It asked a few large engines but they all had excuses and could not help. Eventually the little engine ran upon another little engine that agreed to help. Together they coupled the load of box cars filled with toys and struggled up the mountain side. They chanted: “I think I can” all the way up and once they reached the top, they tooted, “I knew I could” all the way down the mountain. Despite the difficult task, the little engine figured out a way to get through the tough situation. It never gave up and was ultimately able to deliver the toys and goodies to the waiting children on the other side of the mountain.
There are many instances throughout our lives where we are taxed with figuring out how to wiggle out of a difficult situation. From this story, my parents taught us that if we believed in ourselves, that we could get monumental things done; that we could do anything we set our minds and hearts to do. They were right! This month we celebrated what our forefathers, the colonists, believed they could accomplish. They believed there could be better governing. Many events and issues culminated in their resolution of a difficult situation. Escalating taxes without representation, various acts or laws that passed, quartering soldiers or British troops and other forms of turmoil ensued. Over a ten-year period all this led the colonists to try to seek a remedy. The relationship between the colonists and the British Crown was strained. The colonists believed in themselves. They went to war with the British and this war, as we know, was the American Revolutionary War.
Many things came about as a result of that turmoil and tough situation. One is the Declaration of Independence. While many are still attempting to secure that freedom and independence referenced in this historical document, our country has benefited from those who fought and kept on trying to accomplish a great thing: The United States of America! From time-to-time, we are faced with troubling situations but the moral here is to keep trying to step through and resolve the situation. If it's important enough, it's worth the time and effort. There're rewards in the end. So keep on doing what you are doing and never give up. Many of our seniors and their families depend on you! Thank you for what you do to help make their lives a bit easier!
See you at our next MASWA Membership Meeting!
Georgene Connelly
