We seem to have lived through a holiday weekend without getting into a war or an invasion of Canada. Our “leader” gave a commencement speech at West Point that was unlike any commencement address in my experience. How have we come to accept this? A better question, what can we do about it?

I realized that now in my mid-eighties, I may live in an unrecognizable country to the end of my days. That is unacceptable, and yet, what can be done to recover what’s lost, find a way to restore kindness and empathy to this angry, corrupt world that is the present USA? I know many people who feel as I do and who will do in small ways the kind and helpful things that have characterized my world. Small, altruistic  actions will help in small ways, but the large charitable activities have been canceled by unchecked government actors in an effort to streamline expenses. Those actions have added billions to the national debt as funds have been relocated into already wealthy places through tax breaks.

The president’s birthday parade is still on the national agenda. We have twin granddaughters whose birthday is on June 14th, as is Flag Day. We will happily celebrate them as they are a living  treasure worth honoring. All our grandchildren contribute positively as they make their ways in a rapidly changing world; I worry for their futures.

As a “glass half full” person, I struggle to keep hopeful. Little acts of kindness, as small as opening doors for others, making time to listen, calling on those who are lonely, smiling at strangers, contributing to causes we care about, volunteering time when help is needed, all are encouraging. Until next time, stay positive, and remember that love and kindness are free.