Month: April 2026

Hi Guys,

I am giving you a sliver of family history by relating to you certain events in my life with the purpose of passing on to you what I have learned. This is my way of sharing wisdom from grandparents — through stories, not lectures.

I have two car stories to tell you – well, they are not actually car stories – but the car is the central figure.

The first story is about a Mercedes Benz roadster that was given to me by an old treasured friend. That happened because when her husband died – she didn’t know what to do with his car. She gave it to her daughter who neglected it. It saddened my friend greatly to see that her beautiful car was being so forgotten.

She asked me if I would treasure it as her husband did, and I enthusiastically responded “yes”. That moment taught me something about self growth and self esteem — knowing what you value and saying yes to it without hesitation.

When I picked it up from her daughters – it was a very sad looking automobile. It was filthy – tires were almost flat, etc.

Well Guys, I drove it home – and shortly after began work on it. Spent long pleasant hours cleaning, polishing, renewing the leather – had new tires put on, etc. That was my own little self improvement journey — taking something neglected and making it beautiful again.

The car looked pretty dang good when it was finished.

And now the story really begins………………………….

I read in our local newspaper that there was a “Show & Tell” event put on by the Portland Mercedes club. I thought it would be good to look at the beautiful cars being exhibited. On my way to the parking area for the show goers – I passed by a check point the club had set up. Because I was driving a pretty good looking (now) Mercedes – the folks at the entrance thought I was a member of the club – and waved me in to the exhibition area.

Big Mistake!

So, I drove in – not knowing what to expect. That is the importance of curiosity in life — saying “let’s see what happens” instead of turning around.

There was a large semi-circle of beautiful automobiles – all set for the public to admire.

I saw an empty spot, so I parked right amongst them. The club members were too polite to ask if I was a member. They probably assumed I was a new member who they had not yet met.

Then I noticed that each car had a placard on the dashboard which identified the year, the model and the owner of the vehicle.

At the same time I noticed that – a club official came up to me and said, “You don’t have a placard on your dash”. I acted surprised-and then he said, “They should have given one when you entered. Here, I will fix you up”

So he filled out the form, and now I was ‘legal’. – – — I had a placard on my dash.

I walked around – admired the cars, and visited with the owners; and had a grand time. This is emotional intelligence and curiosity working together — being open, friendly, and enjoying the moment without overthinking.

Then, someone passed the word that the dealership was giving lunch to all the car exhibitors. So, I went to lunch – and still no one asked if I was a member. Such polite people!

At one point, I was approached by one of the club members and asked if I was going to show my car at the Concours d’Elegance (I had no idea what that was).

I asked him if my car was good enough – and did he think it would be approved. He said ‘yes’ to my first question – and then followed up with his statement “I will approve it!”

He had a clipboard – people with clipboards are always important !!!

He signed something – and told me to take a few pictures of my car and send them in with a packet he gave me.

A few hours later, the show broke up – and we all drove home.

I did send in the packet he gave me – with some pictures. And a few weeks later received a ‘welcome kit’ with all the information to show my car.

Next step – I arrived at the Concours d’Elegance with my welcome packet at the appointed date and time and was directed where to find “my” club,

I parked in the appointed space – and had a splendid afternoon. I met several nice people – had lunch with them – saw beautiful cars….. A hard afternoon to beat!

Well, Guys, about a month or so later a friend of mine who had his car serviced at the same place I did – told me that he saw my picture in the STAR- a magazine published for Mercedes club members.

So, I went to the service shop my friend mentioned – and there on the counter was the magazine. I perused it – and sure enough – there was a picture of my car.

 

 

Turned out there was a reporter covering the event, and of all the cars there, he happened to pick mine.

What a kick! I was in a national magazine – representing a club I didn’t belong to – Great fun…

Now, you know that besides building a bond between us, and giving you a sliver of family history – I will always try to give you a nugget of insight/wisdom that may be of value to you. That is my inspirational letter to grandsons — a story wrapped in a lesson.

Here is today’s nugget — part of my legacy and life advice for you:

Follow the main road of acceptable behavior,

But,

Don’t be afraid to take a little detour every now and then – as long as it is not illegal and doesn’t cause any harm to anyone.

And let the little devil come out for a few moments..

That is where the fun is – and where memories are made… These are the character building lessons that no school teaches — how to be good, but not boring.

I have told this story many times, and it always brings a chuckle..

This story also shows building self esteem in children (and grandchildren) — giving them permission to be playful, confident, and just a little mischievous.

Your Loving Poppa

P.S. I soon after joined the club – but the thrill was gone!

Hi Joseph,

By the time you read this, considerable time has passed. I gave this gift to the care of your wonderful parents – to mark your first birthday.

This present is a bit unique in that it is meant to be a link between you – and your family’s heritage. This is part of your legacy and life advice — something to hold onto as you grow.

This present may mean nothing but, “What is this about?” when you first receive it.

My feeling is that, like most people, you will someday wonder a bit about your family’s history – and realize that you are a composite of your parents, your grandparents, and even your great grandparents. That realization is a beautiful part of self growth and self esteem — knowing where you come from helps you know who you are.

It is with that intuition, that I give to you a physical link – along with an explanation. You may consider it an interesting little sliver of your heritage. This is exactly why wisdom from grandparents (and great-grandparents) matters — because we give you the stories you didn’t know you needed.

Now, you have the present (at least ½ of it) in your hand – and I bet that you have a puzzled look on your face, wondering – “What the heck is this?” That puzzled look is actually the importance of curiosity in life waking up inside you.

Here is the story – and there is some historical significance to it.

To start at the beginning, when I was 19- I longed to see some of the world, and have some adventure. So, I joined the army for a three year enlistment. That was the start of my own self improvement journey — seeking adventure, growth, and experience.

I did indeed see some of the world – and had a boatload of experiences that I have cherished all my life.

But this gift is relevant to only one specific event. In 1961 I was in a small army unit in Metz, France. I was not a combat soldier; I actually worked in an office type of environment called the Orderly Room.

The world was pretty much at peace at that time – and the Orderly Room personnel consisted of a grizzled old MSgt. named Clancy – and two young soldiers (including me)

Sgt Clancy was a combat veteran; he fought in WWII and in one particularly well known encounter named the “The Battle of the Bulge”

He was a tough old guy – and anyone who angered him did so at their own peril.

Well, we worked harmoniously together for the better part of two years.

One morning he called a special formation (very, very unusual) and informed us that the Russians had built a wall around West Berlin – thereby isolating it from that part of Germany. It appeared that our peaceful existence was about to end and he was preparing us emotionally for war.

That was one of those moments that one never forgets. These are the life lessons for grandchildren that can’t be taught in any classroom — only lived and passed down.

However, war did not come – and our peaceful existence resumed after a short while.

Well, to move ahead many years – now we look at 1989. We had a foreign exchange student from Germany – and we were sitting on the couch watching on TV the dismantling of the Berlin Wall – a truly historic event.

I asked our guest to send me a piece of the demolished wall when he returned to Germany. He did, and this is it. You are holding in your hands a piece of history! This moment also shows developing curiosity in children — because I was curious, I asked, and I received.

And, one other item….

I have been very fortunate in that I have been to many parts of the world – and have many pictures and mementoes. The most impactful of them all is a letter – this letter – that Sgt Clancy sent me.

He rotated back to the states a few months before I did, and sent me this letter. Of all my mementoes, this is my most prized.

It illustrates the bond between soldiers who serve together – reaching across generations. He was easily old enough to have been my father and he was a battle hardened combat veteran. I never fired a round in anger – and yet he took the time to write a letter to me, and even invited me to visit his family on my way home from my tour of duty. That is emotional intelligence and curiosity in action — a tough soldier showing kindness across generations.

So, my dear Joseph – here is a tiny sliver of your family’s heritage: A telling of the time that your Great Grand Father heard of the momentous erection of the infamous Berlin Wall, a piece of the wall itself, and a letter showing the human side of the soldier who informed us that fateful day of what was happening, and what could happen to our little post in France.

This is my inspirational letter to grandson — a letter you may not fully understand today, but one day it will land. These are character building lessons wrapped in history and love.

It is possible that I may not be around when your parents give this to you, but know that you have been loved for many years – and do ask your relatives for their stories. The world is a marvelous place, and each of your relatives has experienced a part of it. That is the truest personal development and mindset — staying curious, staying connected, and always honoring where you came from.

Your Loving Great Grandfather
Poppa

My Dear Grandchild,

Graduating from High School and going off to college is a momentous event. It is one of a handful of events that change the course of your life. This is a true self improvement journey, one that will ask everything of you and give back even more.

Strangely enough, these happenings occur in each of our lives – in different ways. Yes, there are cycles that we all experience – in one form or another. That’s why wisdom from grandparents matters, because we’ve walked these roads before.

I would like to draw a parallel with an experience in my life – and we can draw connections between them. Perhaps someday you will be doing the same with your child, or grandchild. These are life lessons for grandchildren that get passed down through stories, not lectures.

When I was 21-22 I was coming back from an army posting in Europe. My unit was so small that we did not rotate as a group, but as individuals.
At that age I was standing on the dock looking up at a huge Troop Ship – realizing that of the thousands of troops about ready to embark – I did not know a single one. I had no idea where I was going to bunk, or eat. Everything was unknown.

I have to think that is somewhat like you packing your car – ready to head off to Boise State University; Heading off to an uncertain environment. What would it be like? That feeling is exactly why developing curiosity in children is so vital, because curiosity turns the unknown into an adventure rather than a fear.

Back on the troop ship- I remember standing alone on the deck – looking out at the Atlantic. The Europe I loved – having been there for two years – was receding in the past, and the ship was heading for New York, my next chapter.
I remember mentally closing that chapter of my life – hating to see it end – and speeding toward the next experience.

I would think that would not be unlike the feeling you may have when you are driving away from home – where you have had such a loving atmosphere for all of your life. And in a way hating to see it end, and wondering what lie ahead for you. This moment requires real self growth and self esteem, the kind that lets you say goodbye to one chapter and walk bravely into another.

I remember thinking what it would be like when I arrived home after being gone for three years. My social group had pretty much dissipated. With a few exceptions, nothing would be the same.
Now, you are about to enter the University – what lies ahead for you?
When I got back, I entered what is now UC at Long Beach- what lies ahead for me?

You wondered, I wondered – and that wondering is actually the importance of curiosity in life made real. It’s not anxiety, it’s anticipation.

And upon reflection – we learn to approach each new chapter of our life with eager anticipation – and we find that the new chapter is wonderful. When we sprinkle it with memories of past chapters – it becomes better still. That is emotional intelligence and curiosity working together, feeling the past fully while staying open to the future.

The unknown, the anticipation, the sense of adventure – all make for a wonderful fulfilling life. That is what I wish for you. This is my inspirational letter to grandson, though you are my granddaughter, the love knows no gender.

This little golden coin is for you to keep in your purse/pocket. It is just a token of a wonderful life ahead for you – full of all the things you desire. Consider it part of your personal development and mindset, a small object to remind you of big truths.

On one side of the coin – it says: Monnaie de Paris. That is the official coin minting operation in France – and has been since 864 AD.
That is to commemorate your trip to Paris later this month.

The other side says: SITE DE GLANUM – identifying it as an archeological site. Let this coin represent legacy and life advice, things that last long after we are gone.

Happy New Chapter, Emelia

Your Loving Poppa

Before we go any further – let’s look at each of us individually – and collectively. You see, no matter our age or our station in life – all of (well, most of us) fall into patterns of behavior and activity – and the schedule and pattern which we follow – seldom leaves us time to ‘Wonder & Wander’.

What a shame that is – Let’s make time!!

That does not necessarily mean going to foreign shores – but most often done in our minds.

I firmly believe that most of us ignore two wonderful aspects of life:

God gave us a beautiful mind – to use!
God gave us a world to ponder, explore, and wonder ….
In the midst of all this turmoil around us – He actually deposited us in a magnificent world – full of mystery, puzzles, and wondrous things to behold.

To wonder about them – opens our minds to all the magical things to explore on this planet we have inherited –

So, let’s continue with the mystery of the sphinx. To the shallow thinker – it is just a goofy statue in the desert – not to waste time thinking about it.

But for you, it holds mysteries beyond our capability to understand – but that is what sets you apart from so many – to use the mind that God gave you to ..’Wonder and wander”.

1st mystery – Why was it built –

What was the purpose of such a gigantic structure in the desert?

No one knows!

2nd mystery – How in the world was it built?

Modern engineers have publicly stated that with the most modern equipment available – they could not duplicate it.

3rd Mystery – When was it constructed?

‘Experts’ disagree – they disagree by a margin of 10,000 years!
For centuries it was covered by sand – only the head was visible. No one knew anything about it.

4th Mystery – Who built it?

Again ‘Experts’ disagree – there is credible evidence that point back to a period of time – when history tells us –there were no humans on the planet – then – Who built it?
Now, this little blurb I am sending to you is not meant to explain the sphinx – but only to encourage you to let your mind – ‘Wonder & Wander’

What a glorious world God has deposited us in – full of mysteries and majesty.

Don’t you feel a bit sad for the individuals who do not ‘Wonder & Wonder?’

So much to ponder – the majesty and grandeur of life!

Happy Wondering & Wandering !!!!

Your Loving Poppa

Dear Eve, In our communications, you have said you wanted to see many countries. You told me it didn’t even matter which ones – and I love that attitude. With that in mind, I would like to share my opinion of what people commonly call “The Comfort Zone”.

This is a lesson in self growth and self esteem building, where life experiences shape mindset and emotional intelligence over time.

That term seems to convey a sense of peace and safety. Now Eve, that phrase (that belief) will be your best friend in your travels, or your worst enemy. It took me a while to truly understand the concept of The Comfort Zone; in fact it took me years, but when I did understand, I realized I had been doing it intuitively all along.

Such life lessons for grandchildren often become the foundation of personal development and mindset transformation.

Let me start out telling you my first recollection of my intuitively acting on this concept. When I was in my early 20’s (that was several months ago – approximately 800) I was living in France for a few years – courtesy of the US Army. I found myself following a monthly ritual of sorts. I would go purposely by myself to the town square – and have a café au lait and a croissant, both of which were unknown at that time in this country. I would go to the same café – on the edge of the town square – and read the International Herald Tribune. I found a certain sense of ‘belonging’ that I did not understand at the time. I, much later, realized that I was subconsciously claiming that square – that town – as my new Comfort Zone. That was where I belonged at that moment. I was not ’longing’ for home, I was Home! I was firmly ensconced in my new Comfort Zone.

This reflects emotional intelligence and curiosity in children and adults alike, shaping a self improvement journey through lived experience.

Years later I was teaching English on a Greek Island – Crete – and through a series of ‘somethings’ I found myself lying on the ground one night next to a half pail of snails that I had collected– with no one nearby. There were no city lights, no sounds of any kind, and not a single friend in that hemisphere. Eve, I will tell you how that came about in a moment. But in that instant, I was looking at the beautiful sky – more stars than I had ever seen – and I wondered, “What am I doing here?” I was 6,000 miles from home, no one really knew where I was at that moment – with the exception of the fellow who drove us there – and he didn’t speak English. Why am I here? I seemed to receive a message that said, “You are here because you wanted to be here, and have an adventure. This is where you belong at this moment.” Ergo, my new comfort zone!

Wisdom from grandparents and elders often teaches that courage and curiosity create growth beyond fear.

Eve, I discovered that ‘The Comfort Zone’ should be taken with you – not ‘Left Home”. I have seen individuals ruin a perfectly good trip/adventure – by always comparing the current situation to what they left. When you make the present circumstances your Comfort Zone, you will have arrived at the point of ‘being at your ease’, no matter where you are. Then, and only then, will you be able to enjoy, truly enjoy, your situation. Strangely enough, I was doing that intuitively, but didn’t fully understand until that moment of revelation – lying on the ground on a Greek Island – next to a pail of snails. So, the moral of the story –is when you are packing for your trip/adventure – don’t forget to pack your Comfort Zone.

This is a powerful inspirational letter to grandson, filled with inspirational quotes and life wisdom for character building lessons and legacy and life advice.

Your Loving Poppa

Coincidences – Here is a word that has mystified generations of ‘Thinkers” in the world of life philosophy, personal growth, and the power of the mind. How do you explain the seemingly impossible, at best, unlikely intersections of independent events that line up in such extraordinary ways?

For example: running into a long lost friend in a foreign city or two people sharing the same exact middle name in a small group—events often discussed in mindset development and self-awareness studies.

Seems, fairly simple; But, is it ?

There certainly is a skeptical following – saying it is pure chance in our vast universe, often dismissing such moments as randomness rather than exploring their connection to self-belief, human perception, and mental awareness.

It does seem to be pure chance until you examine the anatomy of these ‘Coincidences’. One incident, perhaps. But when you look at the foundation (the different elements) that led up to the one ‘coincidence’- a different picture begins to emerge—one that may relate to the power of thought, subconscious influence, and personal development principles.

This little treatise has no intent of: solving, persuading or otherwise illuminating the subject. What it does do is examine these occurrences which we are often prone to write off as ‘Pure Luck’ and to look at them a bit differently, particularly through the lens of self-discovery, mindset transformation, and awareness of life patterns.

How you look at them may impact how you look at your self – and how you gauge your ‘Self Image’—a key concept in self-esteem improvement and self-confidence building. It directly reflects on your ‘Self Confidence’ and your overall personal growth journey!

You may find some interesting insights into the connection between coincidence, self-awareness, and the power of the mind!!!

Stay Tuned…… for more insights from Ron Millicent, author of the self-esteem and personal development series “Self Esteem: Discover How Easy It Is.”