Dear Bernard,,

Do you like stories? What about parables? My wife, Karen, read an item this to me this week she found on Facebook and I liked it so much I wanted to share it with you. The author is unknown.

"A man slaughtered a big cow, lit the grill and said to his daughter: Daughter, call all our relatives, friends, and neighbors to eat with us...let us feast."

His smart daughter took to the streets and started shouting: "Please help us put out a fire at my Dad's house."

After a few moments, a small group of people came out and the rest acted like they didn't hear her cry for help.

Those who came, ate and drank until late.

The stunned father turned to his daughter and said to her: "The people who came I barely know them, some I have never seen them before. So where are our relatives, friends, and neighbors?"

The daughter replied to her father: "Those who came out of their homes to help us put out a fire in our house, and not for the party, these are the ones who deserve our generosity and hospitality."

The people you think were yours have never been yours.

This is the irony of the life we live in. So be careful in those you call your relatives and friends."

Unfortunately, many of us have been wronged by a friend when they failed to stand up to an injustice against us. We may have had neighbors who simply feel it is not their problem, or relatives who treat us more as enemies than family. Maybe we have been those things to others.

As we kick off the holiday season next week, this might be the time for new beginnings or to mend fences. Not that we have to live as if we were in a Hallmark movie; but to be the friend, neighbor, relative that we want others to be for us.

Food for thought to go along with your turkey and stuffing.

As always, thanks for reading.

Bernie & Chad