WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
We are only into the third week of November, and Christmas is still more than a month away, but I couldn’t wait until next month to pay tribute to Ron Linton. Ron passed away at the beginning of this month, and those that knew him were more than deeply saddened. My condolences go out to Ron’s family.
Ron’s favorite time of the year, I’m sure, was Christmas. I won’t go too much in detail in case a child out there reads this column, but I will say that Ron’s alter ego was the true spirit of Christmas. Now I am fully aware that the Christmas season is the time we should all celebrate the birth of Christ, but because of the many religions out there, this is not always the case. Putting that aside for a moment, Christmas is the time of celebration. Whether it is the sharing of gifts, or just spending time with family and friends, we all take time and appreciate each other the way we should all 365 days of the year.
Ron’s alter ego was genuine. He loved children and could handle almost every situation, whether it was a crying child, or a child too shy to sit on Santa’s lap. Ron’s personality was always the same. He was happy and caring, even when he came into the coffee shop in June. He didn’t need a red suit to be in character. His beard was not fake, and neither was Ron. We’ll still leave a saucer full of cookies out there for you Ron, because your spirit will live on forever. Do I believe in Santa? You bet I do!
Congratulations to the Houston Astros. I heard they won the World Series. I’m afraid I’m not much of a baseball fan. I don’t think there’s an athlete out there worth more than $100,000. With all the hoopla out there concerning the NFL and the National Anthem, I have serious feelings about whether I’ll even watch the Super Bowl, and I do enjoy a good football game. Still, the Super Bowl commercials might be worth the time. If you want to witness a good baseball game, you can’t beat a local Little League game. As far as football is concerned, grab a cup of hot chocolate and take in a local high school game. These are the athletes who play for the love of the game. Just my opinion.
Thanksgiving is next week. As usual, I’ll suggest that you consider volunteering to help with a Thanksgiving dinner put on by a local civic group or church. Perhaps a homeless shelter could use your help when it comes to serving a hot meal for those less fortunate.
If you’re planning to have family over for dinner, why not set an extra place at the table for that neighbor down the street who will be celebrating alone? If that neighbor feels uncomfortable about intruding on your family-time, take a helping to them.
This is also the time of the year when we must not forget those living in assisted-living facilities. The facility might provide a meal, but they don’t usually provide family members. No one should spend any holiday alone. You have no idea what it’s like unless you’ve actually experienced being alone on Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Thanksgiving dinner at home is special. The wonderful thing about staying home for Thanksgiving is that you’ll usually end up with leftovers. Not the case if you dine out. Now would be the time to gather those extra food containers for the leftovers. Perhaps a large plastic container that contained something purchased at a deli. By collecting those containers now, it will save time when it comes to storing the leftovers or sending food home with guests.
When you do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world.
The words ‘racecar’, ‘kayak’, and ‘level’ are the same whether they are read left to right or right to left (palindromes).
See you Out and About!
Submitted by Norm Stutesman
