AUTHOR: Linda Grady on 10/10/2024 FIRST: Ben Rodriguez on 10/10/2024 | RECENT: DrLefty on 10/12/2024
Comments
Sorry to disagree with you, Dick, but my observation is that the things of lasting value, if you’re talking about objects/mementos/ jewelry, for the most part don’t mean much to children. Adult children /grandchildren is another story: My daughter cherishes and daily wears an inexpensive engraved locket that was a retirement gift to her great aunt. Like my daughter, Ethel Gunderson never had children of her own but devoted her life to teaching children K-2.
This was really helpful to me! Though I give modest gifts of cash and toys/experiences, etc., and spend quite a lot on travel to see one set of grandchildren, I always feel inadequate compared to the extremely wealthy other grandparents who live near the grandchildren and purchase whatever their heart’s desire and then some. I need to get over it. Thank you, Barb.
When reflecting on your career, Dick, either back then in 2018, or more recently, I often detect a sense of frustration that your efforts to educate and guide didn’t bear more fruit. I think it’s possible that you opened more doors than you know. Some of the employees might not have been ready to hear your message but may eventually have done more reading and independent research, leading to wiser investment decisions. Like you, I have completely lost touch with the vast majority of families to whom I provided health information, especially around early childhood development. But the few with whom I have maintained contact (5 or 6), continue to amaze me At the time of my interventions (non-mandated), I believed that few or none of them were destined for a good future with their children. It’s wonderful, years down the line (in two cases, 30+ years) to learn that I was wrong and the children are thriving with productive lives. Not due solely to my visits, of course, but due to their mothers’ determination to do better for their children than was done for them. You just never know where those seeds fell and how they may be thriving today.
I’m kind of in awe, Mike, that your grandmother was one of those who developed Head Start! As a retired Public Health Nurse whose career focused on home visits to very low income families, I appreciated what wonderful programs Head Start and now, Early Head Start, are. Parent involvement is typically required and for some parents, this was their first “work “ experience (even though it was volunteer). Coming from a middle class family, with very conservative values which generally eschewed any government “handouts,” I made sure to spread the word that the two government programs that should never be cut are Head Start and WIC, the nutritional food supplement program for pregnant women, lactating women and children up to age five. Kudos to your grandmother who started something that has benefited millions. (I got into a political argument with my brother in law when he said HS wasn’t “worth it “ because studies show that HS didn’t increase college admissions for its participants. Not the point, buddy! Fortunately, he learned not to jeopardize our generally good relationship by ever bringing it up again 😂).
Grateful as always for your wisdom. In the few short years that I’ve been reading and commenting, you and the other HD contributors have sustained me beyond measure. Recently I began keeping a daily gratitude journal that was suggested here. It’s become a reliable self-help tool. Thank you for the update.
I recently helped a friend who has moved overseas correct what seemed like a minor error on her NYC birth certificate from 74 years ago, but was holding up documentation she needed for her new country of residence. Wow! It may be a computerized system but it took multiple letters and a couple of months to accomplish the task. And there actually was a clerk involved. I offered to go in person but that’s not allowed anymore.
There are several places in my little town, including the best restaurant, that give a discount for payment in cash. I was surprised when it happened at the butcher where I occasionally shop, so it’s not just the restaurants. Some gas stations too, of course.
Comments
Sorry to disagree with you, Dick, but my observation is that the things of lasting value, if you’re talking about objects/mementos/ jewelry, for the most part don’t mean much to children. Adult children /grandchildren is another story: My daughter cherishes and daily wears an inexpensive engraved locket that was a retirement gift to her great aunt. Like my daughter, Ethel Gunderson never had children of her own but devoted her life to teaching children K-2.
Post: What They Don’t Tell You About Retirement: Part 2 – Grandchildren Are Expensive
Link to comment from September 6, 2025
This was really helpful to me! Though I give modest gifts of cash and toys/experiences, etc., and spend quite a lot on travel to see one set of grandchildren, I always feel inadequate compared to the extremely wealthy other grandparents who live near the grandchildren and purchase whatever their heart’s desire and then some. I need to get over it. Thank you, Barb.
Post: What They Don’t Tell You About Retirement: Part 2 – Grandchildren Are Expensive
Link to comment from September 6, 2025
When reflecting on your career, Dick, either back then in 2018, or more recently, I often detect a sense of frustration that your efforts to educate and guide didn’t bear more fruit. I think it’s possible that you opened more doors than you know. Some of the employees might not have been ready to hear your message but may eventually have done more reading and independent research, leading to wiser investment decisions. Like you, I have completely lost touch with the vast majority of families to whom I provided health information, especially around early childhood development. But the few with whom I have maintained contact (5 or 6), continue to amaze me At the time of my interventions (non-mandated), I believed that few or none of them were destined for a good future with their children. It’s wonderful, years down the line (in two cases, 30+ years) to learn that I was wrong and the children are thriving with productive lives. Not due solely to my visits, of course, but due to their mothers’ determination to do better for their children than was done for them. You just never know where those seeds fell and how they may be thriving today.
Post: This post contains a secret and words I used in a few forum posts ago. Why is it not encouraging.
Link to comment from September 3, 2025
I’m kind of in awe, Mike, that your grandmother was one of those who developed Head Start! As a retired Public Health Nurse whose career focused on home visits to very low income families, I appreciated what wonderful programs Head Start and now, Early Head Start, are. Parent involvement is typically required and for some parents, this was their first “work “ experience (even though it was volunteer). Coming from a middle class family, with very conservative values which generally eschewed any government “handouts,” I made sure to spread the word that the two government programs that should never be cut are Head Start and WIC, the nutritional food supplement program for pregnant women, lactating women and children up to age five. Kudos to your grandmother who started something that has benefited millions. (I got into a political argument with my brother in law when he said HS wasn’t “worth it “ because studies show that HS didn’t increase college admissions for its participants. Not the point, buddy! Fortunately, he learned not to jeopardize our generally good relationship by ever bringing it up again 😂).
Post: This post contains a secret and words I used in a few forum posts ago. Why is it not encouraging.
Link to comment from September 3, 2025
Grateful as always for your wisdom. In the few short years that I’ve been reading and commenting, you and the other HD contributors have sustained me beyond measure. Recently I began keeping a daily gratitude journal that was suggested here. It’s become a reliable self-help tool. Thank you for the update.
Post: Health Update
Link to comment from September 2, 2025
Oh boy, guys. Reading all these comments has greatly delayed the short nap I was hoping to take. Everyone sure did “tell Dickie”!
Post: Rehashing the age 70 thing. Tell Dear Dickie what is it that he doesn’t get about SS at age 70?
Link to comment from August 21, 2025
I deleted my original comment after I read Quinn’s comment below. There was a very nice boy on my block growing up who was also called Dickie.
Post: Rehashing the age 70 thing. Tell Dear Dickie what is it that he doesn’t get about SS at age 70?
Link to comment from August 21, 2025
I recently helped a friend who has moved overseas correct what seemed like a minor error on her NYC birth certificate from 74 years ago, but was holding up documentation she needed for her new country of residence. Wow! It may be a computerized system but it took multiple letters and a couple of months to accomplish the task. And there actually was a clerk involved. I offered to go in person but that’s not allowed anymore.
Post: Have you seen your money lately?
Link to comment from August 16, 2025
There are several places in my little town, including the best restaurant, that give a discount for payment in cash. I was surprised when it happened at the butcher where I occasionally shop, so it’s not just the restaurants. Some gas stations too, of course.
Post: Have you seen your money lately?
Link to comment from August 16, 2025
Such interesting stories! Thank you, Rick.
Post: Have you seen your money lately?
Link to comment from August 16, 2025