Living My 60th Year - Inspiration

Back on the ground from my delayed trip, hugs with KC and thanks to my neighbors Bob and Judith for taking care of her while I was away.

Again - this week needed lots of focus.  I'm missing two days due to the storm and travel delays. When it became obvious that I was not flying back, I began to reschedule my week - move appointments and prep myself for a big week.

Then I got a phone call on Tuesday, Mrs Myra Cohen passed away at the young age of 90.  I read in the paper that Rudy Remigino also passed at 87 years young.  Both were reisdents in town, Myra, still on the Town Council and Rudy was on the Friends board with me and we gave him our first Friend of the Year award.  As a community we were blessed with their volunteer work for all of in town.

Hartford Courant picture

Myra, first a watchdog and then serving 23 years on the town council.  Yes - do the math - she ran for town council and won at  67 years of age!  You couldn't be about town without running into Myra.  She was steadfast - non political - and was absolutely determined to do the right thing for the Town.   In small towns - that is tough.  At her funeral - her daughter-in-law read a beautiful poem that is listed below - "A Woman of Valor", it was as if this poem was written specifically about her.

Hartford Courtant picture

Rudy was the go-to guy on the Friends Board.  If it wasn't a fundraiser like the booksale and such, you could count on him to be available to hand our flyers and promote the Library at the drop of a hat.  We was around when the first expansion of the library was put on.  He understood the value of a good library in a town - how it educates and entertains it's citizens - the little ones, kids in school, and all the adults right through our senior years. He was such a kind man.  I had the opportunity to visit with his children (my age) and tell some stories about Rudy and to hear their stories about their Poppie.

Both of these people were inspirations in my life.  They understood giving to their community makes and keeps us all healthy.  I was brought up in a family that knew giving was part of everyday life.  We gave of our time, whether at some church functions - there were many, scouting seems to last for most of my young life, and of course, school events.

Here's the poem - I hope it will inspire you to continue the giving you do in your community.  Thank you Myra and Thank you Rudy - thank you for your efforts - you were grand citizens of Newington - we will miss you.

A Woman of Valor

By Eric S. Kingston

Dedicated to all the women who showed me what true strength is.

A woman of valor makes the world change
Her strength is the content that guides through the days
Defined by her actions that bring light to all dreams
Valor is something that's defined by her deeds.

Her valor is golden, sparkled and gray
She stands up to the challenge no matter the way
It can't be held back or defined by her age
Yes, a woman of valor makes the world change.

For valor's not held by the young or the old
But by the deeds of the heart that give and unfold
It's merit and honor that hold no disguise
Like the creation of being in the blessed Holy One's eyes.

For valor is the color of the song of her soul
As she changes, creates and turns light into gold
Divine is Her Presence, be it joyous or sad
-- A Woman of Valor --
May offer little, but it will be all that she has.

For only her heart will know the depths of her soul
That nurtures and blossom and forever unfolds
And holds in its essence new life and new gain

Yes,
A woman of valor makes the world change
A woman of valor makes the world change
A woman of valor makes the world change.

"Be as courageous as Esther, whose faith and bravery where as pleasing to G-d as that of Moses or King David."

BY ERIC S. KINGSTON

Here's to a year of catching the dreams you chase,

doing what makes you smile,

and loving the life you live.