Sunday Newscape Magazine

After a recent visit with her grandmother my wife brought home a large bag of old books. Her grandmother knows I’m a true bookworm and collector of fine literature. It was an amazing feeling to peruse these old writings. I felt like a kid in a candy store as I read old notes left by people in the margins from different generations.

This hand typed original, America-Yesterday and Today, was an amazing novel about our country’s history. Every historical event was described with great detail which made you feel as if you were there. Most important, it showed how lucky we really are to live in today’s world.

Our country was not just built from hard work, but by those who pushed one another. In other words, a shoulder was there to cry on and there was always an ear to listen. People trusted one another, respected their neighbors, and helped each other anyway they could. There was no feeling of isolation because people knew isolation would lead to a life of suffering and ultimately an early death.  

Today doors are always locked and you see less children playing without a concerned parent nearby. Long gone are the mutual hand shakes between business partners and the fresh baked goods sitting on the window sills waiting for neighbors to enjoy an afternoon delight. That is just how today’s world is.

In my opinion, it just boils down to trust. The willingness of people to open up and trust one another has been replaced with social web sites and families creating a shell around each other. That is understandable for those who follow the news and ultimately become socially paranoid.

Granted this is not how all people feel, but look around. If someone approached you on the street and gestured a friendly comment you would think he or she is looking for something. Your mind would race with all kinds of negative thoughts, or you would just blow them off as perhaps mentally ill or on some type of drug while gripping your wallet or purse tightly.

My point is, in order to expand your sphere of influence you must learn to trust. There is no better time than now to surround yourself with people who want and need friendships. Use this time to help others as well as yourself.

Throughout history what brought this country back from the brink many times were those who came out of their shells and expanded their opportunities. Friendships have always lead to a long fulfilling life. Those who confine themselves often suffer many years as a result of loneliness.

My late father-in-law was a true model of the perfect friend. He always gave second chances and forgave until he died. His memorial had almost seven hundred people walk past his casket each with tears in their eyes and a magnificent story to tell of this great man.

What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? All the material things you accumulate in life are meaningless without a great crowd of friends to share it with.

 All we need to do is follow the mantra of post 9/11 that brought this nation back together to enjoy and help one another. If we can pull ourselves together once again our nation will prosper once again.

© Jerry Maldonado-2009 all rights reserved   This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it