I think being active in the community as a good start. Just going to city council and school board meetings makes a big difference, and you can make some interesting friendships, as well as gain some face/name recognition with those who have influence in your own.

If you can’t fit those things in, letter writing and emailing your local officials and reps in Congress does make a difference as well. They respond to those who make some noise, and every voice they hear for improving education has an effect.

When I watch the original Cheaper By the Dozen I wonder if they would have had that many children if the mother didn’t have 2 servants and good public schools. However, as a former public school teacher I resolved many years ago not to put my children into that cesspool of ignorance and vice. So, here we are doing what we can.

One day my house will be clean, the rooms quiet, and the yard bike-free and likely I will miss the noise and mess much more than I thought I would.

Jane, you put it well; we get comfortable with our own blessings and aren’t motivated to help others. This is a problem in nearly every area of our lives! I don’t mean to be pointing the finger at anyone else; I’m examining myself to see what I can do.

My visit with my sister was fun - it was just over so fast - she’s already back in Michigan. I’m hoping to get over there this summer, though, because I have a reunion I’d like to attend.