In 2013 my youngest son Nate was killed in a car crash at 15 years old. His girlfriend was driving and made a mistake and was responsible for the accident.
I decided I was not going to let Nate’s death negatively impact my life. I worked hard, very very hard to not let this happen. I could have easily given up, quit living, be an angry resentful person and no one would have argued with me as I had been through the worst of the worst. But that would have been so disrespectful to Nate and the life he lived. I honor his life by living life to the fullest since his was cut so short.
My point is, no president, no political party, no culture has the power to make your life bad unless you allow it! We all have the power to live life with the attitude we want to have, I have proven it is possible regardless of how bad of an experience life deals you.
I just want to grab people by the shoulders and shake them and tel them to snap out of it and take control of your attitude and life! Quit falling prey to the news, to social media, to people who want to control you with fear.
Living your best life possible rubs off on the next person and the next and the next. If we all turn into a nation of warriors who want to live their best lives then we will all live our best lives, even if that life includes having buried a child.
I know it’s possible, we all must believe it is possible!
I am so sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine the pain of that.
I am also so glad you chose to live positively for your son, and yourself.
I learned recently that we all, scientifically, generate energy thay radiates about 6 feet all around us. So by living with joy and purpose and generosity we truly do affect everyone we come in contact with, positively.
Happy 4th of July everyone. Celebrate America and all Americans with ❤️
So many excellent substacks, each one requiring a paid subscription. Though I love to read blogs, opinions etc from all sides of a subject, yours is the only one that I have actually paid to receive. I’ve recently retired after a life-time of serving in Christian ministry, most recently as the director a a free medical clinic. I know how difficult it is to keep entities such as our clinic funded, so I’m mindful of how I spend my now very limited income. I feel so proud of you, of your boldness of your faith and I pray fervently for your protection. Though not from Ghana, a very extreme and beautiful country, my family moved here from Ireland. At that time, the Irish were the lowest of the low, but like your family, they made something of themselves. They were poor as dirt. America has so much to offer, so many have lost sight of the amazing history and blessings America offers. Almost every country that has ever fallen has fallen from within. Be safe and keep your wits about you! I hate that we have to be fearful of repercussions for free speech!
Thank you for this newsletter today. It is so well written and the sentiment left me teary-eyed. I have just returned from a Fourth of July parade in Watertown, WI, and I will say that patriotism is alive and flourishing in this beautiful little slice of dairy farm heaven. Yes, on the national level, we are certainly divided, but here at the local level, I am proud to say that a ton of effort and good will went in to presenting a two hour parade well worth watching. I am very angry and disappointed at our current administration, but I am 100% proud to be a citizen of 250 years of possibility and opportunity. May Freedom forever ring!!!
Thanks for your perspective on your journey till college. You have knowledge I wasn't provided as my ancestors have been here for 200 plus years. I know the story well and try to remind others you have to work hard to improve.
In 2013 my youngest son Nate was killed in a car crash at 15 years old. His girlfriend was driving and made a mistake and was responsible for the accident.
I decided I was not going to let Nate’s death negatively impact my life. I worked hard, very very hard to not let this happen. I could have easily given up, quit living, be an angry resentful person and no one would have argued with me as I had been through the worst of the worst. But that would have been so disrespectful to Nate and the life he lived. I honor his life by living life to the fullest since his was cut so short.
My point is, no president, no political party, no culture has the power to make your life bad unless you allow it! We all have the power to live life with the attitude we want to have, I have proven it is possible regardless of how bad of an experience life deals you.
I just want to grab people by the shoulders and shake them and tel them to snap out of it and take control of your attitude and life! Quit falling prey to the news, to social media, to people who want to control you with fear.
Living your best life possible rubs off on the next person and the next and the next. If we all turn into a nation of warriors who want to live their best lives then we will all live our best lives, even if that life includes having buried a child.
I know it’s possible, we all must believe it is possible!
Peace! Love! And Happy 4th of July!
I am so sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine the pain of that.
I am also so glad you chose to live positively for your son, and yourself.
I learned recently that we all, scientifically, generate energy thay radiates about 6 feet all around us. So by living with joy and purpose and generosity we truly do affect everyone we come in contact with, positively.
Happy 4th of July everyone. Celebrate America and all Americans with ❤️
Beautiful!
Beth, I am so sorry about your son. Thank you for the example that you set for the rest of us.
Beautifully written Kaizen.
My parents made a similar decision in 1988. Nothing but two kids, two metal foot lockers, $500 and a job.
Only in America can this happen in such high percentages.
Happy birthday America and thank you for writing this piece.
There is beauty in every culture, but not everyone has a Mother as gorgeous as you do! Happy 4th. We're glad you're here!
Glad your parents came. You are a great American, Kaizen.
Happy birthday to you, America!
… and many more!
Thank you & Happy 4th, Brother. Safe travels and welcome back when you return home.
So many excellent substacks, each one requiring a paid subscription. Though I love to read blogs, opinions etc from all sides of a subject, yours is the only one that I have actually paid to receive. I’ve recently retired after a life-time of serving in Christian ministry, most recently as the director a a free medical clinic. I know how difficult it is to keep entities such as our clinic funded, so I’m mindful of how I spend my now very limited income. I feel so proud of you, of your boldness of your faith and I pray fervently for your protection. Though not from Ghana, a very extreme and beautiful country, my family moved here from Ireland. At that time, the Irish were the lowest of the low, but like your family, they made something of themselves. They were poor as dirt. America has so much to offer, so many have lost sight of the amazing history and blessings America offers. Almost every country that has ever fallen has fallen from within. Be safe and keep your wits about you! I hate that we have to be fearful of repercussions for free speech!
Thank you for this newsletter today. It is so well written and the sentiment left me teary-eyed. I have just returned from a Fourth of July parade in Watertown, WI, and I will say that patriotism is alive and flourishing in this beautiful little slice of dairy farm heaven. Yes, on the national level, we are certainly divided, but here at the local level, I am proud to say that a ton of effort and good will went in to presenting a two hour parade well worth watching. I am very angry and disappointed at our current administration, but I am 100% proud to be a citizen of 250 years of possibility and opportunity. May Freedom forever ring!!!
Excellent article!
God bless you and your brave parents. Immigrants like you make America great.
Thanks for your perspective on your journey till college. You have knowledge I wasn't provided as my ancestors have been here for 200 plus years. I know the story well and try to remind others you have to work hard to improve.
Happy Independence Day Kaizen to you and your beautiful family!!!
Absolutely beautiful! And … you will find love, my friend.
Amen.
Moving tribute! Thank you!
Kaizen, I am so glad you are here. You are a treasure to America. Thanks to your mom and dad.
“But clouds are temporary.
These too shall pass.
We will make it through this moment.
We will rise above the clouds.
And we will see that the sky is still there.”
May it come to pass. 🙏