Column for November 25, 2004
I feel terrible. My high school freshman daughter decided she enjoys volleyball. She and 50 other girls tried out for the volleyball team and you guessed it, she didn't make it and burst out in tears. Dads can't watch their daughters cry. It just can't be done.
What even makes it harder a couple of her friends, who she went to try outs with made the team. At the end of try outs, they read off 10 or 15 names and said, "You girls can go." Kind of like "Fear Factor" or "the Apprentice" your fired, you didn't make it, in front of all the girls that made it, you have to take that long walk out of the gym.
It is tuff to make young people believe or understand everything will be OK. Things always seem so bad one day, then a few days later everything can and usually are much different.
For many people being happy is hard. Sometimes you have to work at it. Get a puppy, sing some songs, dance, volunteer, stay busy, especially around the holidays. And never miss an opportunity to do something good for someone else. You often find the more you can do for others, the better things become for you.
Salvation Army is looking for volunteers for the Red Kettle bell ringers at locations in the metro area. You can call (743) 453-5464 or on the web at ringbell.org .
St. Johns Hospice is looking for Volunteers to provide services to terminally ill patients, their caregivers and families. Also office volunteers are needed in Farmington Hills. Training is provided call (800) 248- 6740
WAG Animal Rescue can help you save an animal. Dogs, puppies, cats and kittens are available 11am till 3pm every Saturday at Petsmart, Middlebelt and I-96, in Livonia. For more information you can call (734) 728-5768.
I did drive by the grand opening of the Wayne County Lightfest. The 4-mile route on Hines Drive, is full of beautiful light displays and is open 7 till 10pm through January 1. Enter at Hines Drive and Merriman, south of I-96, in Westland. There is a $5 per car donation for more information call (734) 261-1990.
To contact Ben E. to find where his band is performing call (313) 730-1627 via
e- mail benejets@aol.com
and see the web sites bennyandthejets.com
and reverendguitars.com.