I’ve been thinking a lot about my grand kids lately. I have two boys who are a delight to watch. I still picture them chalk drawing in their patio and taking turns sweeping the food particles under the dining table. The older is more reserved, thoughtful and soft spoken, The younger is full of energy, excitable and full of wonderment. Despite the isolation due to the pandemic, they somehow are able to entertain themselves. And I have to hand it to my daughter and her husband who find ways (despite their extremely busy work) to carve time to bring them to basketball practice, Taekwondo and music lessons. So the boys are well rounded in sports, music and academics. The older helps the younger and the younger looks up to the older. Sure, they get into fights like all other kids but I can tell they really get along. They are the best of friends.

They are only separated by a year. Their Mom was still nursing the older when they announced that she was pregnant again. We were so concerned that it would be impossible to raise 2 babies at the same time — especially with both parents working full time. It was indeed difficult but God works in mysterious ways and they got through those years. I’d like to say that I played a big role in this but no. Even though I offered to help, the parents were determined to do it on their own. And so far they’ve succeeded. Dad set the boys with their own computer. And even when left alone, they know what to do for their online school. Last week, the younger was presented a student of the  week award while the older garnered the student of the month award.

I enjoy sharing meals with them because I get to listen to their innocent prayers. I know what they’re concerned about and I know what they praise God for. Their faith is strong. And I couldn’t ask for anything more. We aren’t rich and we still have struggles but I see how God has blessed us.

In a world full of political and economic uncertainties I can find an oasis in their home (you who have kids and grand kids — I’m sure you can relate). I do not take their faith in Jesus for granted. Like a garden, one needs to “water the plants” everyday. That’s why I pray for my family constantly. I also pray for you (my readers). I hope the jokes make you smile and I hope my sharing fills your heart.

Be safe, be healthy, and remember: Joy comes in many places; you can find it on top of a majestic mountain, among the dazzling coral reefs or in the living room watching Totoro with the grand kids for the first time. TGIF people!

The Vice Presidential debate renewed my faith in the American democratic system because the VP candidates kept their cool despite the hostile atmosphere. As expected, there was no clear winner but I think everyone will agree that the number one talking point was the black fly that landed and lingered on VP Mike Pence’s white hair.

In a place that was supposed to be immaculately disinfected, here comes a germ-carrying fly thumbing its antlers at 50 million viewers — declaring that insects and bacteria rule the world. They will always find a way to come in.

Someone recently sent me an email — a “true story” about a piano teacher and a lazy student named Robby who miraculously played a difficult musical piece during a recital because (this time) he played for his recently departed mother. The email’s author manipulated her readers to tears and coerced the sharing of her article. I remembered seeing that fake email years ago and deleted it.

Days later, that same email came back to me several times and from different unrelated groups of people. I had to put a stop to it. So I did a little research and sure enough, this fake email started back in 2001. Nineteen years later and this fake yarn was being spread anew. I exposed the silliness to the people who sent that email. I hope it stopped the spread.

This is a great illustration of the Covid 19 pandemic. Even if that virus is seemingly eradicated  all over the world, it only takes one infected person to recycle the disease.

My message isn’t “doom and gloom go lock yourself in your room.” Rather, it is acceptance of a new lifestyle. The human race has faced innumerable health challenges. This is just one of them. We will adjust and (if the people who accept this plan accordingly) they will be ahead of the pack.

Be safe, be healthy, and remember: you need NOT go through this alone because someone up there loves you more than you know. TGIF people!

Raoul

{During the last supper, Jesus, knew that it would be mere hours until the soldiers would come and inflict unbearable suffering, yet he wasn’t thinking of himself but of the apostles and he gave them this assurance that someone will be there to help them through their challenges:]  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.“  — John 14:27