The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Dear Editor,
Most people seem to have positive addictions as well as the negative type. My wife is addicted to music, crossword puzzles, carpentry and home and garden TV shows. My present addictions are sports, the stock market and writing letters to the editor (some would call the latter two negatives). The cement in our marriage is our similar values and caring more about each other than ourselves. Some people have the addiction of helping others. For example, the Salvation Army and Red Cross personnel devote their lives to others. At a time of crisis, they are generally the first ones there. They, like our firemen, policemen and military personnel, are not looking for a pat on the back, but definitely deserve it.
Larry Adams, Christian Education Director at a Macomb Church, recently wrote a good article about volunteering. There are many ways to help others in the Macomb area and he practices what he preaches in various ways, from serving on the school board to playing Santa. Another prime example of a selfless volunteer is Roger Barclay, a retired teacher. It seems like he is involved with every service organization in town (which even includes helping dogs, cats and flowers). Probably the best way most of us should volunteer is in giving blood (preferably every eight weeks).
Some of us enjoy ringing bells several times at different times at different places for the Salvation Army. It renews our beliefs that there are a lot of good people living in this area.
Although there are a lot of people hurting with layoffs, etc., people seem to be in pretty good spirits. Besides helping a very worthwhile organization, you enjoy kidding with people. One guy said his wife told him he was a natural bell ringer because he had always been a ding-a-ling. (Maybe that is another reason I enjoy it.)
Back in the good old days, growing up in a small town in Missouri, it seemed like everyone knew each other. Everyone was called by their first name and we would always wave to each other.
Even when not ringing bells, most people today are also basically friendly and accepting of each other. It is still a habit to wave to people, whether we know them or not.
Of course, the reactions you get these days may be quite a bit different than they were 50 years ago. Some people look at you like you are some kind of nut or have a very puzzled look.
Once in awhile, a person will want to show their maturity level and make a childish comment. Also, very rarely, you get a finger in return (as Ditka says, some people like to show their IQ). However, most people smile, return your wave, or have no reaction (which also, is okay).
The bottom line of this letter is: positive addictions are the secrets of a good fulfilling life.
Weyman George
Macomb