Thoughts From The Black Sheep of the Family

The weather is not fit for man nor beast! It’s 98 degrees outside with a humidity of 80%. Yet there is Linda mowing her lawn without the benefit of any shade, with a non-self propelled lawnmower. At 66 years old , Linda has more strength, endurance, and determination than many men half her age. It’s not only physical strength, but also strength of mind.

From the time Linda was a young girl, she has worked hard all her life. She fell in love at the tender age of 15 years old, and married Andy.

Linda lived a hard married life. She continued working manual labor this entire time. With her husband, they struggled to make a good living for themselves and their 3 children. Their struggles eventually paid off when they finally owned their own restaurant in Terryville, Connecticut.

The tedious work was 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. During this time, Linda’s upward drive had her sights set on acquiring her GED without attending classes.


After 28 years passed, it was time to slow down somewhat. Linda and Andy left the cold winters of the North and settled down in the sunny and warm State of Florida. The sweet smell of success they had earned for themselves in Florida a magnificent large house with a gorgeous view of the Gulf of Mexico and a dock for their boat.

Unfortunately, Linda’s husband Andy passed away a short time later, leaving her alone to face the realities of widowhood.

At the age of 49, she continued to work to help her sons in the restaurant. Finally as things settled down for her, she returned to her home in Florida, following her 50TH birthday.

One day soon after settling into the warmer climate, she looked around her house in deep thought. She realized it was time to get on with her life. Linda began involving herself in worthwhile projects, classes, and lectures that would enrich her life. She learned how to do basic electrical and plumbing work so she could maintain her house.
She painted, cooked, cleaned, and took on quite a few home repairs that most women would not even attempt.

Linda is a classy noble lady. She tends to set high standards for herself. She’s honest and not afraid to speak her mind when necessary. Linda foregoes any attempt on the dating scene, which most Florida widows constantly spend on that useless game of cat and mouse Besides, Linda has a high degree of dignity, morals, and intellect that most men could never fully appreciate.

It is not my nature to ask Linda for anything, but she somehow senses I need help every now and then, until I can land that illusive job. I’ve enjoyed going on trips with her to visit my niece and family. Linda and I often have lunch or dinner together. Graciously, I accepted when she gave me some home furnishings and other items to start out with in my apartment.

I appreciate Linda so much when she
a) Encourages me to stand on my own.
b) Take the initiative to improve my quality of life again and
c) Not sit back in the shadow of doubt, and silence any longer

I wish I had just one ounce of her fortitude.

Linda is not one for soft feminine words and accolades of praise that she deserves so much. I can just picture her squirming as she reads this short essay. I can never thank her enough for all she has done for me. I thank God every day for giving me the best sister anybody could ever want.

Yes it’s still 98 degrees outside with humidity of 80 percent. Yet, there is Linda still making things beautiful by tending to her garden, and cleaning her pool without the benefit of shade.

God Bless my sister Linda and keep her safely in Your Arms.

Thank You Mr.Brennen for your help in editing my essay.

The Homecoming

Well folks I did it. I adopted Culito. The baby kitten I wrote about previously. Am I turning into one of those Floridian fanatics that talk to their pets as if they were human? In 'This here Florida' there's quite a bit of people that do just that,especially senior citizens. It's not a bad thing, although some might think it's over the top. I feel that human life is more important than animals when it comes to the basics, such as shelter,and nutrition. I am a lover of ALL animals,as they are the gifts that God created for us. Even the animals that we do not like should be given the respect of humane life. I don't much like lap dogs,but I would definitely be a friend to them when I do meet one on those occasions. There's nothing wrong with a kind word, and a gentle touch(if they are not of the timid personality). I have a bond now with my kitten, I love him dearly and unconditionally and I know he feels the same. I know because he won't let me go pee without him. He sits right next to the tub when I take a shower. Cats usually hate the sound of water,but Culito is different. According to Culito,I'm Mom and everything mom does is normal to him. He has a special place in his tiny heart for Grandma Linda too. After all Grandma saved his precious life. I used to think it was awful to bring a dog into a restaurant(legal in this here Florida) and supermarkets. Now I understand why people do that,because I wish I could bring my Culito with me whenever I need to go out. But of course that's not possible. So today my kitty will come with me to visit his Abuelita to celebrate the Fourth of July. And I'm bringing his favorite toy monkey Moko. I wish everyone a safe and Blessed holiday. Remember those that gave their lives for our Liberty.