Regarding Happiness

[H2O Man]

I'm happy for a couple reasons. First, when I arose at the crack of noon, and sat down with my daily cup of coffee, I saw something delightful. One of DU's very best members, “underpants.” had posted the last 6:48 minutes of the unpresidential fella having a melt-down on Meet the Press. We know that he dislikes most of the media, never misses a chance to insult a female reporter, and – most of all – absolutely hates when a non-white woman confronts him. Thank you Kristen Welker!

Second, I saw where my younger son had a cool adventure yesterday. He took part in the “Mended Swords LTD” race at Bethal Woods, NY. This was the “Spartan Sprint 5K,” and he helped two guys finish. Let me quote from him:

“Brock Hathaway is a 29-year-old with cerebral palsy and legal blindness who did a spartan race in 2022 and came back in 2026 to prove no obstacle is too great!
Ralph Osterhoudt is a 100 year old WW2 veteran who was Drafted in 1944, he served with the 575th Field Artillery Battalion and fought in the Colmar Pocket and the Battle of the Bulge. He earned three Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, and the French Medal of Honor. He was notably among the first 30 American soldiers to enter the gates of the Auschwitz concentration camp after it was turned over to U.S. forces.”

Being able to assist these men meant a lot to my boy. He was fascinated by the stories Ralph told him about his life experiences. The two plan to keep in touch. The people who put on the races gave my son the top award for his role.

[a kennedy]

1. You should thank yourself for an awesome son. You gave him the insight, love of his fellow man, and the mission

to help those who need the help to be their best self.

[H2O Man]

4. Thank you!

My son is thinking of making a podcast of an interview with Ralph. The two really connected.

[Deuxcents]

11. I hope your son does interview our hero, Ralph. Not too many of his generation and his experiences are invaluable

[electric_blue68]

2. Good on him, you, and them!

[H2O Man]

5. Thank you!

Not to brag, but I'd like to think I helped my boy prepare for this ..... twice when I've growled, "I'm okay, leave me alone!" other family members have called him, and he's carried me out to his vehicle, taken me to the ER, and waited patiently while I was having emergency surgery.

[electric_blue68]

7. Wow, I see what you mean! Strong guy, and helpful!

[H2O Man]

10. Three time

NYS Golden Gloves champion -- light heavyweight, cruiserweight, and heavyweight. Since hanging up the gloves, he runs these crazy 32-mile races. He thinks he's funny when he comes here, puts 120 lbs of weight on his back, and sprints around my (large) lawn, yelling, "C'mon old man! I'll get you in shape!"

[electric_blue68]

21. Ohhn, boy....cute, huh?!

Are the races challenging in any other way? Timing, obstacles, tricky areas? Just curious.
.
Now, I have total respect for runners a d race walkers! For a bunch of years I'd go down to the entrance of Central Park right near the end of the of race to cheer on the very last part.

[cachukis]

3. Aces.

[H2O Man]

6. Thanks!

[SheilaAnn]

8. The kids are all right. Congrats to him but you especially. Good parenting. YES!

[H2O Man]

14. Thank you, SheilaAnn!

A number of family members fought in WW2. But none of them really ever spoke about their experiences. So this was the first time my son heard stories from a gentleman who joined the military two weeks before he was supposed to graduate from high school. He made a huge impression on my son, and apparently, my son made one on him.

[malaise]

9. A lovely OP

Complete with a great song.- thanks for the smile

[H2O Man]

15. That song

has a connection with Senator Robert Kennedy being murdered, around this time in 1968. Plus it is a heck of a song, if not actually about a firearm.

When my son asked 100 year old Ralph what he would say to people today, he said, "Plant gardens, and do everything you can to survive the tough times coming our way."

[malaise]

16. Sound advice

[Deuxcents]

12. You have every reason to be happy..you did alright, H2O Man. Enjoyed your post

[H2O Man]

17. Thanks!

I will admit that every time I have come in for a break from lawn & garden work, I watch Ms. Welker's interview with the felon. She played that boy. I've got to respect that. And my son is a good man. I love watching him with my 3-year old grandson Cassius.

[Prairie_Seagull]

13. Your son and his dad are very fine folks.

Really hope to see/hear his podcast. He did good.

You did OK too. haha

PS- Boxing is a martial art.

[H2O Man]

19. Thank you!

I'm telling my son not to wait to record an interview with Ralph. I know from my work with a few area historical societies that it is essential to do so right away, and not put it off. There are opportunities in life that only come your way once, for a brief time.

I did the best I could as a father, and I tell my two kids with little children they can improve on that. That I have lived my life the way I have, so that they can live their's the way they do. All four are really good people.

I was glad that my son did retire from the ring. He accomplished more than enough. There were top fighters, including a former heavyweight champion, and a legendary trainer of champions, who wanted to train & manage him, but it is a tough sport. My oldest brother died as the result of taking so many punches -- especially in fights he won. Marvis Frazier, son of Smokin' Joe, used to drive up from Philly to help me train him.

[MustLoveBeagles]

18. Your son is awesome

You must be so proud.

[H2O Man]

20. Thank you!

I am proud of him! What he did yesterday really sums up what kind of man he is.