Throughout the life of the Bring Smiles to Seniors Program I have always said that one of the goals of this program is to ensure that those that “paved the way for us” are remembered and reminded that they are loved and cared about. Today I wanted to share with you exactly what I mean by that.

History has shown us many generations over the years. Each one born into this world going through their lives hoping to leave the world a little better place than they found it for future generations. Many people have children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. They go through life hoping that they can leave the world in a little better shape than they found it for their families. Some generations do a great job, some not so great. However, in most cases the people in each generation worked in many ways to pave the way for the future that we all enjoy.

Some people worked multiple jobs so that their families could eat. Some served in the armed forces to protect our freedom. Some created cures for debilitating diseases and others made discoveries that changed the very way we live. Mother’s took care of homes and children, sometimes while working themselves. Fathers took care of their families and provided so that their family could have a good life. The list is never ending.

In each generation laws are passed, advancements are made and technology is developed, all done by the generation before us that paved the way for our lives to be a little better. When those individuals become the aging generation, it becomes our responsibility to be the ones that respect and remember the sacrifices they made so that when their time comes, it comes knowing that they are cared for, loved and remembered. They leave knowing that they are appreciated for the contributions they made and that they have been acknowledged for the love they gave.

Posthumous love serves no purpose. It is important to show the love while they are still here and that is why we do what we do. Every card that is delivered with yours or a child’s message inside is a reminder that we appreciate them. It is our way of showing that we care and that as long as we can keep going they will be reminded that we appreciate the fact that they paved the way for us.

Take a moment and remind that special someone that paved the way for you today. Both they and you will benefit from that acknowledgement and that in itself will be the reason someone smiles today.

Ron