The World Blog by humble servant.

TWO SICK MEN An Anecdote Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room’s only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation. And every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color of...

Navigating a Blended Family Navigating a blended family can be quite the adventure, but with some understanding and patience, it can be a rewarding journey for everyone involved. Here are some key tips to help smooth the process: Open Communication: Encourage everyone to express their feelings. It's important for all family members to feel heard, including children from previous relationships. Regular family meetings can be a good platform for this. Respect Individual Relationships: Understand that each member has a unique relationship with one another. Respect the existing bonds between biological parents and children, while also fostering new relationships. Set Clear Boundaries and Rules: Establish household rules that everyone agrees upon. This helps in creating a sense of fairness and stability. However, be flexible; what works in one family might not work in another. Acknowledge Different Backgrounds: Each child might come with different traditions, habits, or even disciplinar...