Old Cowbelle: Thanks 'Living'

• Ina Murray

Ina Murray

Talk about it

Many, many years ago, I was accused of being “too everlastingly grateful” in my column. It was meant as an insult.

I didn’t take offense then, and if it happens again, I won’t take offense now.

I “need” to be grateful.

First: to the Lord, who through Jesus, has secured my future beyond this life into Eternity. He, who answers my prayers every day, sometimes with a “yes” and sometimes with a “no.” But always answers in a way He knows is best for me. He, who listens when I ramble on, trying to make some sense of this “growing old” phase of life. He who comforts me when I hurt, reminding me that Jesus suffered much greater pain on the cross, all for you and me, making my pain seem insignificant.

He who laughs with me when I am happy, who daily gives beautiful gifts to enjoy: the sunshine, gentle rains, big soft snowflakes drifting down. The changing sky, the changing seasons, trees, flowers, birds, loving pets, rainbows…..all besides family, home, church, food, clothing. (And an occasional haircut).

Grateful for my children, who have cared about me (even now in my “dotage”). They continue to amaze me, doing nice things again and again, with no “pay-back” in sight. To Dusty, next door, who does so many things that are hard for me to do; changing high up light bulbs, bringing in the mail, rolling out my garbage can, and rolling it back in, stacking wood and throwing it down in the basement, putting wood in the furnace, filling the wood box for the fireplace, mowing my lawn in the summer, so many things.

Grateful to all the grandchildren, for hugs, phone calls and e mails that brighten my day. For relatives and friends, who make my life interesting, who make me laugh.

Last but not least, I am grateful for the long ago former president, Franklin Roosevelt, who put Social Security in motion. My monthly Social Security check keeps me as independent as I can be.

On Aug. 14, 1935, President Roosevelt signed as a part of his New Deal, and was passed by Congress. He was the first president to advance federal assistance to the elderly.

An interesting note about Social Security: (via the internet) The first recipient was Ernest Acherman, who retired one day after Social Security began. Five cents was withdrawn from his pay, and he received a lump sum payout of 17 cents for Social Security.

And the first monthly payment was to Ida May Fuller, Vermont, who paid in to SS in 1937, 1938, 1939, and her payout was a total of $24.75. She lived to be 100 and collected a total of $22,888.92.

So, all in all, I am truly grateful. I hope you are too.

HAPPY, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Tags: old cowbelle, lifestyle, columns, family