Fall

A few weeks ago I noticed a few things. My hostas were bloomed. I had walnuts falling in my yard. When I mentioned this fact to folks, they said it because of the lack of rain. Then the other night it was 48 degrees! I have yet to have anyone tell me that was from lack of rain. The Farmers Almanac predicts "numbs the word". I have a feeling they are right! Is this a huge discussion in Barry County? The farmers might be discussing it. I have not been to Ritchies, so I am not so sure what is on their dashboard. I am tiring of politics, tired of economics, and definitely tired of being tired! I had to ask myself, "Bebe what do you love?", (yes I know speaking to and answering oneself is cause for concern) the answer was I love Fall. I then decided to share this love.

As a few of you may have pulled from some of my post, I hold dear to the "old generation". This may have led plenty of you to think I am old. To the contrary I am not! I am still not a preacher, nor do I work at the jail (for those of you taking notes).

I enjoy the high school football games, hearing the marching band, Halloween, the changing of color, I even love the colder night air. I seem to get refreshed. Like a child going to their first day of school! The apple cider, crisp apples, and warm cinnamon donut holes. Warm me with thoughts of family togetherness. I remember shuffling my feet, dragging them on the ground through the fallen leafs. To this day I still do this! My glass is normally half full, and I can find things in all four seasons to enjoy and love. Still Fall is at the top of my list.

For a change in conversation of politics, and rumors, why not share some of your thoughts. Share your favorite season, memory, activity, possibly you may want to discuss the upcoming weather.

Promises "Society"

"I Promise" are these just words spoken? Ever help an individual, and the first thing out of their mouth is "I promises I'll......."? Recently I helped someone not expecting the favor or act to be returned. However this person on their own accord said " I promise I will return....." I thought well if they do great, if not that is ok too. Well come to find out the entire story was a lie. I was left wondering why did this person feel the need to lie to make a promise they fully knew they could not keep. To help you understand why I am so baffled here is what I did for this person. I noticed a middle aged lady walking on an extremely hot day. She looked about ready to faint, and I offered her a ride to Walmart (this was on my way to where I was going) There she could wait, in air conditioning. In the process I stopped at McDonalds and bought her a cold ice tea ($1.00). she never asked for the ride or the drink. She did ask to use my cell phone, which my minutes were free, and she was able to get a hold of someone from out by Gun Lake to come get her. Her story was (which she gave without me asking) was that her car broke down. She had a pay check in her lap. Turns out she worked with someone I knew. Well we arrived at Walmart, her ride coming, and she asked if she could borrow some money for gas until the next night (she promised). I gave her no more then I could afford to not get back.

Turns out this person was fired from their job, and never owned a car, and I never saw nor heard from that person again. I am not upset over the fact I will not see the gas money again, but rather over why make the promise?

This lead me to think of other promises made. The leaders of the country, of our state, of our county. Just out in the news is John Edwards affair. He denied this action for years even when he was caught running into restroom to hide.

I am a firm believer that society today has lost all of its values. We no longer teach our children table manners, I would go as far as to say that 90% could not set a proper table setting. Kids no longer fess up to the wrong doing to others (face to face apologies) I remember once I tagged along with my grandfather to his "store". During our little outing, I ran across a gumball. I was like 4 years old. Upon leaving the store, my grandfather noticed me chewing on the gum. He asked where I got that. My intention was not to steal, but rather I thought it was my grandfathers store, must be HIS gumballs. Within the next 5 minutes I learned darn well who owned what and where! He immediately took me back into the store, made me spit the gumball out, and I had to apologize to the clerk. I have never forgotten to ask first! He never yelled, spanked, or spoke of i t again. I learned. Values in that short amount of time have changed.

So what makes a person give a promise they do not intend to keep? Does this act make them feel better. Or do they figure they will get what they want. Is society so stingy that people can not get help without a good lie?

I am a firm believer that if I can help someone I will. I am not a millionaire, my spare time is at a all time low. If I can give someone a meal, help mow their lawn, any deed that I can help with I will. I do not expect anything in return, not even the promise. My youngest and I went to Detroit. This being the first trip to a large city we ran into homeless. We ate and had leftovers. A homeless lady wanted some money and my youngest wanted to. I told her if she wanted to help we could go get a meal for the lady. This lady did not want the meal but rather just a nickel?! I had to explain to my daughter that we can do what we can and the offer of food should have been greatly appreciated.

So what has happen to society? Foreclosures are at a all time high. Why can not people share homes? Why can not lenders "work" with folks going through a rough patch. Elderly are not respected, more treated as a hindrance. Poor are looked upon as leeches. Where are the days when neighbors aided each other, or even knew the neighbors names? Where churches were families, and when someone knocked on your door for a meal you would make them a sandwich and not call the police.

Promises........... "Society"