A lonely elder sits at his kitchen table on Thanksgiving waiting for his family to remember him, but they don’t. Charlie spends another Thanksgiving alone. There’s a knock at his door at a quarter past 2. It’s the local Boy Scout Troop 106, it’s my troop we provide hot meals to those in need in the community. Our day starts early with prepping and assembling over 200 hot meals for those in need in our community. It’s a huge production that takes many hands to help. You never know a person’s story, but you can definitely make them feel loved by the gift of your presence. Charlie was a veteran that had no family around and he was just about out of his food for the month, when my scout troop made his hot food delivery he was more than thankful. His heart was over joyed with happiness. I’ve always been taught it better to give than to receive. I believe in helping those in need, especially my elders that are not able to lift or do the things they used to. My grandpa has Parkinson’s and I make every attempt to help him when he needs it. He struggles with his balance and tremors that have him shaking so uncontrollably sometimes. My dad and I help him whenever we can. Yesterday we helped him by cutting, splitting, stacking, and preparing his heat for the winter months. My grandpa was more than thankful, he was proud to have his son and his son’s son all together helping him do something that he no longer cannot. It’s not about the glory, it’s about helping those that can’t help themselves. It’s about going out into the world and seeing the need and taking the lead. I believe that people are put in your path for a reason, it’s our job as people to be the kind spirit to help another person if their path crossed ours. I encourage everyone to take the lead when they see the need. Ask yourself what can I do today to help someone? It’s could be as simple as picking up something for someone or giving your seat to another person because they’re struggling to stand. Be the kindness and compassion that this word needs. Make a difference in someone’s life by a small act of selflessness and kindness. You get what you give in life, but remember giving is the best gift that you can give!

Never get behind the wheel if you or someone you know has been under the influence. Life can be taken in a matter of minutes because of one careless decision. The effects of Driving Under the Influence can cause tragedy to others or yourself. Getting in a vehicle with someone who has been drinking is a death sentence waiting to happen. Even though they may feel sober enough to drive does not mean that they are thinking clearly. The effects of alcohol on the brain to make cognitive choices can still alter their ability to drive. Innocent individuals lives can be taken at anytime, being in the wrong place at the wrong time can also lead you to an encounter with someone under the influence. Always be aware of your surroundings while in a motor vehicle. Many drunk drivers show signs while on the road. They tend to swerve or go below speed limits. They tend to drive at night or in the early morning hours when bars close. You can choose to not driving in the late night hours or early morning hours. If you see a suspicious vehicle, you can help save a life if you see this behavior on the road. Call emergency dispatch if you see something that you don’t feel right about. You won’t regret the possibility of saving a life. If you or someone you know has been drinking make the safe choice to call a transportation service or a trusted individual to help get you to your destination safely. Many cab services and some transportation options can and will take you home safely, free of charge. Have a trusted adult or friend in your phone contacts that is willing to pick you up and get you home safely. It’s not worth the life threatening tragedy to get behind the wheel or in a vehicle with yourself or someone under the influence. Prevention and awareness can go a long way. Know your limits and your boundaries. Life is about choices, Strive to make the best ones. Be aware of your actions as well as others. Your life and someone else’s are not worth the risk of being taken away too soon. I hope and pray that my life and yours are never taken because of someone’s reckless actions. Be the change that we need and make a choice to always be sober while driving or be the designated driver for someone who has been drinking. Choices can make a lot of Changes for your life and the lives of others. I know I will always make the choice to help save a life and to never get behind the wheel or in a vehicle that has alcohol influence. I want to be the change and make a difference in my life and the lives of others. I CHOOSE sober, safe driving! Rest in Peace Anthony, I’m glad you were born again and that you know your creator. I hope that you are building the car of your dreams in heaven!