Achievement Ladder Tribute to a Wonderful Dad

Nine years ago, my Dad passed away while suffering from a bowel obstruction and a heart attack. When he was discovered, he had apparently suffered a heart attack while trying to resolve his bowel obstruction. In his humor, he would say that "he went from one throne to another throne."

Yes, Dad you are missed, but you have left us with some wonderful memories. As we celebrate today the Feast of the Holy Family, my Dad was an exemplary model for our family. He lived the spirit of the Good News in his daily tasks of providing for our family and always being there when he was needed the most and when we thought we needed him the least. His mind was sharp until the end, and his sense of humor was second to none. His loving ways and gentleness and patience gave us an example to follow and to admire. He was committed to his marriage, to his family, and to his fatherly responsibilities. His spiritual life was solid as he truly WALKED HIS TALK!...His kindness and friendliness attracted the Nobodies who were ignored by many community leaders and pompous political figures. He respected all persons no matter what their age, race, color, creed, or nationality. He never owned an automobile. He never owned a home. He resisted the urge to put everything on credit and to be drowned in debt. He was a tremendous conversationalist and an empathetic listener. He learned by hands on and on the job. He would make great use of human resources without abusing their talents and taking advantage of their good will. He was a man for all reasons and a man for all seasons. He loved life, and now he enjoys eternal life with the Creator who he loved with all of his heart, mind, and soul. There are many characteristics and positive qualities that would best describe my Dad.
THANKS MOM AND DAD FOR THE GIFTS OF LIFE AND LOVE...IT IS GREAT TO BE ALIVE!. THANK YOU FOR TEACHING ME TO BE PATIENT AS I CONTINUE TO CLIMB THE LADDER OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR MYSELF AND IN YOUR ETERNAL MEMORY!...

As you enjoyed every Mummers Parade on New Year's Day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, may you continue to do the Mummers' Strut in your Eternal Home with all of your eternal friends and acquaintances. Fralinger String Band is trying for its sixth year in a row as the NUMBER ONE STRING BAND ....May you and Paul put in a good word and give the inspiration to the perspiration that the Fralinger String Band needs to have another successful Mummers Parade.

Achievement Ladder's Forecast 2008

As we get ready to say goodbye to 2007 and usher in 2008, let us remember the many achievements that will prepare us for the future. Did you keep your resolutions for 2007? Did you achieve what you expected a year ago. A friend of mine did achieve what was important to her. She was accepted into Medical School and started in August. After the first semester, she has successfully achieved a tremendous start, and she is optimistic for the future. In a few short years, she will be awarded a title of Doctor. Having watched this preparation for many years, my admiration, my respect, and my encouragement will continue for her successful future.

Another person who is very close to me has continued in her quest to obtain a degree that will enhance her Master's Degree. She is committed to learn the skills necessary to improve the quality of life for many individuals in the future. With one semester to go and a residency, she will succeed in bringing about a positive change for many individuals in her future.

And yes, there is another person who is making a new adventure in her life to benefit the lives of others. Although she has had many challenges in the past, she is determined to be herself and to rediscover her identity as a human being who really cares about others beyond the call of duty. She can continue to expect my positive encouragement and support to make things happen for her in the future and the many persons that she will impact by her radiant smile.

Last year was a good year for me personally in making a change from one community activity to another more familiar activity .....helping young persons to find themselves and to prepare for their future careers. Education is my Life...and you will find me assisting those who need the assistance the most and for those who think they need the assistance the least. Through my advisement skills, more individuals will find new ways to climb their ladders of achievement.

As we look forward to 2008, may the American People choose carefully the next President of the United States. In addition, may the voters take an active role in selecting local, county, state, and national candidates for public office. Although we are being bombarded with all types of political rhetoric and Washington spin, may we find the best qualities and qualifications for all public officials with a conscientious, positive effort to study the holistic aptitudes, altitudes, and attitudes of all candidates. In my estimation, the choices for the rival parties should be decided at the conventions by all state selected delegates and state representatives. For too long, the process has been pre-determined by an exclusive elite rather than the representatives of the voting people. And yes, that our American People will register to vote in every election and will actively vote for the best qualified candidates for the various offices. The qualifications are not limited to certain professions, to acquired experiences, to monetary accumulations, or to any biased choices. May the Spirit of the first Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights as amended be the guiding spirit in our exercising our civic duty to be an active citizen who really care about this wonderful United States of America as blessed by our Creator...IN GOD WE TRUST!...

The Ageless Achievement Ladder

Today, my brother is enjoying his special day...his birthday. May you have many birthdays as you continue to attain your many opportunities to climb the achievement ladder of success. Although climbing the ladder has its ups and downs, you have succeeded with many ventures that were uniquely yours. Often you have been the frustrated entrepreneur who was looking for a new adventure and thinking outside the box. You have touched many lives over your 68 years, but you will touch even more lives in the years to come. Thank you for being my brother, friend, confidant, and loyal supporter. May you have many more dreams that are filled in reality and vision with many more climbs up and down the ladder of achievement.

This Christmas has been very special for many of us. We have had the opportunity to be with family and friends and to enjoy the wonderful company and companionship of those who really love us. But we know that this is an imperfect world in which we live. There are many who are without family, friends, home, security, employment, and alone. May the Christmas spirit rub off on all of us to remember the less fortunate throughout the New Year...the other 365 days. Let us help the less fortunate to give them a hand up rather than a hand out to ease our consciences and our social mores. Fortunately, you can look very close to home to find your answers to reaching out to your community. Your family first, your neighbors next, your forgotten friends, the dependent, the lonely, the ignored.....the Nobodies....the left out!..
There are some who may want to start a Nobodies Club that meets on the 32nd day of each month and has no special biased agenda...The agenda is open for all to voice their concerns...to air, to care, to share, and to bear. This Club is inclusive...no dues...no special meeting times...no special fund raising...no cliques...no exclusions...for whatever reason....This is a 24/7 arrangement that really MAKES A DIFFERENCE in your community....No publicity is necessary to make things happen...Each uniqueness makes the puzzle complete for all concerned.

In this upcoming New Year, may we all find within ourselves the desire to encourage positively all human beings to being what they deserve to be...human, loved, and understood!...Let us all be instruments of peace, joy, and love to bring about a change that will impact worldwide. May all find the God of Love who wants the best for each one of us with His unconditional love.

Political Candidates Climbing the Ladder of Acheivement in 2008

As we prepare to view the backgrounds, the experiences, and the philosophies of the many political candidates vying for nomination for city, county, state, and national offices, we should carefully study the holistic aptitudes, attitudes, and altitudes for each candidate. All voters who take the voting responsibility seriously will scrutinize the candidates that will best fulfill the responsibilities of the public office that they are seeking. Even if you are unable to find a qualified candidate to your expectations, voting is important for other issues that may appear on the ballot. In addition, the follow through after the elections with letters to the newly elected is always beneficial to all concerned. Your input is unique and is special and does make a difference. If you are looking for a complete change in all offices, then use your power of the vote to CLEAN HOUSE and let us all start over. Use your discernment and the power of prayer to determine your choices of appropriate candidates for public office. YOUR VOTE DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE...AND YOUR VOTE ALWAYS COUNTS!

The Priceless Ladder of Achievement

As the fall semesters conclude for many students throughout the world, may they realize the who, the what, the where, the when, the why, the how, and the how much of their Ladder of Achievement Climbing. The priceless lessons learned over the past few months will have impact for the challenges of the future. Whether the lessons are learned at the elementary, secondary, or higher education levels, the influences on future decisions have already made their mark. Many learners are still trying to find themselves and to view the options for the numerous careers that will affect their future plans. To finish strong as they continue to climb the Ladder of Achievement, the many ups and downs will make their toll on even the strongest individual.

However, to learn from all of the previous experiences will prepare each learner with the positive motivation to start anew in the New Year and in the new semester in the spring. Going backwards or downwards should be avoided. Continue on the upward and forward looking positive future even in the bleakest of conditions and situations. Always remember what you have learned and the priceless lessons that experience gives to each one of us. To enjoy your future preparations is a special gift that each person can give to themselves. You can either be your best friend or your worst enemy, if that be possible. There is no price tag for effective learning except your desire, your dedication, your determination, and your discipline to make this happen. Since each person is priceless, unique...only one of a kind...your decision impacts all of us and our willingness to learn from you and you and you and you and YES....EVEN YOU!