Friday Tidings

When my grandson expressed concern about the election, I realized he was older than his years. What kind of America will he inherit? Dear O, I’ve always been impressed with how smart you are—okay, you’re my grandson so I may be biased, but I was genuinely surprised with your interest in this presidential election.  When I was your age politics and TV news seemed boring—so when you asked thoughtful questions about Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton and you even knew about Donald Trump, I was really astounded. I wish you weren’t inheriting a debt-ridden nation from me and my generation. We haven’t done a good job stewarding our nation’s resources or making good choices in how we spent our money. We haven’t solved the hardest problems, but it’s not because we didn’t have smart leaders. We just couldn’t work together. We even failed in helping the poor not be poor anymore. When I was a child our president started the War on Poverty. We’re still fight...

Graduating forty years ago qualifies me for some nifty senior discounts. But it also comes with some hard-earned lessons.  Here’s some advice I wish I could have given my 18-year-old graduating self: You were successful in school, but you can’t be afraid to fail. Lessons from failure teach things books never will.  The classroom isn’t the only place to learn. Life teaches unforgettable lessons. But there is a distinction between unforgettable lessons and regrettable ones. Often the regrettable lessons involve poor choices. (Like your choice to drink alcohol on that school trip). You discovered that you can make the choices, but the consequences are yours too. (Like losing a scholarship because of the alcohol mishap. While it hurts now, this lesson will help you). Ask questions—it helps avoid costly mistakes. (Like before using the expensive equipment at the research laboratory where you’ll soon be working). You’re lucky th...