Dear Editor:
How we take things for granted here in America, like it’s here for the taking and it’s mine, mine, mine. Slow down lads and lassies, or as they say in Ireland, “Hold your horses.” Hold them tight. What I have to say, it’s just me and my beliefs. I rise early in the morning, as I have been doing since 1954, when I first came to America. And 17 years doing that on the farm, before I came here.
I feed the birds and I never cease to admire them, as I sit on my porch, and observe how they mingle with each other. From the huge seagulls to the wee sparrows. No fighting over food. They show a great respect for each other. What happened to humans? They are supposed to do better than birds when it comes to respecting each other. You think they do? I doubt it.
Watching the birds made me wonder: do people born in America know how lucky they are to be living in America? Do they realize they are living in a true paradise? When they turn the news on to see what is happening in the world, do they ask themselves, “Why am I so lucky to be living in America?” I do every morning, rain, snow, or sunshine. Where else on God’s beautiful earth can one have so much?
At noon, I wind up at the Seaside Older Adult Center, in the church on Beach 94th Street, where I am treated to a beautiful lunch, prepared and delivered by Russo’s on the Bay. And inspected by the New York City Health Department, all for the sky-high price of one dollar. And you’re still complaining? If you bring a container with you, you can get an additional meal to take home for one dollar.
The center opens for breakfast and exercise is at 8:30 a.m. Lunch is served beginning at noon. After lunch, you have games, such as bingo, pool and more. On Tuesdays at 1 p.m., there is a painting class, knitting and crochet, with an instructor.
Show me another place where senior citizens are pampered more. For further information, call Case Manager Briege McGarrity, 917-520-7343. Whoever penned the phrase, “Only in America”, was saying a mouthful and so true. So, when we rise in the morning, let us say, “God Bless America.” Thank you, Lord, for blessing me with the most beautiful place on earth to live.
John Baxter
