Restoring faith in humanity: the official thread

[CrimsonJazz]

To state the obvious, most of the topics and details being discussed here don't exactly promote positive emotions. That is how political discussion goes. So, for those needing a break from the "measuring contests", let's share some things that make us all smile. I'll get it started.

NEW: New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart and some of his teammates dress up in Halloween costumes to visit children in the hospital.

Dart was seen connecting with a five-year-old boy, Giuseppe Maneiro, who is battling leukemia.

"Thank you so much Tackle Kids Cancer and the New York Giants for making Giuseppe’s day! He had the best time trick-or-treating with everyone," the boy's family posted.

The players reportedly spent hours chatting and hanging out with the kids.

God bless them.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1983574622059819167

 

[4Q Basket Case]

Go to an Army Navy game and get there early enough to see the parade of cadets and midshipmen marching into the stadium. Best viewing is outside the stadium along the route so you can get close enough to see their faces.

I promise it’ll renew your faith in youth, which is along the lines of the OP.

 

[Its On A Slab]

Here in the heartland, I always smile this time of year when I'm driving in the country and I see combines harvesting corn. Many times, I'm on the interstate after dark and I see them lit up with those big spotlights, working into the night.

 

[CrimsonJazz]

Here in the heartland, I always smile this time of year when I'm driving in the country and I see combines harvesting corn. Many times, I'm on the interstate after dark and I see them lit up with those big spotlights, working into the night.

This is easily my favorite time of the year. We finally have some real football weather and I can take my flannel out of storage. When it's comfortable enough to build a fire after sundown and pour an adult beverage, life is just damned good.

 

[CrimsonJazz]

 

[Bodhisattva]

View attachment 54248

My bad for not noticing this thread earlier. I love Japan! We noticed that at several tourist spots there are small cottages inhabited by an elderly couple. I don't know their backstories for sure, but I was told that these couples are given a place to live and work an easy job (e.g. running a snack bar or souvenir shop) as part of their retirement. I'm no expert on Japan, but from what answers I've received, the Japanese have very few people on the dole (like maybe 1 in a 100, as opposed to 1 in 8 here). Their elevated sense of self-respect and respect for others doesn't lead to a mooch mentality. I imagine those on the dole overwhelmingly are not able-bodied. And the sense of societal responsibility runs both ways. The Japanses treat everyone - especially the elders - with deference and dignity. It's a beautiful culture.

 

[Bodhisattva]

My wife and I are continuing to refine our (semi-) retirement plans, that will hopefully involve living abroad for several months a year. We want to incorporate our charity work while being tourists. Lan recently found an opportunity to do a medical mission in Saigon, and these occur in October/November, which is perfect for our future schedule. Temperatures are mildest in SE Asai during this time.

So, we are thinking ... go to Vietnam in October for several weeks to do the medical mission and then play tourist. Then go to Thailand for a few months. Play tourist, of course. But I will also meet with the students (that I have given college scholarships) to check up on them and see if they need any additional financial assistance. Donations for scholarships are due at the end of every year, so I will meet with the charity and do this in person.

While in Bangkok we will do some traveling abroad, including perhaps a medical mission in the Philippines (Lan has been there before) or Cambodia or someplace else nearby if the opportunity presents itself. (This would be in addition to Lan's medical missions to Bolivia and Honduras in the Spring and Summer, respectively.) Then, in February, we will stop back in Vietnam to distribute food and supplies to the elderly and disabled as part of the Tet tradition. And then we head back home.

All told, our charity work will be a large portion of our expenses - maybe up to $100k/year, That would be awesome if we could make all this happen.

That's the rough sketch of an ever-evolving plan. Of course, some things could delay this plan. Primarily, my mom's assisted living care is only getting more expensive. Her physical condition is declining, and her mind is gone, but she could linger for a long time. That may push back our timelines. And Lan's Mom, while healthy at the moment, is nearing 80. Who knows what condition she will be in. The plan now is to have her visit her friends back in Saigon while we are doing our thing. But my MIL's friends aren't getting any younger either. That may not be that realistic a plan in a few years.