This column allows me to reach a lot of people who would remain strangers without it. One day (a few years ago), a woman came to my house with cookies and a big smile to tell me how much she enjoyed the column on Thanksgiving. She had taken her physical blessings for granted. If we learn to become grateful for all we have and use it all wisely, we will be happier and make those around us happier.

We can be an inspiration to others as the Boys Ranch and Lives Under Construction in Lampe, Missouri are to me.

Here we have a couple, Ken and Sheila Ortman, who are living their dream and changing the lives of the boys who go there, their families and their communities. It’s all so simple – they put others first. I’d like to tell you about a letter they received from a parent of one of the boys.

The mother wrote that her son was in a psychiatric hospital and they were told that he would not be able to be a part of society. They recommended that he go into a long-term facility for the rest of his life,, as a resident. They gave up on him and were telling her to do likewise, but she had put him on a waiting list for Luc Boys Ranch and he was admitted.

In a year’s time, this young man stopped taking 24 pills a day for violence and behavior, lost 50 pounds, learned new skills such as lawn mowing, cleaning, farm chores, kitchen duties, laundry, and he goes off ranch to help in community projects.

In doing all these good, productive works, his whole attitude has changed. It has done wonders for his self-esteem. If you don’t like yourself, how can you like others? Wholesome relationships are necessary to like yourself. If you like yourself, you behavior changes, your mind gets sharper.

He learned that for every action there is a reaction and he has the power to do good actions. By making good choices, he affects the other boys around him and this makes all of them feel good, too.

This story can apply to us, too. Let’s look at what he did. He didn’t go to a high prestige school and spend a lot of money. He learned to apply himself to all the needs around him. We can do all those things. Just think – he changed his whole life! In about a year’s time, too. Now this is what I call a success story and it gives hope to all of us. Don’t waste your time thinking about having lots of money and spending it foolishly. Look around you. Do you see people who have less than you? Do you have a game you can play together? Do you have a great movie you can watch together instead of some of that junk on TV? Is there anything in the refrigerator you can share? Or do you have $10 you can spend on eggs, potatoes, cereal and milk? You can go shopping together and then go to his house with the goodies. (Excuse me for talking to makes, but we had two sons and I think like that, but this is for girls, too).

When you get to his house and fit in with the family, ask if there is anything that you can help with? By the way, don’t forget to let your friend help out at your house. Family games and activities are the best. The more involvement, the better.

Sometimes our pride and fears overcome our common sense. Don’t get bitter. Get better. You can do it. Look at Ken and Sheila. They Started Boys Ranch years ago. Look at all the lives they have changed! And what amazes me is that they have done it all without any grants, without any help from the government. It’s all done by donations from people like you and me. I know I love to support people who try to help others and are willing to do anything that will help others. That’s what Christmas is all about. Have a great life by doing for others!

Try it.