Think about the worst day you’ve ever had, and try to remember how you felt. No doubt it was extremely difficult to keep a positive attitude as you faced whatever it was you were going through. Now imagine suddenly being in a situation that leaves you without any arms or legs, and ask yourself what kind of outlook you would have if faced with that. Chances are, it would be infinitely worse than the attitude you had on your worst day, except that it would be magnified by the realization that this…

Turn on the television and take a look at the religious strife in the Middle East, and it’s very easy to conclude that Christians, Jews and Muslims will never be able to peacefully co-exist. Many believe this inability stems from fundamental differences that can never be reconciled; however, there are a few enlightened souls who believe it may simply be from a lack of understanding of the basic principles and beliefs that form the foundation of each religion, and the lack of willingness to want…

It is doubtful that anyone who has battled cancer and undergone weeks of chemotherapy would describe the experience as one that leaves you feeling upbeat and ready to tell a good joke. The mental and physical stresses on a person can be overwhelming, and for most people it takes every ounce of strength just to accomplish the basics like getting out of bed and eating. So when you hear the story of someone like Beth Kaufman, a New Jersey mother and attorney diagnosed with Stage 3B breast cancer who…

There are many ways to thank those who make personal sacrifices and put their lives on the line so the rest of us can enjoy liberty and freedom. For the deployed soldier who must endure difficult living conditions, long periods away from home, and threats from hostile enemies, even a small thing like a letter or package from someone who expresses appreciation for what they are doing can mean a great deal. That’s what makes Operation Gratitude so important for the morale of American service men…

Like so many of us, Carolyn Blashek was deeply moved by the tragedy of September 11thand was determined to do something. What makes Carolyn so special is that she actually tried to enlist in the military, an act considered quite brave on its own merits but even greater in Carolyn’s case since it meant leaving behind a son and daughter not even in high school. Although at 46 she was above the age limit set for active duty, Carolyn was not deterred, and instead volunteered at the Los Angeles airport…