Self-isolation has taken away a lot from us, but not Mother Nature. Go for a walk and enjoy the outdoors. You may be surprised at what you’ll discover. Yesterday, I ran into a mockingbird perched on a neighbor’s car. This proud, talented creature was serenading the neighborhood a mere three feet away. I feebly whistled … Continue reading
Author Archives: roncooper
Around town with the coronavirus
This deadly pandemic has turned our lives upside down. Fact is, no matter where I go, COVID-19 is riding shotgun. Just a few examples: The restaurant: I notice the health department rating for my favorite breakfast spot is “A,” as in a perfect score of 100. I compliment the manager, tell him that means a … Continue reading
Compassion for an old woman
An old woman smashed into my friend’s car, totaling it. Worse still, she had no insurance, which is required in our state. The judge ordered the woman to pay restitution. The problem was, she was on Social Security, barely scraping by. Yet she took responsibility for the accident, but told the judge she could make … Continue reading
My cancer journey: Blossoming at Gilda’s Club
After my cancer diagnosis in 2014, I mostly maintained radio silence. Close friends and family knew about my condition, but I didn’t utter a word on social media. I did attend prostate support group meetings where I received valuable practical advice. But I what really needed was for someone to throw me an emotional lifeline. … Continue reading
Random Acts of Kindness report
My wife and I decided to get a head start on Random Acts of Kindness Week in mid-February. It was fulfilling for us to step outside our immediate cares and concerns to extend a hand to others. Our Kindness Journal was a daily reminder to be considerate of neighbors, assist strangers in need and to … Continue reading
The healing power of Beethoven
My life would be hollow without my wife and family beside me or my faith to lean on. But what else is so instrumental to me that it would be extremely difficult to go without? I learned the answer during my 10-day hospital stay in 1998. I was suffering from a serious bacterial infection. I … Continue reading
Hand
Your hand. Is it: Helping an elderly person take a step? Feeding a hungry child? Reassuring someone feeling down and out? Waving in friendship at a neighbor? Shaking the hand of a foe? Lifting a hammer to build a house for the homeless? Raising a glass of water for the thirsty? Your hand. Your connection … Continue reading
Norristown or any town
It’s sickening to watch another one of those viral videos: A bigot attacking a Muslim family eating dinner at a restaurant in the Norristown, Pa., area. The man unleashes a tirade of hate-filled language at a married couple and their two small children minding their own business. Their “crime?” Dressing in different clothes. Looking and … Continue reading
Cancer / Cancer Survivor / Caregiving / Family / Kindness / Love
Team up for a cancer survivor
No one wants to hear the dreaded word cancer, yet everyone should want a group of supporters to help them go through the ordeal. Friends, if you know someone with cancer, please don’t let their principal caregiver carry the burden alone. Caregivers often feel alone, isolated, neglected. You may have the makings for a special … Continue reading
The stranger becomes a friend
People who look and speak differently than me have had a profound influence on my life. As an 18-year-old, I was a VISTA volunteer in Nebraska for one year. I worked closely with Latino migrant workers who picked the crops and struggled to make a living. I learned a good deal of Spanish and managed … Continue reading
Ron Cooper 