service – Writing Under Fire

#Writing through the Pain

Posted on August 1, 2015March 30, 2022 by jtailele

Do you write to get through hard times? I have always found it my solace. My husband lost his God son to suicide yesterday. We are in shock and our hearts are breaking. He left a wife and four little kids. Why? runs over and over in our heads. What could be so terrible that you feel your only solution is suicide? I think we have all been through dark hours. A time in our lives that we wonder how we would make it through the next day. But suicide? He made it through multiple tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. We all held our breath until he came home safe. Life seemed so good, if only on the outside. Now stateside, a new baby boy, finally time with his family. Then this. I don’t understand.

To Danny, you were loved. By more than we can count. Your death leaves a huge hole in our hearts. I can’t imagine how Jessica can ever explain this to the kids. We miss you. I hope that you have found peace from whatever it was you could not face here on earth. I am sorry we could not be there to help you through your pain. We did not know. We, your Dad, your brother, Jessica – we all would have helped you through this . . . if only you would have shared your burden with us.

To anyone else reading this, if you are going through a tough time right now, call someone. Don’t try to struggle through it alone. Nothing is so bad that you need to take your life. You’ll get through it. Together – with the help of those that love you. And if you feel there is no one that loves you, I’d venture to guess you are wrong. Whether it is a parent, spouse, child or neighbor, a friend from your past – there ARE people out there that love you. Value life. Choose life. #SuicideHurtsEveryone #YouAreLoved #ChooseLife #RIPDanWenger

children, economy, family, friends, laborers, love, nurses, plumbers, retail, service, support, thanks, writers

Cheers for our Laborers

Posted on September 1, 2013March 30, 2022 by jtailele

Happy Labor Day.

For most people, this is a day off, to spend with family, to relax on a beach, or to knock out a round of golf. But all laborers in America are not off on this day. Many still work their regular jobs, while we go about our merry way.

The purpose of this day is to honor them, and the lucky ones that got a day off. Everyone thinks to honor the “heroes”, the fireman, the police, the first responders. But the everyday service people don’t always get the thanks they deserve.

Why, I ask? Why do they labor? Most labor to provide for their families, to put food on the table, to pay that doctor bill. Hopefully they are working a job that they enjoy. Many are not so lucky. Many do it out of need – they cringe every day they get out of bed to face another day at a job they hate. This day – let’s say “thanks” for sacrificing their life to do what they have to do. Head into work on your next workday with a smile on your face knowing someone cares – and thanks you.

Then there are those that serve out of labors of love. Maybe they are volunteers, or maybe they draw a salary – but their purpose is clear. They love to serve. Perhaps you a nurse or a nurses aide, thank you for the love and care you give your patients. Perhaps you volunteer or run a non-profit organization that serves the needy, the challenged, the high-risk youth. Thank you for your service.

So today, or tomorrow, or the next day – keep this in mind. They deserve your thanks. I customarily thank a serviceman or woman every time I see one in uniform. This week – make it your pledge to thank the laborers that keep America moving, food in your mouth, clothes on your back, your home running smooth.

How many of you will say thinks to this week?

Pikes Peak Crossfit

I must have done something right along the way of raising my children. Here is another link of one of my children that makes the news. My son, Dru Cooper, owns Pikes Peak Crossfit and changes lives every day. He is just one of four. My first link today was about his two sisters, Candy McDowall and Terri Cooper with Yoga Gangsters. And there is one more. Another daughter, Amy Richards works with kids in higher education, helping them improve their lives and the people around them.

I didn’t always make the best decisions when I was raising them, but to quote my father (RIP Dad), “They turned out pretty great in spite of you.” (meaning me)

If you are proud of your kids, shout it from the rooftops. And I think its okay to give yourself a little pat on your back.

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