John William Harris always wanted to know more about his family. His father passed away when John was only 5. He heard that his father had been murdered, but didn’t know for sure.
For 62 years Harris often wondered about the family he never knew. While watching a PBS special called “African American Lives” he was inspired to find answers. The past would not remain secret for long.
We all have so many things that we should be grateful for every day. Unfortunately, our schedules can get so hectic that most of us don’t have time to stop and think about the moments that make us smile. That’s why we’re grateful for World Gratitude Day.
Origin
In 1965, a group of dignitaries from several nations enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner together in Hawaii. They discussed the concept of setting aside one day each year for people to focus on things that they are grateful for. Every attendee agreed to take this idea back to their home country. From that moment on, September 21 would become an internationally celebrated event.
How many social profiles do your friends and family have online? You may not even know; people have accounts on so many sites these days it’s almost impossible to keep up. Of course you could spend hours searching through dozens of websites to find them all, but our lives are far too busy. We don’t have time to waste.
Have you ever wanted to learn more about an individual who owns a particular email address? Wish you could see the person’s full name, social profiles and other useful information? You can.
Families have many wonderful attributes. One of our favorites is the fact that a family can be extended at any time. New people can be added to your biological or extended family throughout your life. The largest and fastest growth spurts often come from the addition of a stepparent.
Family life can be a little difficult when a stepmother or stepfather is added. Children may resent the “new” person, and feel they are trying to replace a birth parent. Adults might have a completely different parenting style than what the family is used to, which can lead to misunderstandings and conflict.
Some experts suggest that it takes a minimum of four years for most stepparents to develop positive relationships with their stepchildren. There are no easy solutions that work for everyone.
Some events are so powerful that every detail becomes permanently etched into the minds of people who experienced them. Their stories are re-told to every generation, because they must never be forgotten. One of the most cataclysmic and unforgettable moments in American history began on the quiet morning of September 11, 2001.
People across the United States woke up that day and heard the terrifying news that four commercial airliners had been hijacked. American Airlines Flight 11, United Airlines Flight 175, American Airlines Flight 77 and United Airlines Flight 93 were all under terrorist control. We waited to hear the hijacker’s demands, but it wasn’t long before the devastating truth behind their mission was revealed.
As Assistant Head Nurse at Calvary Hospital in New York, Wanda Rodriguez meets thousands of people. One recent patient stands out above the rest. On August 25, 2010, Victor Peraza was admitted into Calvary. Victor is Wanda’s long-lost father.
41 years had passed since Wanda last saw her dad. She was only an infant at the time. Wanda and her sister Gina were raised by their mother, and they always wondered about the man who gave them birth.
Welcome to National Courtesy Month. We’re glad you’re here.
Courtesy. Consideration. Civility. Sometimes it seems these traits just aren’t that prominent in modern society.
The basic definition of courtesy is displaying good manners and polite behavior. It’s about showing respect to others and getting along with people … even when we’re in a bad mood. Unfortunately, in today’s hectic world the simple act of civility often falls by the wayside. There was a time when it was referred to as ‘common courtesy’, but it rarely seems very common anymore.
