Feed Your Good Dog

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Wednesday Wide Smile

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In Memory of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, 1921 – 2009 One Woman’s Vision

Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded the Special Olympics and, on July 20, 1968, the first Special Olympic Games were held at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.

The Special Olympics was created out of Ms. Shriver’s love and respect for the individual nature of people with intellectual disabilities and her desire to see that they reach their full potential without changing who they inherently are. The bonus, as Ms. Shriver saw it, is that we all change for the better as we allow people with intellectual disabilities grow into all they are meant to be.

In a statement from the Special Olympics on her death, Timothy Shriver says “… it was her unconditional love for the athletes of Special Olympics that so fulfilled her life.”

Her son goes on to say that his mother “…never hoped that people with intellectual disabilities should be somehow changed into something they were not. Rather, she fought throughout her life to ensure that they would be allowed to reach their full potential so that we might in turn be changed by them, forced to recognize our own false assumptions and their inherent gifts.”

To that end, as we learn from the video, the Special Olympics provides individuals with consistent opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, and establish self confidence thereby enriching both individual lives and communities as a whole.

So it is that Eunice Kennedy Shriver dedicated her life to her “special friends” and through her lifelong tireless efforts created a world stage on which they can inspire us all by improving themselves and improving the world.

And, remember…Feed Your Good Dog, so your good dog always wins!

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TGIFYGDF…Thank Goodness It’s Feed Your Good Dog Friday!

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STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY TIES….ENGAGE A SENIOR MEMBER OF YOUR COMMUNITY

They are our storytellers – our elderly are meant to be those who share the secrets of wisdom and knowledge and life with our youth. – Cameron Diaz

The simple act of social interaction with an elder member of your community can improve their life and yours; and, as a result strengthen community ties.

Visit with a grandparent, aunt, uncle, elderly neighbor, or get to know someone new in your community by visiting a local assisted living home and participating in their volunteer activities.

There are so many ways that you can make a positive impact on the lives of the residents of an assisted living home. They include: visiting, pet visits, reading and letter writing, playing games such as bingo, cards, and chess, helping with crafts, gardening, and, yes, getting them to tell their stories by reminiscing about family photos.

We all benefit from building strong meaningful relationships with senior members of the community; especially young people. It is through social interaction with the elderly that our youth develop a deeper understanding of the aging process, which ultimately results in their compassion for aging loved ones and the senior community as a whole. In essence, they improve themselves and the world around them.

So, this weekend, take the initiative yourself, or encourage a young person you know, to engage someone who has a story to tell.

And, remember…Feed Your Good Dog, so your good dog always wins!

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TGIFYGDF – Thank Goodness It’s Feed Your Good Dog Friday!

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This weekend…spend an hour giving a part of yourself to others. Give the gift of life with your blood donation.

According to the American Red Cross, the summer months are a tough time of year to collect enough blood for patients to help them battle an illness or injury. People are away on vacation. High school and college students are out of class for the summer. And, many businesses and industries that host blood drives have fewer staff available to give blood.

Yet the need for blood is constant, no matter what the time of year. Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood. There are countless reasons why someone may need a blood transfusion, including: surgery; serious injury; cancer or burns. Also people with blood disorders may require blood during their treatment.

The reason people give blood is just as varied. They may know someone who has needed blood. They are aware of the continual need for blood and want to make a difference. Or, they know that such a small percentage of those who can give actually do; and some see giving blood as a simple way to give back just because they can.

Please consider taking an hour this weekend and donate blood. You can find a location nearest you by going to the American Red Cross website.

For further information, or to schedule a donation time, you can also visit givelife.org, or call 1-800-GIVE LIFE.

And, remember…Feed Your Good Dog, so your good dog always wins!

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