can’t ever seem My feet and my

I get dirt in my eyes I just can’t stand it.”

again stoically, with her “Uh-huh, uh-huh,”

Me and nod. complainer was out of

would call me to And then she would

she had said at it seemed to me.

what Brother So-and-So complained about? And I would nod.

“Sister, there are people all over the world

and white and black, wake again.

to rise did not, cooling boards, and their

winding sheets. And those anything, anything at all

of this weather or 10 person was grumbling about.

I just hate it. It just frazzles me up I just hate the heat. Then my grandmother arms folded, and mumble, And she would cut to make certain that I At another time a “I just hate ploughing. ain’t got no reasoning, and Sure ain’t. It’s killing me. to get done. hands stay sore, and and up my nose. And my grandmother, arms folded, would say, and then look at As soon as the the store, my grandmother stand in front of her. say the same thing least a thousand times, “Sister, did you hear or Sister Much-to-Do You heard that?” Mamma would continue, who went to sleep last night, poor and rich but they will never Sister, those who expected their beds became their blankets became their dead folks would give for just five minutes minutes of that ploughing that So you watch yourself

27


about complaining, Sister. when you don’t like

If you can’t change it, think about it. It is said that

moments in their lives. caught me at each one

of three and 13. but can be dangerous.

brute that a victim - Maya Angelou

True Height

The greater the obstacle, overcoming it.

When it is dark enough,

- Charles A. Beard

His palms were sweating. to dry his grip.

quenched his thirst but The Astroturf he sat on

the competition he faced Junior Olympics.

at 17 feet. than his personal best. most challenging day of

The stands were still filled even though the final

hour earlier. The pole vault event of any track

It combines the grace the strength of a

has the element of flying, flying as high as

What you’re supposed to do a thing is change it. change the way you Don’t complain.” persons have few teachable Mamma seemed to have I had between the ages Whining is not only graceless, It can alert a is in the neighbourhood. the more glory in - Moliere you can see the stars. He needed a towel A glass of ice water hardly cooled his intensity. was as hot as today at the National The pole was set That was three inches higher Michael Stone confronted the his pole-vaulting career. with about 20,000 people, race had ended an is truly the glamour and field competition. of a gymnast with body builder. It also and the thought of a two-story building is

a mere fantasy to anyone Today and now, Michael Stone’s it is his quest.

could remember he had Michael’s mother read him when he was growing up.

ones that described the land Her excitement and passion

Michael’s dreams full of Michael had this one He would be running

He could feel the dirt at his feet.

golden-lined wheat fields, the locomotives passing by.

exact moment he took he began to lift

He would begin soaring Where he flew would

mother’s stories. Wherever a keen eye for detail of his mother’s love. was not a dreamer. hard-core realist. work and sweat.

if you want something, From the age of 14,

He began a very weightlifting program.

other day with weights, work on alternate days.

monitored by Michael’s coach, Michael’s dedication, was a coach’s dream. student and only child,

watching such an event. it is not only reality and dream- As long as Michael always dreamed of flying. numerous stories about flying Their stories were always from a bird’s-eve view. for details made colour and beauty. recurring dream. down a country road. rocks and chunks of As he raced down the he would always outrun It was at the a deep breath that off the ground. like an eagle. always coincide with his he flew was with and the free spirit His dad, on the other hand, Bert Stone was a He believed in hard His motto was: work for it! Michael did just that. careful and regimented He worked out every with some kind of running The program was carefully trainer and father. determination and discipline Besides being an honour Michael Stone continued to

28


help his parents with Michael’s persistence in not only his obsession

Mildred Stone, Michael’s mother, a bit more and

little boy. to talk to him and

but his dad quickly interrupted, “You want something,

All of Michael’s vaults today for his hard work.

surprised, thrilled or arrogant at 17 feet,

As soon as he landing mat, and with the

Michael quickly began preparing at flight. He seemed

he had just surpassed three inches and that he final two competitors in

the National Junior Olympics. bar at 17 feet 2 inches

again he showed no emotion. determination were his vision.

his back and heard the other vaulter had He knew it was time

Since the other vaulter Michael needed to clear

A miss would get him to be ashamed of,

allow himself the thought of He rolled over and

three finger-tipped push-ups Marine-style push-ups. stood and stepped on

their farm chores. striving for perfection was but was his passion. wished he could relax be that “free dreaming” On one occasion she attempted his father about this, smiled and said, work for it!” seemed to be the reward If Michael Stone was about clearing the bar you couldn’t tell. landed on the inflated crowd on its feet, for his next attempt oblivious of the fact his personal best by was one of the the pole-vaulting event at When Michael cleared the and 17 feet 4 inches, Constant preparation and As he lay on the crowd groan, he knew missed his final jump. for his final jump. had fewer misses, this vault to win. second place, nothing but Michael would not not winning first place. did his ritual of along with three He found his pole, the runway that led

to the most challenging 17-year-old life.

different this time. for a brief moment.

hit him like a The bar was set

than his personal best. off the National record,

of the moment filled He began shaking the

It wasn’t working. Why was this happening He began to get nervous. more accurate description. He had never experienced

Then out of nowhere, depths of his soul,

Why now? What was his thoughts at It was simple. to tell him that

anxious or even scared, So he did.

tension from his legs, pole at his feet.

stretch out his arms The light breeze was now gone.

trickle of cold sweat He carefully

He felt his heart the crowd did, too. When he heard the

robins in flight, his time to fly.

down the runway, something

event of his The runway felt It startled him Then it all wet bale of hay. at nine inches higher That’s only one inch he thought. The intensity his mind with anxiety. tension from his body. He became more tense. to him now, he thought. Afraid would be a What was he going to do? these feelings. and from the deepest he envisioned his mother. his mother doing in a time like this? His mother always used when you felt tense, take deep breaths. Along with shaking the he gently laid his He began to and upper body. that was once there He could feel a running down his back. picked up his pole. pounding. He was sure The silence was deafening. singing of some distant he knew it was As he began sprinting felt wonderfully different,

29


yet familiar. felt like the country road

The rocks and the the visions of the to fill his thoughts.

breath, it happened. His take-off was effortless.

now flying, just like Only this time he

This was real. moving in slow motion.

was the purest and freshest Michael was soaring with

It was either the in the stands or the that brought Michael

On his back with on his face,

only envision the smile He knew his dad

even laughing. Bert when he got excited,

sort of giggle. was that his dad

and crying. That’s right: Work For It” Stone in his wife’s arms.

than Mildred had ever he was crying the

tears of pride. with people hugging and

greatest accomplishment of that day to clear

a National and International With all the media attention, swarming herds of heartfelt

The surface below him he used to dream about. chunks of dirt, golden wheat fields seemed When he took a deep He began to fly. Michael Stone was in his childhood dreams. knew he wasn’t dreaming. Everything seemed to be The air around him he had ever sensed. the majesty of an eagle. eruption of the people thump of his landing back to earth. that wonderful hot sun he knew he could on his mother’s face. was probably smiling too, would always do that smile and then What he didn’t know was hugging his wife Bert “If You Want It, was crying like a baby He was crying harder seen before. She also knew greatest tears of all: Michael was immediately swarmed congratulating him on the his life. He later went on 17 feet 61/2 inches: Junior Olympics record. endorsement possibilities and congratulations, Michael’s life would

never be the same. he won the National a new world record.

he had just increased by 9 1/2 inches.

Michael Stone is blind.

The Good List He was in the first

St. Mary’s School in Morris, MN dear to me, but Mark Eklund Very neat in appearance, but attitude that made even his

Mark talked incessantly. and again that talking without What impressed me so much

I corrected him for misbehaving- I didn’t know what to

but before long I became used One morning my patience was

too often, and then I I looked at him and said,

I’m going to tape your mouth shut!” when Chuck blurted out, I hadn’t asked any of the but since I had stated the

I had to act on it. if it had occurred this morning.

deliberately opened my drawer and Without saying a word,

tore off two pieces of tape with them over his mouth.

front of the room. to see how he was doing

That did it! I started laughing. walked back to Mark’s desk,

It wasn’t just because Junior Olympics and set And it wasn’t because his personal best It was simply because by David Naster third grade class I taught at All 34 of my students were was one in a million. had that happy-to-be-alive occasional mischievousness delightful. I had to remind him again permission was not acceptable. was his sincere response every time “Thank you for correcting me, Sister!” make of it at first, to hearing it many times a day. growing thin when Mark talked once made a novice-teacher’s mistake. “If you say one more word, It wasn’t ten seconds later “Mark is talking again.” students to help me watch Mark, punishment in front of the class, I remember the scene as I walked to my desk, took out a roll of masking tape. I proceeded to Mark’s desk, and made a big X I then returned to the As I glanced at Mark he winked at me. The class cheered as I removed the tape and shrugged

30


my shoulders. His first words were, At the end of the

teach junior-high math. and before I knew it Mark

He was more handsome than ever Since he had to listen

in the “new math,” in ninth grade as he

One Friday, things just We had worked hard on

I sensed that the students and edgy with one another.

before it got out of hand. the names of the other students

sheets of paper, leaving Then I told them to

they could say about and write it down.

class to finish the assignment, each one handed me the papers.

“Thank you for teaching me, Sister. That Saturday, I wrote down a separate sheet of paper,

had said about that individual. student his or her list.

entire class was smiling. “I never knew that meant

“I didn’t know others No one ever mentioned

I never knew if they or with their parents,

The exercise had The students were happy with

That group of students moved on. I returned from vacation,

As we were driving home,

“Thanks for correcting me, Sister.” year I was asked to The years flew by, was in my classroom again. and just as polite. carefully to my instructions he did not talk as much had in the third. didn’t feel right in class. a new concept all week, and were frowning, feeling frustrated - I had to stop this crankiness So I asked them to list in the room on two a space between each name. think of the nicest thing each of their classmates It took the remainder of the and as the students left the room, Charlie smiled. Mark said, Have a good weekend.” the name of each student on and I listed what everyone else On Monday I gave each Before long, the “Really?” I heard whispered. anything to anyone!” liked me so much!” those papers in class again. discussed them after class but it didn’t matter. accomplished its purpose. themselves each another again. Several years later, after my parents met me at the airport. Mother asked me the usual

questions about the trip– the There was a light lull

Mother gave Dad a sideways My father cleared his throat saying something important. he began. “Really?” I said.

I wonder how Mark is.” “Mark died in Vietnam.”

and his parents would like it To this day I can still point

where Dad told me about Mark. in a military coffin before.

so mature. All I could Mark, I would give all the

if only you would talk to me. with Mark’s friends.

Battle Hymn of the Republic.” on the day of the funeral? The pastor said prayers, One by one those who

by the coffin and sprinkled I was the last one As I stood there,

who had acted as “Were you Mark’s math teacher?”

continued to stare at the coffin. he said. After the funeral,

headed to Chuck’s farm for lunch. obviously waiting for me. his father said, taking a

“They found this on Mark We thought you might

he carefully removed two that had obviously been taped,

I knew without looking that on which I had listed

weather, my experiences in general. in the conversation then. glance and simply says, “Dad?” as he usually did before “The Eklunds called last night,” “I haven’t heard from them in years. Dad responded quietly. “The funeral is tomorrow, if you could attend.” to the exact spot on I-494 I had never seen a serviceman Mark looked so handsome, think at that moment was, masking tape in the world The church was packed Chuck’s sister sang “The Why did it have to rain It was hard enough at the grave. and the bugler played taps. loved Mark took a last walk it with holy water. to bless the coffin. one of the soldiers pallbearer came up to me. he asked. I nodded as I “Mark talked about you a lot,” most of Mark’s former classmates Mark’s mother and father were there, “We want to show you something,” wallet out of his pocket. when he was killed. remember it.” Opening the billfold, worn pieces of notebook paper folded and refolded many times. the papers were the ones all the good things

31


each of Mark’s classmates “Thank you so much for

As you can see, Mark treasured it.” to gather around us.

said, “I still have my list. of my desk at home.” Asked me to put this

“I have mine too,”, said Marilyn. She reached into her purse,

worn and frazzled paper. “I carry this with me,

without batting an eyelash showed us the list. That’s when I finally I cried for Mark and

would never see him again.

The purpose of this letter, to compliment the people We often tend to forget our affections and love.

could mean the most to another send this letter around and

to express your love and caring open with communication.

in society is so thick, will end one day.

that one day will be. to tell the people you love are special and important.

before it is too late.

had said about him. doing that” Mark’s mother said. Mark’s classmates started Charlie smiled sheepishly and It’s in the top drawer Chuck’s wife said, “Chuck in our wedding album.” “It’s in my diary.” And showed us her Then Vicki, another classmate, said at all times,” Vicki said, and took out her wallet and “I think we all saved our lists.” sat down and cried. for all his friends who THE END is to encourage everyone you love and care about. the importance of showing Sometimes the smallest of things, I am asking you, to please spread the message and encouragement, by complimenting and being The density of people that we forget that life And we don’t know when So please, I beg of you, and care for, that they Tell them, written by Sister Helen P. Mrosia

THE BUFFOON AND A rich nobleman once charge to the people,

that he would handsomely invented a new amusement public performers contended

them came a Buffoon populace for his jokes, a kind of entertainment

brought out on any being spread about made the theatre was crowded

Buffoon appeared alone upon apparatus or confederates, of expectation caused an

bent his head towards the squeaking of a with his voice that he had a porker

demanded that it be was done and nothing the actor, and loaded

applause. A Countryman in that had passed, said:

he shall not beat and at once proclaimed

the same thing on in a much more

morrow a still much the theatre, but now

actor very generally prevailed, to rather ridicule the

the spectacle. Both of the stage. The Buffoon first, and obtained, as

the applause and cheers

THE COUNTRYMAN opened the theatres without and gave a public notice reward any person who for the occasion. Various for the prize. Among well known among the and said that he had which had never been stage before. This report a great stir, and in every part. The the platform, without any and the very sense intense silence. He suddenly his bosom and imitated little pig so admirably the audience declared under his cloak, and shaken out. When that was found, they cheered him with the loudest the crowd, observing all So help me, Hercules, me at that trick!" that he would do the next day, though natural way. On the larger crowd assembled in partially for their favourite and the audience came Countryman than to see the performers appeared on grunted and squeaked away on the preceding day, of the spectators. Next

32


the Countryman commenced, concealed a little pig

in truth he did, the audience) contrived to

to pull its ear squeak. The Crowd, however,

consent that the Buffoon more exact imitation, and

man to be kicked On this the rustic

from his cloak and proof the greatness here," he said, "this

judges you are."

THE FOX AND A fox was mounting lost his footing and

Bramble to save himself. torn the soles of

the Bramble because, when her for assistance, she than the hedge itself. said: "But you really

of your senses to who am myself always myself upon others."

THE HAWK AND THE

A Nightingale, sitting aloft according to his wont,

who, being in need and seized him. The

his life, earnestly begged him go, saying that

enough to satisfy the

and pretending that he beneath his clothes (which but not suspected by take hold of and causing the pig to cried out with one had given a far clamoured for the Country out of the theatre. produced the little pig showed by the most positive of their mistake. "Look shows what sort of THE BRAMBLE a hedge when he caught hold of a Having pricked and grievously his feet, he accused he had fled to had used him worse The Bramble, interrupting him, must have been out fasten yourself on me, accustomed to fasten NIGHTINGALE upon an oak and singing was seen by a Hawk of food, swooped down Nightingale, about to lose the Hawk to let he was not big hunger of a Hawk,

who, if he wanted food, larger birds. The Hawk, "I should indeed have

I should let go food for the sake of not yet even in

ONE AT A TIME A friend of ours was

Mexican beach at sunset. he began to see a As he grew nearer,

local native kept leaning and throwing it into

again he kept hurling As our friend approached

that the man was had been washed up

one at a time, back into the water.

He approached the man friend. I was wondering

"I'm throwing these starfish You see, it's low tide of these starfish have

the shore. If I into the sea, they'll lack of oxygen." "I "but there must be

this beach. You can't of them. There are

don't you realize this hundreds of beaches this coast. Can't you

possibly make a difference?"

ought to pursue the interrupting him, said: lost my senses if ready in my hand, pursuing birds which are my sight." walking down a deserted As he walked along, man in the distance. he noticed that the down, picking something up the water. Time and things into the water. even closer, he saw picking up starfish that on the beach and, he was throwing them Our friend was puzzled. and said, "Good evening, what you are doing." back into the ocean. right now and all been washed up onto don't throw them back die up here from understand," my friend replied, thousands of starfish on possibly get to all simply too many. And is probably happening on all up and down see that you can't The local native smiled,

33


bent down and picked and as he threw it

he replied, "Made a - Jack Canfield and

JOHN CORCORAN - THE For as long as

words had mocked him. traded places, vowel sounds

tunnels of his ears. at his desk, stupid

stone, knowing he would else forever. If only

to that little boy, his shoulder and said:

be scared." But no dyslexia then. And John

the left side of humans use to arrange

sequence, had always misfired. they put him in

In the third grade yardstick to the other

to read or write have a crack at

grade his teacher called and let one minute

another until the child Then he was passed grade and the next.

a year in his life. John was voted homecoming the valedictorian and starred

His mom kissed him kept talking about college.

up yet another starfish, back into the sea, difference to that one!" Mark V. Hansen MAN WHO COULDN'T READ John Corcoran could remember, The letters in sentences lost themselves in the In school he'd sit and silent as a be different from everyone someone had sat next put an arm around I'll help you, Don't one had heard of couldn't tell them that his brain, the lobe symbols logically in a Instead, in second grade the "dumb" row. a nun handed a children when John refused and have each student his legs. In fourth on him to read of quiet pile upon thought he would suffocate. on to the next John Corcoran never failed In his senior year, king, went steady with on the basketball team. when he graduated- and College? It would be

insane to consider. But the University of Texas

he could try out He took a deep

and recrossed enemy lines. each new friend: Which

Which gave multiple choice? out of a class,

of scribble from his asked to see his

thick textbooks in the wouldn't doubt. And he

but unable to sleep, whirring mind let go.

to Mass 30 days of dawn, if only get his degree.

He gave God his Now what? Maybe he edge. Maybe the thing about- his mind most

to have admired. in 1961, John became in California. Each day

read the textbook to standardized tests that he

a form with holes and he lay in

weekend mornings, depressed. an A student and like John. A rock.

"There's something I have he said one night in

"I... I can't read." thought. He must mean

Kathy didn't understand until

he finally decided on at El Paso where for the basketball team. breath, closed his eyes, On campus John asked teachers gave essay tests? The minute he stepped he tore the pages notebook, in case anyone notes. He stared at evening so his roommate lay in bed, exhausted unable to make his John promised he'd go straight at the crack God would let him He got the diploma. 30 days of Mass. was addicted to the he felt most insecure was what he needed Maybe that's why, a teacher. John taught he had a student the class. He gave could grade by placing over each correct answer bed for hours on Then he met Kathy, a nurse. Not a leaf, to tell you, Kathy," 1965 before their marriage, "He's a teacher," she he can't read well. years later when she

34


saw John unable to to their 18-month-old his forms, read and didn't he simply ask to read and write?

anyone could teach him. $2,500, bought a second

and rented it. He And another. His business

until he needed a a partner. Then one

him he was a millionaire. a millionaire always pulled PUSH or paused before

waiting to see which out of? In 1982

fall out. His properties and investors pulled out. and lawsuits tumbled out moment, it seemed, he

to extend his loans, on the job, trying

pyramid of paper. Soon him on the witness stand black robes would say: Can't you even read?"

of 1986, at age 48, swore he never would. house as collateral to loan. And he walked Library and told the

the tutoring program, "I He was placed with

named Eleanor Condit. phonetically- she began

months, his land-development John Corcoran was learning

read a children's book daughter. Kathy filled out wrote his letters. Why her to teach him He couldn't believe that At age 28 John borrowed house, fixed it up bought and rented another. got bigger and bigger secretary, a lawyer and day his accountant told Perfect. Who'd notice that on the doors that said entering public bathrooms, one the men walked the bottom began to began to sit empty Threats of foreclosures of envelopes. Every waking was pleading with bankers coaxing builders to stay to make sense of the he knew they'd have and the man in "The truth, John Corcoran. Finally in the fall John did two things he He put up his obtain one last construction into the Carlsbad City woman in charge of can't read." Then he cried. a 65-year-old grandmother Painstakingly, letter by letter, teaching him. Within 14 company began to revive. to read. The next

step was confession: a businessmen in San Diego.

to come clean. He board of directors of

on Literacy and began to give speeches. "Illiteracy

he would cry. "We anyone. We need to become

people to read!" He magazine he could get road sign he passed, Kathy could bear it. singing. And now he

day it occurred to he could finally do. in his office, that

by ribbon...a quarter could read his wife's

-Pamela Truax

DON'T BE AFRAID You've failed many times, remember. You fell down

to walk. You almost you tried to swim, hit the ball the first bat? Heavy hitters,

the most home runs, R.H. Macy failed store in New York

John Creasey got 753 published 564 books. 1,330 times, but he

Don't worry about failure. you miss when

-by United Technologies Corp.

speech before 200 stunned To heal, he had was placed on the the San Diego Council travelling across the country is a form of slavery!" can't waste time blaming obsessed with teaching read every book or his hands on, every out loud, as long as It was glorious, like could sleep. Then one him- one more thing Yes, that dusty box sheaf of papers bound century later, John Corcoran love letters. TO FAIL although you may not the first time you tried drowned the first time didn't you? Did you time you swung a the ones who hit also strike out a lot. seven times before his caught on. English novelist rejection slips before he Babe Ruth struck out also hit 714 home runs. Worry about the chances you don't even try. from Wall Street Journal

35


JUST SAY IT! If you were going

had only one phone who would you call say? And why are -Stephen Levine

One night, after reading of parenting books I've a little guilty because parenting strategies I

The main strategy was child and use those

love you." It had that children need to

and unequivocally that I went upstairs to

knocked on the door. I could hear were he was there but

So I opened the door, he was sitting with

to a tape and I leaned over to

said to him, "Tim, He said, "Oh, sure,

for one." We proceeded about 15 minutes of

I just looked at I really love the

He said, "Oh, thanks I walked out the you later!" As I

dawned on me that with a certain message

I felt it was really up there and have

to die soon and call you could make, and what would you you waiting? one of the hundreds read, I was feeling the book described some hadn't used in a while. to talk with your three magic words: "I stressed over and over know that unconditionally you really love them. my son's bedroom and As I knocked, all his drums. I knew he wasn't answering. and sure enough, there his earphones on, listening playing his drums. After get his attention, I you have a second?" Dad. I'm always good to sit down and after small talk and stuttering, him and said, "Tim, way you play drums." Dad, I appreciate it." door and said, "See was walking downstairs, it I went up there and had not delivered it. important to get back another chance to say

those three magic words. stairs, knocked on the

"You got a second, always good for a

do you need?" "Son, came up here to share

something else came out. I wanted to share

remember when you were it caused me a lot

three words and slipped in hopes that it would

I'd done my part expressed my love to

a little small talk, and said, "What I

is that we love you." and said, "Oh thanks, Mom?" I said, "Yeah, we just don't express

"Thanks, that means a I turned around and

As I was walking "I can't believe this. there twice- I know

and yet something else I decided I'm going and let Tim know He's going to hear I don't care if he

So back I go, and he yells, "Wait

me who it is. Dad?" I said, "How'd

he responded, "I've known a parent, Dad."

have you got just

Again I climbed the door and opened it. Tim?" "Sure, Dad. I'm second or two. What the first time I a message with you, It really wasn't what with you. Tim, do you learning how to drive, of problems? I wrote them under your pillow take care of it. as a parent and my son." Finally after I looked at Tim want you to know He looked at me Dad. That's you and that's both of us, it enough." He said, lot. I know you do." walked out the door. downstairs, I started thinking, I've already been up what the message is comes out of my mouth." back up there now exactly how I feel. it directly from me. is six feet tall! knock on the door a minute. Don't tell Could that be you, you know that?" and you since you were Then I said, "Son, one more second?"

36


"You know I'm good on in. I suppose

what you wanted to "How'd you know that?"

I was in diapers." it is, Tim, what I've

I just want to express you are to our family.

and it's not what the things you're doing

kids in town. It's a person. I love

wanted you to know I don't know why

so important." He looked "Hey, Dad, I know

really special hearing you Thanks so much for

as the intent." out the door, he

Have you got another "Oh no. What's he going

I said, "Oh sure. one." I don't know I'm sure it couldn't but he said, "Dad,

you one more question." He looked at me

you been to a workshop I'm thinking, "Oh no,

old, he's got my number," I was reading a book,

important it is to really feel about them."

the time. Talk to I think what Tim

for one, so come you didn't tell me tell me?" I said, "I've known you since I said, "Well, here been holding back on. to you how special It's not what you do, you've done, like all with the junior high who you are as you and I just I love you, and I hold back on something at me and he said, you do and it's say it to me. your thoughts, as well As I was walking said, "Oh, hey Dad. second?" I started thinking, to say to me?" I'm always good for where kids get this. be from their parents, I just wanted to ask I said, "What's that?" and said, "Dad, have or something like that?" like any other 18-year and I said, "No, and it said how tell your kids how you "Hey, thanks for taking you later, Dad." taught me, more than

anything else that night way you can understand

purpose of love is pay the price.

out there and risk -Gene Bradley

The Rules For

1. You will receive like it or hate it,

for the entire period 2. You will learn lessons.

in a full-time informal Each day in this

the opportunity to learn the lessons or think

3. There are no mistakes, a process of trial

The "failed" experiments the process as the

"works." 4. A lesson A lesson will be

Various forms until you you have learned it,

on to the next lesson. not end. There is

that does not contain are alive, there are

6. "There" is no better "there" has become a

obtain another "there" that than "here." 7. Others you. You cannot love

another person unless it or hate about yourself.

your life is up all the tools and resources

is that the only the real meaning and to be willing to You have to go sharing it. Being Human a body. You may but it will be yours of this time around. You are enrolled school called Life. school you will have lessons. You may like them irrelevant and stupid. only lessons. Growth is and error: Experimentation. are as much of experiment that ultimately is repeated until learned. presented to you in have learned it. When you can then go 5. Learning lessons does no part of life its lessons. If you lessons to be learned. than "here." When your "here," you will simply will again look better are merely mirrors of or hate something about reflects something you love 8. What you make of to you. You have you need. What you do

37


with them is up is yours. 9. The answers

answer's to Life's questions you need to do is 10. You will forget can remember it

- unknown

EVERYBODY HAS Some years ago I

in a southern county on public welfare.

was show that everybody self-sufficient and all was activate them.

to pick a group on public welfare, people

and different family see them as a

every Friday. I also petty cash to work

The first thing I hands with everybody was,

what your dreams are." as if I were kind

We don't have dreams." you were a kid

something you wanted said to me, "I

can do with dreams. up my kids." "Oh," No, of course, you with the rats and

that be helped?" "Well, new screen door because

my screen door." anybody around here who

to you. The choice lie inside you. The lie inside you. All look, listen and trust. all this. 11. You whenever you want. A DREAM took on an assignment to work with people What I wanted to do has the capacity to be we have to do I asked the county of people who were from different racial groups constellations. I would then group for three hours asked for a little with as I needed. said after I shook "I would like to know Everyone looked at me of wacky. "Dreams. I said, "Well, when what happened? Wasn't there to do?" One woman don't know what you The rats are eating I said. "That's terrible. are very much involved your kids. How can I could use a there are holes in I asked, "Is there knows how to fix

a screen door?" There group, and he said,

I used to do now I have a but I'll try." I

some money if he store and buy some

the lady's screen door. could do that?" "Yes, week, when the group to the woman, "Well, fixed?" "Oh, yes," she

start dreaming, can't we?" at me. I said did the work,

He said, "Well, you know, I'm beginning to feel

That helped the group seemingly small successes

see that dreams were steps began to get

feel that something really to ask other people

woman shared that she a secretary. I said,

your way?" (That's always "I have six kids, to take care of

"Let's find out," I said. this group who would

kids for a day while this woman gets

the community college?" got kids, too, but

"Let's do it," I said. and the woman went

was a man in the "A long time ago things like that but terribly bad back, told him I had would go to the screening and go and fix "Do you think you I'll try." The next was seated, I said is your screen door said. "Then we can She sort of smiled to the man who "How do you feel?" it's a very funny thing. a lot better." begin to dream. These allowed the group to not insane. These small people to see and could happen. I began about their dreams. One always wanted to be "Well, what stands in my next question) She said, and I don't have anyone them while I'm away." "Is there anybody in take care of six or two a week some training here at One woman said, "I I could do that." So a plan was created to school. Everyone found

38


something. The man who door became a handyman.

in the children became person. In 12 weeks

people off public welfare. that once,

many times.

THE ANIMAL SCHOOL Once upon a time,

must do something heroic of "a new world."

a school. They adopted consisting of running, climbing,

make it easier to all the animals took

The duck was excellent better than his instructor, passing grades in flying

in running. Since he he had to stay

drop swimming in order was kept up until

badly worn and he swimming. But average

so nobody worried about The rabbit started at class in running, but because of so much

swimming. The squirrel was he developed frustration in

his teacher made him up instead of from

He also developed a and then got a a D in running.

problem child and was

put in the screen The woman who took a licensed foster care I had all these I've not only done I've done it -Virginia Satir the animals decided they to meet the problems So they organized an activity curriculum swimming, and flying. To administer the curriculum, all the subjects. in swimming, in fact but he made only and was very poor was slow in running, after school and also to practice running. This his webbed feet were was only average in was acceptable in school, that except the duck. the top of the had a nervous breakdown make-up work in excellent in climbing until his flying class where start from the ground the treetop down. "Charlie horse" from overexertion C in climbing and The eagle was a disciplined severely. In the

climbing class he beat top of the tree, his own way to end of the year,

could swim exceedingly well, and fly a little,

and was valedictorian. out of school and

because the administration and burrowing to the

their children to a the groundhogs to start

Does this fable have - George H. Reavis

CARPE DIEM! One who stands as

courageous expression is teacher portrayed by Poets Society. In this

takes a group of impotent students at a inspires them to make These young men, as them, have lost sight They're automatically

programs and expectations to become doctors, lawyers

is what their parents are going to do.

have given hardly any hearts are calling them

scene in the movie the boys down to

a trophy case displays classes. "Look at these

all the others to the but insisted on using get there. At the an abnormal eel that and also run, climb had the highest average The prairie dogs stayed fought the tax levy would not add digging curriculum. They apprenticed badger and later joined a successful private school. a moral? a shining example of John Keating, the transformative Robin Williams in Dead masterful motion picture, Keating regimented, uptight and spiritually rigid boarding school and their lives extraordinary. Keating points out to of their dreams and ambitions. living out their parents' for them. They plan and bankers because that have told them they But these dry fellows thought to what their to express. An early shows Mr. Keating taking the school lobby where photos of earlier graduating pictures, boys," Keating tells

39


the students. "The young the same fire in their They planned to take and make something That was 70 years

all pushing up daisies. really lived out their what they set out

Keating leans into the whispers aloud, "Carpe diem!

first the students do make of this strange

ponder the importance of to respect and revere

given them a new original ones. "All of with some kind of like to give- some

creativity or aliveness that our shirt." One character

Overstreet, has a terminal girl. The only problem

the girlfriend of a infatuated with this lovely

cellular level but he approach her. Then he

Seize the day! just go on dreaming and

He’s going to about it. And so

poetically he declares to feelings. In the process

by her, punched in boyfriend and faces

is unwilling to forsake pursues his heart's desire. genuineness of his caring

men you behold had eyes that you do. the world by storm magnificent of their lives. ago. Now they are How many of them dreams? Did they do to accomplish?" Then Mr. cluster of preppies and Seize the day!" At not know what to teacher. But soon they his words. They come Mr. Keating, who has vision- or returned their us are walking around\d birthday card we would personal expression of joy, we are hiding under in the movie, Knox crush on a gorgeous is that she is famous jock. Knox is creature down to a lacks the confidence to remembers Mr. Keating's advice: Knox realizes he cannot if he wants her, have to do something he does. Boldly and her his most sensitive he gets turned away the nose by her embarrassing setbacks. But Knox his dream, so he Ultimately she feels the and opens her heart

to him. Although Knox is or popular, the girl the power of his He has made his

a chance to practice I developed a crush

I met in a younger than I, she lifestyle and we did deal to talk about.

this seemed to matter. her and I felt

presence. And it seemed my company as well.

birthday was coming up, her out. On the I sat and looked

about half an hour. hung up before

like a high school boy anticipation and fear of

hell kept telling me like me and that

nerve asking her out. enthusiastic about being with

fears stop me. Finally nerve to ask her.

asking and told me I felt shot down. told me not to

give up before I But I was intent

attraction was about. of me that wanted I had feelings for

had to express them. mall and got her

not especially good-looking is won over by sincere intention. life extraordinary. I had seizing the day myself. on a cute girl pet store. She was led a very different not have a great But somehow none of I enjoyed being with a sparkle in her to me she enjoyed When I learned her I decided to ask threshold of calling her, at the phone for Then I dialled and it rang. I felt like bouncing between excited rejection. A voice from that she would not I had a lot of But I felt too her to let those I got up the She thanked me for she already had plans. The same voice that call advised me to was further embarrassed. on seeing what this There was more inside to come to life. this woman, and I I went to the a pretty birthday card

40


on which I wrote walked around the corner

where I knew she approached the door, that

cautioned me, what if What if she

vulnerable, I stuffed the I decided that if

of affection, I would if she was cool

leave the card hidden. not be at risk

or embarrassment. We and I did not get

the other from her. I began to make

approached the door, however, It came in a whisper,

Keating. It prompted me, Carpe Diem!" Here I

aspiration to fully express resistance to face the

How can I go to live their vision,

am not living my own? thing that could happen?

delighted to receive a I decided to seize made my choice I

course through my veins. in intention. I felt

peace with myself than I I needed to learn

and give love without I took the card out

turned around, walked up gave it to her.

a poetic note. I to the pet shop was working. As I same disturbing voice she doesn't like you? rejects you?" Feeling card under my shirt. she showed me signs give it to her; to me, I would This way I would and would avoid rejection talked for a while any signs one way or Feeling ill-at-ease, my exit. As I another voice spoke to me. not unlike that of Mr. "Remember Knox Overstreet... was confronted with my my heart and my insecurity of emotional nakedness. around telling other people I asked myself, when I Besides, what's the worst Any woman would be poetic birthday card. the day. As I felt a surge of courage There was indeed power more satisfied and at had in a long time. to open my heart requiring anything in return. from under my shirt, to the counter and As I handed it

to her I felt an plus fear. (Fritz Perls

"excitement without breath") do you know what?

impressed. She said, "Thanks" aside without even opening

I felt disappointed and seemed even worse than

I offered a polite out of the store.

I began to feel exhilarated. internal satisfaction welled up

through my whole being. heart and then felt

beyond fear and gone floor. Yes, I had

but I did it. trembling if you must,

had put my heart guarantee of the results.

in order to get my feelings to her

a particular response. The to make any relationship

your love out there. to a warm bliss.

and at peace with in a long time.

of the whole experience: to open my heart

requiring anything in return. about creating a relationship

was about deepening And I did it.

been proud. But most I have not seen

then, but that experience

incredible aliveness and excitement said that fear is But I did it. And She was not particularly and put the card it. My heart sank. rejected. Getting no response a direct brush-off. good-bye and walked Then something amazing happened. A huge rush of within me and surged I had expressed my fantastic. I had stretched out on the dance been a little clumsy, (Emmet Fox said, "Do it but do it!") I on the line without a I did not give something back. I opened without an attachment to dynamics that are required work: Just keep putting My exhilaration deepened I felt more satisfied myself than I had I realized the purpose I needed to learn and give love without This experience was not with this woman. It my relationship with myself. Mr. Keating would have of all, I was proud. the girl much since changed my life.

41


Through that simple interaction I that are required to

perhaps the whole world putting your love out there.

are hurt when we that is not what when we do not born to love. You

are divinely created love powerfully when we are

has led us to believe is dependent on other

this is the kind that has caused so

The truth is that dependent on our giving

what comes back; it's -Alan Cohen

YOU ARE A MARVEL Each second we live

moment of the universe, never be again. And

our children? We teach two make four, and capital of France.

them what they are? each of them: Do you

You are a marvel. In all the years

has never been another Your legs, your arms,

the way you move. Shakespeare, a Michelangelo,

the capacity for anything. And when you grow up, another who is, like you,

clearly saw the dynamics make any relationship and work: Just keep We believe that we don't receive love. But hurts us. Our pain comes give love. We were might say that we machines. We function most giving love. The world that our well-being people loving us. But of upside-down thinking many of our problems. our well-being is love. It's not about about what goes out! is a new and unique a moment that will what do we teach them that two plus that Paris is the When will we teach We should say to know what you are? You are unique. that have passed, there child like you. your clever fingers, You may become a a Beethoven. You have Yes, you are a marvel. can you then harm a marvel? You must

work, we must all work, worthy of its children.

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS

I have a friend named a horse ranch in let me use his

fund-raising events to at risk programs. The

there he introduced me to tell you why my house. It all

story about a young son of an itinerant go from stable to

race track, farm to ranch, training horses.

boy's high school career When he was a to write a paper

to be and do "That night he wrote

describing the goal of horse ranch. He wrote

great detail and he of a 200-acre ranch, all the buildings, the

Then he drew a a 4,000 square-foot

on the 200-acre a great deal of

and the next day to his teacher. Two his paper back. On a large red F with

"See me after class." dream went to see

to make the world - Pablo Casals Monty Roberts who owns California. He has house to put on raise money for youth last time I was by saying, "I want I let Jack use goes back to a man who was the horse trainer who would stable, race track to farm and ranch to As a result, the was continually interrupted. senior, he was asked about what he wanted when he grew up. a seven-page paper his someday owning a about his dream in even drew a diagram showing the location of stables and the track. detailed floor plan for house that would sit dream ranch. He put heart into the project he handed it in days later he received the front page was a note that read. The boy with the the teacher after class

42


and asked, "Why did The teacher said, "This

for a young boy no money. You come

You have no resources. requires a lot of

buy the land. You the original breeding stock

to pay large stud you could ever do it."

"If you will rewrite more realistic goal, I The boy went home long and hard. He he should do. His you have to make on this. However, I

important decision for you." it for a week,

the same paper, making He stated, "You can I'll keep my dream."

the assembled group and this story because you

4,000 square-foot house 200-acre horse ranch.

school paper framed over "The best part of

two summers ago that 30 kids to camp

for a week," leaving, he said, "Look,

you this now. When I was something of

those years I stole a Fortunately you had enough

up on yours." Don't let

I receive an F?" is an unrealistic dream like you. You have from an itinerant family. Owning a horse ranch money. You have to have to pay for and later you'll have fees. There's no way Then the teacher added, this paper with a will reconsider your grade." and thought about it asked his father what father said, "Look, son, up your own mind think it's a very Finally, after sitting with the boy turned in no changes at all. keep the F and Monty then turned to said, I tell you are sitting in my in the middle of my I still have that the fireplace." He added, the story is that same school teacher brought out on my ranch When the teacher was Monty, I can tell I was your teacher, a dream stealer. During lot of kid's dreams. gumption not to give anyone steal your dreams.

Follow your heart, -Jack Canfield

ON COURAGE

"So you think I'm "Yes, I do."

that's because I've had tell you about one

ago, when I worked Stanford Hospital, I got

girl named Liza who rare and serious disease. recovery appeared to be

her five-year-old survived the same disease

antibodies needed to combat explained the situation to

asked the boy if to give his blood

him hesitate only for a deep breath and if it will save Liza.'

progressed, he lay in his sister and smiled,

seeing the colour returning his face grew pale He looked up at

with a trembling voice, die right away?'

had misunderstood the doctor; going to have to give

Yes, I've learned courage," had inspiring teachers."

THE ROYAL KNIGHTS

Within walking distance of also light-years away,

no matter what." courageous?" she asked. "Perhaps I am. But some inspiring teachers. I'll of them. Many years as a volunteer at to know a little was suffering from a Her only chance of a blood transfusion from brother, who had miraculously and had developed the the illness. The doctor her little brother, and he would be willing to his sister. I saw a moment before taking saying, 'Yes, I'll do it "As the transfusion bed next to as we all did, to her cheeks. Then and his smile faded. the doctor and asked 'Will I start to "Being young, the boy he thought he was her all his blood. she added, "because I've -Dan Millman OF HARLEM my Manhattan apartment, but there is a part

43


of New York called ways it is a

and maternal mortality rates as in say, Bangladesh,

expectancy is even shares with the rest

many people are also parts of the city

this is combined with the condescension of

who work in this wouldn't dream of living

have little to do lesson for kids is clear:

people who live only At a junior high

barren patch of concrete on East 101st Street,

usual English courses, plus language to students who Rico, Central and South Hong Kong. Those kids

new culture, strange rules, parents who may be

as they are. with them. While looking

bind one such group to learn English at

noticed someone in the chessboard. As a chess the game crossed many got permission from a

start a chess club the girls came.

playing chess, they assumed them, and without even

a role model, those

Spanish Harlem. In many Third World Country. Infant are about the same and average male life shorter. These facts it of Harlem, yet here separated from more affluent by language. When all invisibility in the media, many teachers and police Third World country but there, and textbooks that with their lives, the They are "less than" a few blocks away. that rises from a playgrounds and metal fences Bill Hall teaches the English as a second arrive directly from Puerto America, even Pakistan and are faced with a a tough neighbourhood and feeling just as lost Bill Hall is faced for an interest to together and help them the same time, Bill neighbourhood carrying a player himself, he knew cultural boundaries, so he very sceptical principle to after school. Few of Never having seen women this game wasn't for a female teacher as few who did come

gradually dropped out. stayed away, too- chess

game that made you but about half a dozen

the basics. Their friends for staying after school,

that chess was a it wouldn't help them

they kept coming. boys something rare in attention of someone

Gradually, their skills in improved. As they got game, Bill took them

schools outside Spanish Harlem. their subway fares and thing on his teacher's

he cared. They began to white man a little more.

more independent, Bill asked one event, and to preparation for it.

wasn't around, the boys for each other: to

lagging behind, to share explain to each other's

such a waste of too, this new sense

into their classrooms to improve. As they

chess players, Bill Hall's With a little money

Chess Club, he took finals in Syracuse.

disparate, isolated, often had now become a team name: The Royal Knights.

Some of the boys wasn't the kind of popular in this neighbourhood. remained to learn made fun of them and some parents felt waste of time since get a job, but still, Bill was giving these their lives: the wholehearted who believed in them. both chess and English more expert at the to chess matches at Because he paid for pizza dinners, no small salary, the boys knew trust this middle-aged To help them become each boy to captain handle all travel and Gradually, even when Bill began to assume responsibility coach those who were personal problems and to parents why chess wasn't time after all. Gradually, of competence carried over and their grades began became better students and dreams for them grew. supplied by the Manhattan them to the state What had been twelve passive, shut-down kids with their own chosen After finishing third in

44


their own state, they Junior High Finals in

Bill's own colleagues were he shouldn't be spending

In real life, these get past New Jersey,"

Why raise funds to country and make them lives? Nonetheless, Bill

to California. In that finished seventeenth out of

chess had become a if only because it On one of their

chess club, the team girl from the Soviet Union

World Champion. Even Bill that two of his If this girl could

from Russia, why couldn't there? After all, it of the world, and

Games were coming up. their age had ever

in Bill's school district So did a couple

approached for travel money. thought his team could

the goal. The trip boys' horizons, Bill argued.

up with a $20,000 that this crazy dream boarded the plane for

their trip to Russia the country from which estranged only a few

veterans of Spanish Harlem,

were eligible for the California. By now, however, giving him reasons why so much time and effort. ghetto kids would "never as one teacher put it. fly them across the more dissatisfied with their raised money for tickets national competition, they 109 teams. By now subject of school interest led to field trips. days at a New York members met a young who was the Women's was floored by the idea kids came up with: come all the way The Royal Knights go was the chess capital the Scholastic Chess Friendship Though no U.S. players entered these games, officials rallied round the idea. of the corporations he Of course, no one win, but that wasn't itself would widen the When Pepsi-Cola came check, Bill began to realize was coming true. They the first leg of as official representatives of they had felt so months before. But as they also made very

clear that they were hood. On the back

jackets was emblazoned "The Royal Knights." Once however, their confidence

The experience and deliberate opponents were something encountered. Finally one of

spell by playing a his 30's to draw

The Russians weren't just people like them. won about half their

a home-grown advantage of speed chess.

who had been taught were virtues, the Knights

style that made them By the time Bill

got to Leningrad to part of their competition, good again. Though they

random for their need for any talent at chess, been playing for only won one match and

When the Knights got they were convinced It was a conviction

few months later when junior high school club gentle man who rarely

about a recent confrontation Puerto Rican team members

As Bill urged the boy he had done so well

the teacher, thinking he

representing their own neighbour of their satin athletic not "U.S.A.", but they were in Moscow, began to falter badly. style of their Soviet they had never previously the Knights broke the Soviet Grand Master in in a simulation match. invincible after all; After that, the Knights matches, and even discovered in the special event Unlike the Soviet players, that slowness and deliberation had a street smart both fast and accurate. and his team had take on the toughest the boys were feeling had been selected at to learn English, not and though they had a few months, they achieved a draw in another. back to New York, they could do anything. they would need. A I went to their room, Bill Hall, a big gets angry, was furious between one of the and a white teacher. to explain to me, on a test that had cheated, made him

45


take it over. well a second time,

pleased than annoyed "If this had been a

neighbourhood," said Bill, have happened." It was

bias that these boys but now had the

"Maybe the teacher was said cheerfully. "I mean,

on the map." Their dingy junior high

been chosen by a the site of a

Every principle in the for a chess program,

newspapers had interviewed Now that their junior

weeks away, bids from programs for "gifted" kids

even one from a Though all the boys

upcoming separation, it was who persuaded the boy

to accept it. go for it," as one said. him every week," said

third, "we all plan for life." With career

accounting, teaching, they wouldn't have thought

telling what continuing at reunions of this

its own support group they doing, I asked,

chess playing came into a very long silence.

When the boy did the teacher seemed less to been proved wrong. school in a different "none of this would the kind of classroom had been internalizing self- esteem to resist. just jealous." the boy we put this school And so they had. school auditorium had just Soviet dance troupe as New York performance. school district was asking and local television and The Royal Knights. high graduation was just various high schools with came flooding in, high school in California. were worried about their the other team members who got that invitation "We told him to "We promised to write another. "Actually," said a to stay in touch plans that included law, computer sciences- futures possible before- there was no surprises they might share team that had become and family. What were before Bill Hall and their lives? There was "Hanging out in the

street and feeling like who now wants to

"Taking lunch money from few drugs now and

Just lying on my bed, yelled at by my

said a third. Was schoolbooks that made a

Hall thought we were nods of the others,

-Gloria Steinem

SACHI Soon after her brother

began to ask her parents with the new baby.

most four-year olds, and want to hit so they said no.

signs of jealousy. with kindness and her alone with him became

to allow it. Elated, baby's room and shut

opened a crack parents to peek in

little Sachi walk quietly brother, put her face

say quietly, God feels like. -Dan Millman

THE POWER

INTRO: Others may have recognizing it-or its worth.

realize its tremendous value, them for keeping it

crap," said one boy, become a lawyer. younger kids and a then," admitted another. reading comics, and getting father for being lazy," there anything in their difference? "Not until smart," explained one to the "and then we were." was born, little Sachi to leave her alone They worried that like she might feel jealous or shake him, But she showed no She treated the baby pleas to be left more urgent. They decided she went into the the door- but it enough for her curious and listen. They saw up to her baby close to his and "Baby, tell me what I’m starting to forget." discovered THE POWER without But if they did I certainly cannot blame to themselves. In our

46


highly competitive world, none up a valuable treasure, as THE POWER. But

do so in this I am an altruistic saint.

lost my reason. In even better able to

You will understand my further into this book.

at this point, that will not diminish the As a matter of fact, I alone know what for me. Though I

this book, everything you is true. The events

THE POWER did help success I am today.

to brag. But I modesty and understatement

from my goal: and to finally harness

own purposes. One further not deal with religion.

wish- or practice none. It is not dependent

age or colour. by young or old,

or uneducated. Yet the is simple... almost too

In the advertising world, you a person’s picture use of their product.

the same thing. about the discovery of

like to give you the As I approached middle

of us voluntarily gives especially one as worthy I am going to brief book. Not because Not because I have doing so, I will be utilize THE POWER. logic when you proceed Suffice it to say, my sharing it with you effectiveness of THE POWER. it will enhance it. THE POWER has done shall go nameless throughout are going to read and facts depicted happened. me to become the I have no wish do feel that needless will only deter me To help you understand THE POWER for your thought. This book does Practice any faith you THE POWER stands alone. upon any faith, creed, It can be used rich or poor, intellectual secret of THE POWER simple. So be forewarned. sponsors very often show before and after the I’m going to do Before I tell you THE POWER, I would “before” picture of myself. age, I found myself

leading a singularly consider me well-educated.

degrees and 60 unused knowledgeable, well-spoken,

despite the advantages of and an active inquiring mind,

People used to ask, how come you ain't rich?” answer to that question.

all right but my No matter how hard no matter how many no matter how many I simply couldn’t cut

hovered at the panic level. striving, I had to

I had started upon I was reduced to

lessly from one job I also hovered from A growing family put

to “provide.” I did in this wilderness, but the

was just a phrase our house, drove

made do to survive. I was in bad shape

To make matters worse, a new business, it

that point in my life, headed in the same

monetary wherewithal It was then that me to give in.

paying job and struggled on the side.

full-time, I was putting

unsuccessful life. Most folks I have two college graduate credits. I am and not unhandsome. Yet a good business education I was “just getting by.” “If you’re so smart, I never had the I had the brain power earnings didn’t show it. I worked or thought, extra hours I put in, opportunities I reached for, the mustard. My earnings After ten years of give up a business graduation from college. wandering aimlessly and fruit- to another. In between, one business to another. tremendous pressure upon me the best I could “finer things of life” to us. We sold an old car, and To sum up quickly, financially and mentally. every time I started went downhill. And at my current business was slump direction with no to back me up. economic pressures finally forced I took an average to maintain the business In addition to working in evenings and Saturdays.

47


The result, of course, and strain with no

This was my “before” for improvement, my

My expectations were nil. It came about this way:

books in a side upon a one-time

The story dealt with good deeds but kept I can’t explain why,

my imagination. The quarter book has since been

The novel set me talk too much.

we intend to do. Our hopes and dreams

of our tongue to Our loose tongue invites

pointing fingers and sneering verdict: “We told you so.”

know about our plans, I thought about that

Then I got the the future or about

some mysterious way to Loose lips can do they can sink you! charged-up energy through our mouth. actions to speak...

Prior to my realization guilty of this behaviour.

of my dreams and schemes. “power" leakage right through

failure attested to that fact. happened to someone else,

was a constant drain appreciable rise in income. picture. With no prospects dreams were dead. Until I discovered THE POWER. While rummaging among some street bookstore, I chanced best selling novel. a man who did silent about them. but the story fired I paid for the repaid a thousand-fold. to thinking. We all We brag about what We brag of past triumphs. are on the tip anyone who will listen. defeat. If we fail, faces announce the undeniable Obviously, if people didn’t no fingers would be wagging. for a long time. idea that talking about our decisions tends in dissipate, to weaken them. more than sink ships, It’s as though the in us leaks out Instead of permitting our our words do. of this fact, I was My tongue wagged constantly There was a continual my mouth. Failure after Success was something that never to me.

The more I thought I realized that

What I did not realize stumbled on the first

of THE POWER: My next move was

to work. As I working full-time on spending all of my

own business. I was But the pressure was

that I could not indefinitely. Something

Slowly, a plan crystallized was to reactivate and business to a full-time,

The more I thought I was convinced that I could be a success

I told no one not even my wife.

of failure, I felt be “thumbs down.” to do was to rest

I alone would bear responsibility. But, I repeat,

that I was going My steady job was of income. My plan

give it up completely. cut off a continuing

supported a growing family. It paid the car bills.

vacation occasionally abroad. I was scared.

the next step in the I had made an

about it, the more “silence was indeed golden.” was that I had step towards the acquisition Silence. to put my discovery have mentioned, I was one demanding position and spare time in my paying my bills, all right. killing me. I realized keep up the pace had to be done. within me. The plan reconstruct my part time income producing activity. about it, the more I could do it this last time up. of my plan, With my track record that her response would What I was going squarely upon my shoulders. the decision and the this time I felt to make it... or else! my family’s major source required me to It required me to flow of money which My job paid the rent. It even afforded us to I won’t lie to you. But I had reached acquisition of THE POWER: irrevocable decision,

48


known to me alone. wife and children were

out of the country. working. I cast the My boss got my

His response was, one of wonder. to give up such For what? I did

I was vague with the weekend,

for a month-long, When I came back, of the country. They

or that I had quit. rented an office in a

It was four times old quarters. I began

to help me. they discovered what I

too late for them My bridges had been I was happier than I Almost by magic, my I started to expand,

build income. Out went In came up-to-the- I had not told one

or my goal. Within short order, my

to exceed the total working plus the income of

The results of my self-evident. I was

I was putting in putting them in for myself.

it does not work

That fateful summer, my on an extended trip, I was by myself, die one Friday afternoon. resignation, effective immediately. like all bosses, How could I afford a “high salary” job? not reveal my plan. my answer. And over I joined my family way over-due vacation. they were still out knew nothing of my plan Upon my return, I more luxurious building. as large as my to hire additional personnel When my family returned had done. It was to do anything. burned behind me. And had been in years. business began to grow. adding new enterprises to my beat-up furniture. minute furnishings. Still, living soul of my plan, I didn’t have to. take-home pay began I had earned while my part-time business. success began to be still working hard. long hours. But I was While THE POWER works, by itself. You must be

willing to put your After three years, I again. This time, I five times as big

And I discovered that I My staff began doing

I began to have vacation again. My income beyond my fondest dreams.

I know what caused HOW TO ACQUIRE You may have many

I became so successful I had failed so

I cannot, and will not, that THE POWER will Yet, as I reconstruct certain key parts of

help you to acquire it- I have stressed the

stress it again. Silence THE POWER as sun

If you talk about THE POWER to anyone ...

not work. So speak it to no one.

for you? Let us decided upon a goal

be something you desire to achieve. Decide specifically

Don’t be wishy-washy clearly in your mind.

silent decision to achieve it The word irrevocable that once made, your

There's no turning back, You’re playing for keeps.

shoulder to the wheel. was ready to expand moved to an office as my previous one. wasn’t working as hard. more of my work. time to think, to rose to a level The future is unlimited. the miracle. THE POWER. THE POWER thoughts as to why in a situation where many times before. attempt to convince you do the same for you. the events, I recognize THE POWER that may if you want to. silence aspect. I must is as important to to a growing plant. your plans or even yourself ... it will about or write about How can it work assume that you have or plan. It should but have been unable what the goal is. or vague, pinpoint it Then make an irrevocable, regardless of the cost. is important. It means decision cannot be altered. no changing of the mind. So before you make

49


an irrevocable decision, continue to think about it

sure that you will come what may once

you will put it at once. Do whatever

make it work, When your decision is

will spur you on. or does not come out

planned it, do not Think of THE POWER This energy source is

your silence. THE POWER It has no place

out of which to leak. you will have more drive,

Then, your goal will you will wonder why

in coming when it was You’ll know the answer.

SMOKING AND THE POWER: I decided to put

ultimate test. Could it smoking cigars? When I

I was smoking from a day. I didn’t

way down. Just But, lit or unlit,

dangling from my lips. it my “executive pacifier.”

smoking in my middle thought of smoking anything

when life’s pressures got I’d give it a try.

to a pipe, and really loving them.

think about it. And until you are absolutely not change it, you make that decision, into effect. Implement it you must do to to make it happen. truly irrevocable, THE POWER When something goes wrong exactly the way you be discouraged. Plod on. being generated within you. being fed because of is welling up within you. to go, no mouth You will discover that more get-up and go. come into sight. And it was so long so easy to attain. THE POWER. The time came when THE POWER to the permit me to stop began this experiment, five to seven cigars smoke them all the an inch or so. a cigar was constantly I used to call Actually, I had started thirties. Until then, the was rather obnoxious. But too great, I thought I went from cigarettes, finally settling on cigars I had wanted to

quit many times. But I never invoked THE POWER.

the steps. I made never again put a product to my lips.

didn’t specifically mention cigars.” wanted to avoid any

unconscious, to “cop out” any reason whatsoever.

out of the way, to any tobacco product.

my decision with anyone. to the absence of my lips, I merely a slight cold. I

excuse to anyone who I did not discuss

did I wish to. at all costs any

I knew from past in a minute manner

decision would be catastrophic. awesome energy of THE

would in a Zeppelin. flew by without the I was not interested

such as dummy cigars, or anything “oral.”

“cold turkey” without attending evils and ills of smoking.

silent resolve winning out, charging up within me.

I had seen in a Steinmetz Hall in the

During the exhibition, G.E. make man-made lightning. nervous anticipation, they

until this particular time, Then I went through my irrevocable decision to lit or unlit tobacco Note here that I In my decision, I opportunity either conscious or on my decision for With my irrevocable decision I shut my mouth And to talking about If anyone called attention the perpetual cigar from said that I had also gave the “cold” offered me a cigar. it with anyone nor I wished to avoid conversation about my smoking. experience that even discussing any part of the It would deflate that POWER as a spike The first few days urge to smoke. in acquiring substitute habits gum candy, nail biting, I wanted to quit lectures and discussing the As I felt my I felt THE POWER It recalled an experiment General Electric exhibit in 1939 World’s Fair. scientists were going to As we watched in charged one tower with

50


fantastic quantities of energy. the power-filled atmosphere

Finally the tower was The operator threw the

streak of lightning charges of the first tower to

What I am getting at, of THE POWER was

being the master conquering a habit so This self-mastery gave do other things outside I actually felt stronger

In a sense, my habit gave me an

built up new strengths, greater goals. This application

the wisdom of the sages: must first conquer himself.”

you the strength to of all- conquering yourself.

There is one aspect I will not dwell at least from a

However, this aspect of so important, that my grave injustice to you.

that the key to achieving you should also know this:

multiplied when applied helping others. The reward

Mathematically, it boils down whatever help you send out you geometrically. What do

I mean any service, needed by another person.

have to ask you

You could literally cut with a knife. loaded with lightning potential. switch. A crackling, cackling zoomed from the tip the tip of the second. is this. The build-up incredible. Here I was of my own will, few ever conquer. me unlimited energy to the smoking area. and acted stronger. cutting out the smoking additional bonus. THE POWER new ability to achieve of THE POWER demonstrates “He who would conquer, THE POWER can give do the hardest job THE POWER FOR GOOD: of THE POWER which on in great length personal point of view. THE POWER is so vital, omitting it would do a Now that you realize THE POWER is silence, Its effect is especially to the act of can be great, indeed. to the fact that arithmetically will return to I mean by help? any material, any money The other person doesn’t for it. If you

see a man starving sure that you would

a piece of bread. dire need of funds,

must he also be of asking you for The help you give you don’t need or

It must be something of value. Giving away

fit the bill. value is not enough.

no expectation of reward, You must give it The act of giving,

payment. Most important not speak or write

gift to anyone, ever. easy to keep mum.

with a neighbour who He recounted on numerous

had lent money to He said that his

that he had kneeled Shades of the Pope!

employee’s gratitude. But, life of me comprehend of this nauseating tale. only two people must You and the recipient. warned not to reveal

giver’s name to anyone. that what you are

no repayment expected. An outright gift with What will you get

The more valuable the

in the street, I’m voluntarily give him If a friend is in regardless of the reason, faced with the humiliation a hand-out? must not be something would throw away anyway. you value and something useless junk doesn’t But giving something of You must give it with payment or repayment. freely, unselfishly. in itself, is your of all, you must of your voluntary, unselfish Not a word. It’s not I was once blessed loved to play God. occasions the times he a needy employee. worker was so grateful to kiss his hand. I can understand the I cannot for the my neighbour's constant retelling So when you give, know of it. That person should be the gift or the Confirm with the recipient giving him is a gift- No documents to sign. no strings attached. Period. out of it? Plenty. gift you give away,

51


the more potent THE not find many opportunities you value. When you do,

And be silent. In understand how THE

And you will understand I have not gone into

major adjunct to THE POWER. OF THE POWER:

spoken to Howard Hughes. quite a lot about him.

sticks in my mind. Hughes has a mission. what the mission was.

wasn’t going to reveal it. he knows and recognizes

His thoughts and his They become apparent, or

has acted, not before. of the financial success

achieved is based upon his Certainly, the elements

His decisions are irrevocable, In short, he is

he decides. Mr. Hughes’ enterprises are mute testimony

THE POWER has worked can work, too, in

secretary came to me She had been promoted

assistant to a most was marvellous, far above

But the job was new boss was murder. a dilemma. Should she

jump in the lake? and ask personnel to

POWER becomes. You will to give someone something give it freely. due course, you will POWER will be augmented. even more deeply why further detail about this PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS I have never met or However, I have read One article, in particular, It mentioned that Mr. The article did not say And Mr. Hughes certainly As a matter of fact, the value of silence. plans are his own. partly apparent, after he I believe that much which Howard Hughes has use of THE POWER. are there. He keeps silent. regardless of the cost. committed totally to whatever vast holdings and multi-faceted to how I believe for him. THE POWER ordinary situations. A young with a problem. to be the executive demanding boss. The salary her previous one. killing her. And her She was faced with tell her boss to go Should she admit defeat reassign her to a less

demanding, lower-salaried position? something about a situation

her sick. I thought good opportunity to put

most practical test. for my advice, I to stay with her

But instead of fighting every way to help To do things for

unasked, in rush situations. new boss’ guardian angel.

to promise me that one about what she

especially not her boss. later, she telephoned me.

woman. Relaxed, enthusiastic, new job and her boss.

why things were different. transformed from a

friendly man who brought He even promised (with

to see about getting In one week’s time,

her job from a a heavenly dream.

doesn’t know why. We do. how THE POWER had

the smoking habit. can help you conquer

how old, how well-entrenched, may be. The application

Just follow the rules to permit THE POWER

will amaze you.

She had to do which was virtually making that this was a THE POWER to a Since she had asked gave it. I told her job and demanding boss. him, to try in him in his job. him unasked. To stay later, In short, to be her I also told her she would tell no had decided to do, She agreed. One week She was a changed and radiant about the She couldn’t understand Her boss had been demanding ogre to a her apples. He praised her. nary a nudge from her) her another raise. THE POWER had turned daily nightmare into To this day, she Earlier, I told you helped me to conquer I believe that THE POWER any habit, regardless of how deeply rooted it is always the same. I have set forth to work. The result -Anonymous

52


Forgiveness These are actual events have been changed for

Joanne is one of you could ever meet.

you just look at Joanne’s husband has several

took an instant dislike wedding of one of

photographer announced the of “all the ladies.”

picture and her sister her out, saying “this That was one of the

The sister-in-law would Joanne to type up

for her, due the do it, hoping for

Joanne spoke of at least and said there were had been about six

when the sister-in-law five year old had

asthma, and had to going to bed.

and had been protesting. the boy was getting

her husband gave him behind to get him moving.

saw this, and when Advocate class the next day, child abuse to her teacher.

that day to tell to for them to expect

The husband, usually a was livid. Joanne said

him back, and that

that took place. The names the sake of privacy. the nicest, sweetest people One of those people and know she’s nice. sisters, one of whom to Joanne. At a the other sisters, the next picture would be Joanne got into the -in-law physically pushed picture is for family members.” nicer things she did. come on evenings and ask 20-page term papers next day. Joanne would acceptance and to keep peace. a dozen such instances, dozens more. The clincher months before our meetings, was visiting. Joanne’s little developed a case of use a machine before He did not like it It was getting late, out of control, so a little pat on the The sister-in-law she attended her Child reported her brother for She came over later them about it, and a call about it. calm and peaceful man, she had to hold it was the first time

she had ever seen him After this episode, Joanne

to her sister-in-law anymore. Six months later,

in our Programme, and lo and behold her sister-in-law as

forgive. Big surprise. two hours, but she

feeling “neutral” about her, are done by visualizing never in person) This

That Wednesday the sister and invites them to a suite in a motel

this could occur, she have a marvellous time. sister-in-law calls again,

children to a photo studio, like to go too,

already paid for. everything works out great.

invites her to lunch, Joanne actually enjoys it. the change of behaviour,

After a few weeks, “like dealing with a She stands up for

I’m invited to everything, it’s almost embarrassing.

have her term papers cookies over. They’re

I have kept up years later things were

********* Next we have the case

a civil service job,

really angry at anyone. decided to simply not talk ********* she finds herself learning about forgiveness, her internal voice brings up someone she needs to It takes her over does it, and ends up as planned. (these sessions the person in the room, was on a Monday. in-law calls her Marine-World Park and share over night. Briefed that accepts and they all The next week, her saying she’s taking her and would her son as the time was Again Joanne accepts and The sister-in-law pays for it, and She’s a bit bewildered in but goes along with it. she said it was completely different person. me now, insists that and is so sweet to me She now pays to typed up and brings pretty good, too.” with Joanne, and two still going great. ********* of Sharon. She took and from day one

53


a woman whom we’ll it in for her.

a racial thing, but Delia began by spreading

and would do things Sharon’s files to make nasty things about her

sure she was not the office parties. The

she did seemed endless. of months, they never couple dozen words to

six years they had found herself doing

came to mind. hour and twenty minutes We ended our meeting

I saw her again she told me that

the session, Delia came “Can I have a word

nodded her head, amazed to her at all.

know that I’ve been past six years.

you badly, and I up to you somehow.

probably never be friends, to know I’m sorry,

any way I can I’ll try.

Sharon was stunned and at Delia and finally

to you.” Delia is now work, defends her at

her to lunch and, every office party, including

call Delia really had Sharon felt it was it was pretty gritty. vicious rumours about Sharon, like steal documents from her look bad, say in meetings and make invited to any of list of mean things After only a couple said more than a each other in the worked together. Now Sharon forgiveness, and Delia’s name Sharon spent about an forgiving the visualized Delia. and I left. later that week, and about two hours after to her and said, with you?” Sharon simply that Delia was talking Delia continued, saying “I a real bitch these I know I’ve treated want to make it Now I know we can but I want you and that if there’s make it up to you, What do you think?” speechless. She just stared managed, “I’ll get back Sharon’s biggest supporter at every turn, has taken yes, invites her to Sharon’s birthday party!

Even though she was Sharon was dumbfounded

Understandable.

By themselves, each case One could make the

would have happened anyway. stories like these, each

the offending person turns their behaviour when the

and forgives them. the client recognizes that

verbalizes that in the the decision to forgive.

do not condone the find it within themselves The client is always told the forgiveness topic to

anyone else). It is at all. If they

there is no need Another reason is that

who has hurt us hurt us; and it

make them feel guilty Holding in anger and ill health and attracts

Forgiving leads to happiness, There are dozens of cases treated poorly by another;

person (without condoning the person changes in the way

The clients are all anything about the procedure

the other person. gets the message and

An important factor is that

told this could happen, at Delia’s turnaround. could be seen as “coincidental.” argument that the outcomes However, there are dozens of with the same conclusion: around 180 degrees in client lets it go One key is that the behaviour was wrong, session, yet still makes In other words, they other’s actions, yet still to be totally forgiving. to never even mention the offending person (or not to be discussed have truly let it go, to bring it up. many times the person has no idea they serves no use to and cause them pain. resentment causes sorrow, more bad situations. strength and inner peace. where people have been the client forgives that behaviours) and the offending they relate to the client. instructed to never mention or the contents to Somehow, the other party change takes place. the client must not

54


forgive them in order to They must forgive with They must forgive with

but forgive for the the right thing to do.

a unilateral decision made person’s willingness to change.

for holding in our anger A question to think about so powerful. Think about

suddenly changes. people know to come

this time? Consider whether of mind without Forgiveness.

forgiven people change toward everyone? Just how

to be to get What if someone is

want to forgive someone? we could do or

While the answers to answered by the individual, their angers and grudges

their goals. Just as from thinking clearly, it

achieving that which we it can simply prevent us

we have managed to As long as we hold

and their destructive energy, fully enjoying our life

- Ron Cole

Strategies to Develop Mr. Stark is principal & Associates, Inc.,

consulting firm specializing

get a behaviour change. no strings attached. no thought of reward, sole reason that it’s Forgiveness needs to be independently of the other The price we pay is just too great. is why forgiving is why the other person How did the other to the clients at we can achieve peace Do you suppose the their behaviour and attitude forgiving does someone need results like these people? really angry and doesn't Is Deep Forgiveness something should do more often? these questions must be I can tell you that stand between them and anger can prevent us can prevent us from want most. At best, from fully enjoying what achieve to this point. on to negative thoughts we are blocked from and our accomplishments. Loyal Staff by Peter B. Stark of Peter B. Stark a San Diego-based in leadership development,

organizational assessments, There are a

we talked with recently whom they perceive

When we asked managers intrigued—and dismayed—with

For some managers, what the manager is

accomplish, the manager as obvious evidence For other managers,

the truth, and the manager cares to promote

this is looked upon In another instance, asking employees to

willing to lie, were team players. Other fear or use threats

breed a loyal workforce. a manager was perplexed

not loyal even though him a promotion and

other side, we encountered that their managers

association with certain in the organization of loyalty to their

of these instances, certain. Asking employees

through actions that inappropriate will

Instead, it will usually between the manager Loyalty Leaders are have people willingly

it is apparent that

and management consulting. number of managers are distressed by employees as lacking loyalty. how they know, we were their definition of loyalty. if an employee questions doing or trying to sees that questioning of a lack of loyalty. if the employee speaks truth is not what the within the organization, as evidence of disloyalty. a manager is actually lie. Those who weren’t described as not being managers try to instil in their attempts to In another instance, that the employee was the manager had given a big raise. From the employees who stated told them that their individuals or departments was showing a lack own manager. In each we know one thing for to demonstrate loyalty are wrong or clearly not build loyalty. erode the relationship and the employee. Building defined as “those who following them.” Then the above strategies

55


can only result in built on sand. As the these managers find

crumbling...and washing strategies are ineffective, employees who become

to their leaders? First “unswerving in allegiance; ideal, person, or custom.” from an employee comes able to build a relationship

upon deep trust. This may perceive that he

but without the employee the two of them will Strategies We have

utilize these following a loyal workforce:

As a manager, what value honesty? Or do who will be deceptive

is what it takes to in the eyes of others? an employee’s loyalty

obvious that the manager -centred value system.

geared to the individual’s to the best for the

2. Trust your people. trust their subordinates, of signals. Not passing

and withholding important are two signals that in, and commitment

When this occurs, employees aren’t meaningful to

department. They sense

a leadership foundation outside pressures increase, their leadership foundation out to sea. If these what will work to develop increasingly loyal we must define loyalty: faithful to a cause, Ultimately, true loyalty when the manager is with the employee based means that a manager or she has loyalty, feeling a bond of trust, never have true loyalty. seen great leaders six strategies to develop 1. Clarify your values. do you value? Do you you prefer employees or dishonest if that make you look good When managers endorse over honesty, it’s is operating on a self This value system is success rather than employees or the organization. When managers don’t they send out all sorts along significant responsibilities information from employees convey a lack of confidence to, your employees. perceive that they the success of the that their manager

isn’t to be trusted. can be no true loyalty.

to question or challenge care enough to ask

it provides managers for honest feedback. Ask them about their

topic being discussed. might ask, “What happens

what will happen if who dislike being challenged

confidence in their Managers who enjoy

recognize that working presents opportunities

who are even more loyal question anything.

first as an individual, Great leaders know about employees as many positive things is a loyal workforce.

home who wasn’t feeling the project was behind

placed a heavier burden But the manager stated,

thing is your health. to accomplish everything

a clear message that more important than workload. 5. Value

rather than as a “commodity.” that he or she is really believe the employee you will find stronger

contrast, if employees care that a warm body

Without trust, there 3. Encourage people you. When employees managers tough questions, with an opportunity Ask employees questions. understanding of the For example, a manager if we do change? And, we don’t?” Managers are managers who lack ability to do the job. challenges from employees through the difficulties to develop employees than those who never 4. Care about the employee then as an employee. that when they care people first, then happen. One of them A manager sent an employee well on a day when on a deadline. This on the other staff. “The most important We can figure out how else.” This sent out the individual was the department’s immediate the employee as a “gift” When an employee knows valued, and that you makes a positive difference, bonds of loyalty. In sense that you only fills a particular

56


position, that it doesn’t work, they will feel

who value each employee each one as contributing stronger bonds of loyalty Be honest. Being honest between manager and

when it’s difficult example, a manager

the company is talking due to lack of business.

to deliver this unwelcome attitude of general

about you to be honest I currently have about

Managers who are consistently costs them something build a team of loyal

manager today is tougher lots of pressures,

times. To doubt the supervise will only

Implement these six as you lead, your team you, willingly offering

and their loyalty.

matter who does the like a commodity. Leaders and who also recognize a unique “gift” evoke from employees. 6. builds the trust level employee, especially for the manager. For tells the team that about a pending layoff Having the courage news demonstrates an caring. “I care enough and give you what information company decisions.” honest, even when it to be honest, will employees. Being a than ever. You’ve got even in the best of loyalty of those you add to those pressures. strategies and then, will be there with their support, contributions,

END OF 4-WORD EYE-HOPS Remember to keep going through this booklet (and your own “Hopified” stories until either: 1. Your finger blurs when you hop, or 2. Your finger cannot keep up with your brain, or 3. Four words at a time just isn’t a challenge anymore. www.superreading.com/hopify

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