Since I am 74 and in April will turn 75, I've been studying on this a few years since I had quadruple by-pass surgery due to Agent Orange. Right you are, everybody complains about something someone else has done that is screwing up the world, but what remains is turning the finger around and saying, "Well, what have I done to make this a better place?" Coming back home after a couple of years in Vietnam, I wasn't expecting much. My intentions were simply I had joined the Army to get "my military obligation out of the way, get a job and get on with my life." Six months in to Vietnam the rules all changed, and the lottery happened. After that, everybody seemed to take that chance and not as many "won"! The war was winding down and the whole business of Vietnam and those of us involved became the people everybody seemed to think was the reason! It was a tough road, and after a divorce and being left with house payments, child support, insurance, and everything else that demanded payment, it was tough going after being laid off from a decent job that never came back. Whatever money I made went to pay someone else, so with the deposit law, that became the way I ate! I have never forgotten those days! Now, after a long struggle with finding work over and over again I have finally succeeded in having plenty, a house that is paid for and everything in good shape! So after the surgery, I started collecting cans again, and I am getting pretty darned good at it! The first year I made $700, then I made $800 the next year, and each year since I have made more! The money goes to anything that is worthy of a little cash. I have often thought, for the lack of a little money, how many good ideas have gone nowhere? How many candidates have not run for office? how many things that are needed have been ignored? That is where my money goes!
Yes it can be messy, and beneath some people, but I have thick skin and a worthy smile, I hit a few dumpsters and take things other than cans to places that can use them. A place called "the Tiny House" in Hopkinton, Iowa sells used clothing and almost anything for a cheap price, all their help is volunteer, and the money they get largely goes to non-profits or things the community needs, like ambulance services, or fire departments etc. Last year they gave away $50,000! So they get lots of things I rescue from the land fill! And that is how I answered, "And what are you doing to make things a little better."
Dave, this is great! For me, while I remained concerned about the larger picture, this year I will also focus on what I can control. How I see myself, how I move through the world, and what small acts I can do to improve the lives of my community. In the end, if everyone focused on the small sphere, the larger world would resound with the changes
Great advice Dave...I lost my dad in April, his funeral was the day before 70th wdg anniv. Puts a lot into perspective...Wishing your family a great 2025 & congrats to Emily!
Since I am 74 and in April will turn 75, I've been studying on this a few years since I had quadruple by-pass surgery due to Agent Orange. Right you are, everybody complains about something someone else has done that is screwing up the world, but what remains is turning the finger around and saying, "Well, what have I done to make this a better place?" Coming back home after a couple of years in Vietnam, I wasn't expecting much. My intentions were simply I had joined the Army to get "my military obligation out of the way, get a job and get on with my life." Six months in to Vietnam the rules all changed, and the lottery happened. After that, everybody seemed to take that chance and not as many "won"! The war was winding down and the whole business of Vietnam and those of us involved became the people everybody seemed to think was the reason! It was a tough road, and after a divorce and being left with house payments, child support, insurance, and everything else that demanded payment, it was tough going after being laid off from a decent job that never came back. Whatever money I made went to pay someone else, so with the deposit law, that became the way I ate! I have never forgotten those days! Now, after a long struggle with finding work over and over again I have finally succeeded in having plenty, a house that is paid for and everything in good shape! So after the surgery, I started collecting cans again, and I am getting pretty darned good at it! The first year I made $700, then I made $800 the next year, and each year since I have made more! The money goes to anything that is worthy of a little cash. I have often thought, for the lack of a little money, how many good ideas have gone nowhere? How many candidates have not run for office? how many things that are needed have been ignored? That is where my money goes!
Yes it can be messy, and beneath some people, but I have thick skin and a worthy smile, I hit a few dumpsters and take things other than cans to places that can use them. A place called "the Tiny House" in Hopkinton, Iowa sells used clothing and almost anything for a cheap price, all their help is volunteer, and the money they get largely goes to non-profits or things the community needs, like ambulance services, or fire departments etc. Last year they gave away $50,000! So they get lots of things I rescue from the land fill! And that is how I answered, "And what are you doing to make things a little better."
I love this:
“For me, that means prioritizing some things that I can control: be a better father, husband, son, sibling, friend, colleague, neighbor, and servant.”
A grassroots movement of one! And it can make difference. Bravo for putting it so eloquently.
Dave, this is great! For me, while I remained concerned about the larger picture, this year I will also focus on what I can control. How I see myself, how I move through the world, and what small acts I can do to improve the lives of my community. In the end, if everyone focused on the small sphere, the larger world would resound with the changes
Great column. Thanks for everything Emily and you are doing to make this a better place!
Great advice Dave...I lost my dad in April, his funeral was the day before 70th wdg anniv. Puts a lot into perspective...Wishing your family a great 2025 & congrats to Emily!