How Does Flattery Affect You?

"Do you mind if I ask you something?"   Without a clue what to expect I replied, "Of course  I don't mind."

I was at our goldsmith's shop where there were four goldsmiths and three diamond setters working. We have used these goldsmiths for over 25 years to make custom jewelry for our clients. During the course of these years, we have never seen superior quality -- their workmanship is unmatched.  We respect them and their work so I assumed the question was going to be work related as our relationship is strictly business.

"I have known you over 20 years, why is it you still look the same?"  I was not sure if this was a compliment or an indication that I needed to upgrade my appearance.

I laughed, not knowing what to say.  He continued, "How old are you, anyway?"

I laughed again and said, "You know you are never supposed to ask a lady her age!"  He apologized profusely, "How old do you think I am?"

He took a step closer to me and said, "I can't lie and I hope I am not insulting you, but you must be between 40 and 45."

Now, it was time to burst into hysterics as I said, "You China men all think we blue-eyed, blonde white chicks all look alike!"  The whole shop burst into laughter.  He was embarrassed, not knowing if I was flattered or insulted.

I said, "I will be turning 70 soon." He lost his balance, landed in the closest chair and said, "If you weren't married, I would be asking you out!"

I told him "All men are liars!" and there was another round of laughter.  He proceeded to say some very nice things and I couldn't wait to call my hubby and tell him.  I knew he would be pleased -- and he was! That made my day, week, month, year.

Emergency trip to the hospital

What Life Lessons Did Your Father Teach You?

In a small German village on New Year's Eve 1903, my father, William Frederick, was born. He was the oldest of thirteen children. Life was challenging and after my father's brother was born, my grandfather traveled to the New World. Grandpa worked hard to save enough money to bring his family to America.

TRAVELING AS STOW-AWAYS

The day came when my Grandma and her two little boys could travel across the seas to unite with Grandpa and have a better life.   There was not enough money for the three of them to travel as passengers.  My dad and his brother were stowaways in the hull of the ship.  It was a three-week journey with little food for the boys to share.  My father was four years old and would go the kitchen and beg for the table scraps that had been thrown away.   Often, he was reprimanded for being there and not given anything to eat.

Return the Child - He Is Not Yours to Keep

I stood there...exhausted.  Staring at nothing in particular and everything in general.  It was all a blur; fuzzy, like my thoughts.

Shock does that.  Moments earlier I held my infant son in my arms, cradling him, cuddling him.  Now my arms were empty.  The ache in my heart was like none I had ever experienced.  It only exaggerated the pain in my empty arms. No one could ever take that pain away except my son - back where he belonged.