So little, too much

Never think so little of your ambition, or too much of your ego.

--By Ron Cooper

With

Imagine a world without love.

Imagine a soul without purpose.

Imagine a life without contentment.

Imagine a heart without

Love
Purpose
Contentment

Then imagine it with.

--By Ron Cooper

Hunger is not pretty

Hindsight is 20/20 and I realize that I fell short to a homeless man's request for aid.

I was sitting at McDonald's having breakfast, lost in thought to compose a new poem for this blog. A disheveled man approached me suddenly, a wild look in his eyes, and a loud demand emerging from his lips:

"I need money for some food!"

I always help the homeless in their quest for a meal. And here a meal could be had quickly. But the man's tone was off-putting and I found myself on the defensive. Quickly I calculated that I was only willing to give the man two ones, and told him so.

That wasn't enough, the man said. He needed $5 to $10, he said, "so I can choose for myself what to order."

He kept insisting, and I found myself getting irritated. I had come to the restaurant for some peace and quiet and this man, this stranger, was disturbing it! How dare he DEMAND money from me, I thought.

I was perturbed. Reluctantly, I parted with the $2, but instead of thanking me, he glared at me.

Later, it dawned on me:

Hunger is not polite and it's not pretty. Hunger is strident, screaming to be noticed.

I know that now. And I wish that I had given the man enough money for a decent meal.

--By Ron Cooper

8 tips for successful living

To be successful at living:

1. Tap into a positive pool of energy.
2. Love like there's no tomorrow.
3. Make service second nature.
4. Appreciate good health and good company.
5. Revel in your spirit.
6. Laugh.
7. Create peace in your little corner of the world.
8. Forge a legacy.

--By Ron Cooper
Dedicated to the memory of Uncle Kenny Kuhn
(1937-2010)

No happier

No happier could I be than to see you enjoying healthy, productive, full lives with a keen and eager eye to the future.

I am proud of you both, your accomplishments, your attitude toward life, and the loving, caring influence you are leaving on the world.

Know that you are always uppermost in my mind and held so dear in my heart.

Love,
Dad

(Dedicated to my children)

Celebrate!

Today I will celebrate the joys in my life
Family
Friendship
Faith

Today I will celebrate the gifts I can bestow
Compassion
Kindness
Caring

Today I will celebrate the wonders of my life
This breath
This moment
A smile

Today, supreme in every way because I choose
To celebrate!

--By Ron Cooper
July 3, 2010
(Dedicated to Annie Rosenberg-Sattich)