50 Bits Of Wisdom For My Grandchildren

The First Native American tradition of elders imparting wisdom to younger generations has no counterpart in contemporary American culture. As a grandfather and as an elder at age 60, I use this book to pass on to my three grandchildren (and other readers) 50 bits of wisdom I have learned from six decades of living in this society. Section I discusses 14 concepts universal to all people, such as "Change," "Suffering," and "Diversity." Section II explicates 19 spiritual concepts, including "Unconditional Love," "Religious Pluralism," and "Environmental Stewardship." And, Section III elucidates 17 maxims, like "Take a problem and turn it into an opportunity."

Advice For My Grandchildren is a collection of anecdotes and ideas inspired by the author's grandparents, with whom he spent many boyhood hours. As generations and circumstances change, so do the experiences of our elders, and they cannot resist passing these experiences on to their offspring. In the minds of grandparents this advice is invaluable and timeless. In the minds of grandchildren it is often boring and irrelevant. This collection is broken loosely into three categories entitled People, Places, and Things. Reminiscences are not chosen for any special purpose other than to pass on some of the lessons the author has learned, often at great expense or embarrassment. This brief volume may help grandchildren everywhere get a jump on the competition, if not on life itself. We can always hope that they might pass some of these stories on to their grandchildren, perhaps 50 or 100 years from now. What better legacy?

"Times are changing! We are about to have more "senior citizens" in this country than ever before. Products, advertising, entertainment, and services are becoming more focused on this older generation. It is a wonderful time to grow older. Yes, our world is being transformed around us faster than ever, and we need to evolve with it. Men have learned to change diapers, and women can be construction workers. We have exchanged household help for food processors, cooking for take-out, and leisurely dining for fast foods. We used to read more, listen to the radio, and write letters; now we watch TV, talk on the telephone, and fax. It is written that there is "a time to weep and a time to laugh." The trick is to know which one to do when. Given a choice, let's go with the laughter." --

Just looking back on when I started writing, it is truly amazing. I remember my first paper, entitled "Encouragement." I remember trying to bring a group together, which I called Networking Friends Network. That is when I thought of instead of just having a regular flyer, I thought of the idea of inspiring people, with positive thoughts on my flyer. After that point on, I continued to write encouraging papers. I noticed the papers started to increase to the point that I decided to create a book of my writings, called A Little Bit of My Every Thought. I am truly happy at the response that I have received from people. Mrs. Martha Parker, a wonderful person and close family friend told me that my writing made her look at her own life differently. I plan to continue inspiring and motivating people. I believe that life should be as pleasant as possible despite life's challenges. One way that people can be happy is by helping others. Remember, it is always more blessed to give than to receive.

Create a lasting keepsake for future generations with this guided journal The memories we share with loved ones are an invaluable treasure--hold yours inside a timeless keepsake. This guided journal, created just for mothers and grandmothers, is full of thoughtful writing prompts that encourage you to record your stories. When you have put your memories to paper, this precious memoir can be passed down to your children and cherished for generations to come. Insightful questions on every page invite you to delve into topics both lighthearted and momentous, from recollections of your childhood and the wisdom of motherhood to your hopes for the future. With short questions and plenty of space to write your answers, it's easy to capture the moments that have shaped your life. Share your story with a mom journal that is: In your own words--Explore deep, thought-provoking topics or share funny anecdotes in a Q&A format that lets you use your unique voice. Practical and elegant--A classic design and roomy lined pages make this guided journal a joy to use and a delight to read when you're done. For mothers of all kinds--Share your experiences and one-of-a-kind perspective through open-ended questions that suit any age and family structure. Create your own legacy with this simple guided mom journal.

Parentless Parents is the first book to show how the absence of grandparents impacts everything about the way mothers and fathers raise their children--from everyday parenting decisions to the relationships they have with their spouses and in-laws. For the first time in U.S. history, as the average age of women giving birth has increased significantly, millions of children are at risk of having fewer years with their grandparents than ever before. How has this substantial shift affected parents and kids? Journalist, award-winning television producer, and parentless parent Allison Gilbert has polled and studied more than 1,300 parentless parents from across the United States and a dozen other countries to find out. Through her pioneering research, Gilbert not only shares her own story and the significant and poignant effect that this trend has had on her and hundreds of other families, but also the myriad ways these mothers and fathers have learned to keep the memory of their parents alive for their children, and to find the support and understanding they need.

We know what pain, rejection, anger, bitterness, and loneliness look and feel like. We know how those emotions intensify when it is from our own family members, those that are supposed to love and take care of us but are not always successful at it. I wanted to feel what others had, to read it, and to experience it just a little. As others shared what their mom relationships were like, that pain was deeper than I realized before. I no longer wanted to live through your experiences; instead, I wanted to let you know I get it a little. Through some real honest moments came some really raw memories and painful truths, not just my own but yours as well. I found myself weeping and praying for all of you that shared your stories with me. I know I needed to go on a journey with God as my guide to find my "missing mom pieces" so I could heal and pass that on to you. So I pray you take this journey as you figure out what your missing mom pieces are so you may feel peace in the pain, strength in the sorrow, and healing in the days to come. Are you ready?