Ray's Daily

“Life has taught me that respect, caring and love must be shared, for it’s only through sharing that friendships are born.”

Donna A. Favors

 

 

 

Many of you know that I have been doing the Daily for about ten years now. Sometimes I start to think of it as a burden when there are more things for me than there is time to do them. In the last few years it has often resulted in my reverting to reprints which feel like I am coping out and of course there are those times when hospital stays or recovery periods have kept me away. Lastly there are those periods where I am on special assignment, in fact I will again be on one of those starting this Thursday and I will have to shut down the production for about a week.

In truth I also wonder if my thoughts are worth all that much anyway, but when I feel that way I again realize that composing the Daily is therapeutic. Putting the Daily together requires me to spend time each day in introspective thought, something I might not do if it were not for the continuous need for content. In addition I have collected articles, searched for quotes and the wisdom of others in hopes of helping both you and me with things to help us deal with the good and bad that life presents to us each day. I also enjoy the laughter we share, it brightens my day.

But even with all of that I sometimes waiver and wonder if it would just be easier to close up shop. But then I stop and realize that I am unwilling to give up the payment I get from our readers. The payment over the years has been more valuable then money or material gifts. Let me share one that I got via e-mail just a couple of days ago.

Hey Ray, after reading today’s daily it really solved a problem I’ve been faced with for about a year now, my close friend died, her hubby remarried and I was very bitter with him and won’t let go of her, after reading the daily I let go and gave her hubby a call..Thanks bud!

PS when I saw the subject* above I thought you were doing away with the daily but then I said you wouldn’t have handle it that way so I got the courage and opened it…I was so right 🙂

* The subject was “Good Bye Old Friend,” it included thoughts on managing grief triggered by the passing of a friend of mine.

The letter was from a retired reader who was born in the Caribbean and now lives with her husband in New York. I don’t remember how we connected but she has become a special friend as have so many others. I am always humbled by feedback like this note from Shirley but I do realize it is not the wisdom we share that makes the difference it is that we care. And as I have said many times I am truly grateful to you and the others for you add meaning to my life.

~~~

“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.”

Margaret Mead quotes

~~~

Something to think about

 

"Grandpa, grownups don’t pay any attention to me," said little Jimmy. Grandpa replied, "They don’t pay any attention to me too."

"Grandpa, sometimes grownups make fun of me. Do they make fun of you too?"

Grandpa said, "Yes, Son… me too."

"Grandpa, some days I get tired and have to rest in the afternoon."

"I know, Jimmy… I do too," said Grandpa.

"I love you, Grandpa," said little Jimmy.

"I love you too, Jimmy," said Grandpa.

"I wish more people told me that," said Jimmy.

"Me too," answered Grandpa.

~~~

"Osborne’s Law"

Variables won’t; constants aren’t.

~~~

Morris needs a lawyer, so he grabs the yellow pages and picks out a law firm — Schwartz, Schwartz, Schwartz & Schwartz.

He calls up and says, "Is Mr. Schwartz in?"

The man says, "No, he’s out playing golf."

Morris says, "All right, then let me speak to Mr. Schwartz."

"He’s not with the firm any more, he’s retired."

"Then let me talk to Mr. Schwartz."

"He’s away in Boston, won’t be back for a month."

"Okay, then let me talk to the other Mr. Schwartz."

He says, "Speaking!"

~~~

Living on Earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip around the sun.

~~~

The kid said don’t get me sick: When you go home, you have to stay all alone. You have to stay in bed and not get fed. You miss out on all the fun that’s it, you’re done. So when you sneeze cover your mouth please!!!

Madison F. age 9

~~~

WHY MEN AREN’T SECRETARIES

Husband’s note to his wife…"Doctor’s office called: Said Pabst beer is normal."

~~~

An English professor announced to the class; "There are two words I don’t allow in my class. One is gross and the other is cool."

From the back of the room a voice called out, "So, what are the words?

~~~

Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal, eloquence, or learning.

Frederick W. Faber

~~~

When I picked up my Ford Escort at the service station after some minor repairs, I paid by check as usual. A couple of weeks later I came home from work to find my wife quite upset. She gave me the silent treatment until I figured out why she was so angry. She had noticed the canceled check, and on the memo line I had written "Escort Service."

~~~

Always be kind, for everyone is fighting a hard battle.

Plato

~~~

Stay well, do good work, and have fun.