Glory Days Magazine by Denishia Macon

Table of CONTENTS

Editor’s Note

Parents Coping with Covid 19

29 The Best of Friends: Living on Borrowed Time By: Emerson Hazzard

What Is Herd Immunity?

Bad News Keeps Getting Worse

Young, Black Men & Women In Politics

The Election Process

Understanding Voting

America’s Election

Dinner Is Served

Delightful Desserts: Banana Pudding

The Importance of Family Gatherings

Do Lasting Friendships Really Matter?

I Love Yellow: Color Inspiration

39 The Power of Aging

43 Opiod Abuse in the US

44 When Adults Crash & Burn

Reflexology: Are you suffering from anxiety, stress and pain?

47 Military Service: Is It For You?

51 How to Safely Wear A Mask

GLORY DAYS MAGAZINE / Jan - Feb 2021

Editor’s Note

From Intuition

to Insight

“something” and that decision will bring about the right change or challenge - somewhere, if only in my thoughts. Regardless of size or purpose, insight is the knob that opens every door to change.

The personal growth of each capable person on earth is energized by intuition that evolves into insight. Merriam Webster describes insight as discernment, perception the power to see what is not evident to the average mind. Intuition is defined as “quick and ready insights, a sense of wrong or right. For me, intuition is a hint of feeling, forecast of activity or action, somewhere. It is the feeling in my stomach, my mind and my heart. However, my insight is more profoundly beyond feelings. It is based on fact and somehow there should be a call to action. When I receive insight it means I probably need to decisive about

Glory Days Magazine is a bimonthly sharing of insights. Enjoy our regular features such as Dinner is Served, societal table gatherings that share the importance of bonding over meals together. Whether it is at the dinner table or the drive in there is something unifying about a shared meal. Our cover stories will each share a meal. When Adults crash and burn” – the impact of brokenness in the family dynamic. When kings fall and queens are exposed on the evening news. Are the culprits always wrong? How does a family recover? Who are the real victims? As Editor, I am blessed to live in this time and place with the knowledge and availability of resources accessible today. There are times when nothing makes sense to me and I

genuinely believe things are spinning out of control. But my gut, my intuition tells me there is a stream nearby to draw from, water to cool things off. And when I have the epiphany that I must have my say, insight leads me to pen and paper. I write it out – good, bad or indifferent. Join me on this journey as we gather insights and share them with you, our readers, leaders and neighbors.

- Patricia Sullivan

GLORY DAYS MAGAZINE / Jan - Feb 2021

Parents Coping with Covid19: The challenges affecting home life

This quarantine can be quite challenging for families that are living in multi-family homes and close quarters.

Coronavirus or COVID-19 has impacted every single person, including parents. Due to the pandemic, parents are faced with unique difficulties. From protecting and parenting children to working from home, there are new challenges that are making it difficult for parents to find a solution. Many working parents are instructed to work from their homes. Due to this volunteer or forced social distancing, many parents are dealing with a new methodology to work while caring and parenting their children. This quarantine can be quite challenging for families that are living in multi-family homes and close quarters. Parents on the front line such as store clerks, cashiers, firefighters, pharmacists, and healthcare workers are unable to stay home

with their kids. In fact, they are searching frantically for safe childcare. Mental Health Consequences Parents are suffering during this outbreak. They are experiencing work-family conflict. This conflict is all about dealing with the obligations of the family and demands of the office work. Social distancing practices and additional workplace closures are making it even harder for parents. Actually, parents are enduring more than what they are psychologically capable of given their conflict levels during the pandemic. These scenarios will be the greatest among the parents who work at the frontline. Many of us are at our homes with teenagers, children, toddlers, or babies. We might be balancing our

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At this moment, we are spending a lot of time with our families. together as a family, and learning new things.

possible, you must use nap times for recharging instead of working and cleaning.

Let’s look at these opportunities: Spending Quality Time At the moment, we are spending a lot of time with our families. Sometimes, it can appear there is only one setting for family and that is everyone being together.

caring and work responsibilities or supporting the education of our children. Some of us are managing children through coparenting or alone. Meanwhile, some of us are workers who face the need to go to work and leave children either at childcare centers or with partners which can put everyone at risk of infection. Regardless of our circumstances, these times are tough and they are affecting both our relationships and mental health. Although there might be challenges such as the right behaviour, staying in, missing social contact, and routines, there are also significant opportunities for getting to know our children better, being

However, there are several ways in which we can split this time so that we can spend time with every person in the household, and with ourselves. In fact, outside our family, we can also keep in touch with our relatives and friends through the internet and phone. Please remember, it is not wrong to take some personal time and dedicate it to yourself as a parent. All parents require alone time and it is never cheating to take it. Actually, if there are several adults in the house then enabling each other to have some time alone is quite a large gift that we can give. It is especially important with toddlers and babies. If it is

Spending quality time with your partner is also important. Children You need to understand that children also require some time alone. In the house, if there is more than one child then it can be quite fun when they effectively spend time together. However, each child requires their personal space as well. Therefore, it might be adequate to help your children in identifying and making space that they can utilise. In small apartments, this can be hard but you can use a number of ways to do it such as making an allotted space for each child. You can use a number of ways to do it such as making an allotted space for each child. In identifying and making space that they can utilise. In small apartments, this can be hard but you can use a number of ways to do it such as making an allotted space for each child.

GLORY DAYS MAGAZINE / Jan - Feb 2021

Covid and Parenting cont.

Even in the times of social distancing, social time is also necessary. Friends and Family In the times of social distancing, social time is also necessary. Video games and calls with relatives and friends can be quite a decent way of keeping in touch and having a different input. Letter writing for adults and children can be a nice way of surprising someone whom you are missing.

to reflect on the day can offer a great chance for everyone Finding a balance among different to connect. activities is a good idea; however, it is certainly not easy. Structure and Routines Making a meal, playing games, reading together, or doing something unique are all opportunities of having group time. For your mental health, being active is more than just a little important. Whether these activities come from spending time together or alone time, they are necessary.

Whether it is during the weekend of long holidays or during school time, it can be very helpful to properly plan the week. Usually, when we are at home, we lose track of time easily.

timetable for every minute and hour. You just need to think about it and plan how you will be spending your time. Children tend to show stress in a number of ways. You should look for indicators such as not wanting their favourite foods. Ensure that all of your children have consistent bedtime routines. When we try to stick with our bedtime and mealtime routines, it offers a sense of consistency with our bedtime and mealtime

Plan and structure how you will spend your time.

Trying to eat even one meal Planning our Days together and spending some time No one is suggesting you to create a colour coded

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routines, it offers a sense of consistency. Managing and Recognizing Stress Actually, it is quite important that we are capable of finding ways of recognizing and addressing stress that we feel. Although it can seem impossible or counter-intuitive to make some time for yourself, this is the time when you require some time for yourself the most. DO not judge or compare yourself to others: It can be quite easy and simple to judge ourselves as parents on the basis of what others are doing and what we are not doing, what people are posting on social media, or through what we cannot offer. Instead of it, it is quite important to be comfortable with what we are offering. At the moment, you are providing the best to your children and doing the best for yourself. Overall, we must understand these are difficult times. Instead of panicking and blaming ourselves or others, we must manage properly. For every problem, there is a solution and we just need to be rational. Always remember that challenges are a part of our lives and we are bound to face them. We will not gain anything if we are always stressed and overthinking it. Instead, be calm and consider the temporary times in which we are living.

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What is

HERD IMMUNITY Herd immunity is the process where a sizeable number of a population is immune to an infection which in turn protects the little number of populations that aren’t immune to it from the likelihood of getting infected. This cannot be said about the recent Covid-19 Pandemic. Even though there is no clear evidence of herd immunity at the moment, the population of those infected for the second time is on the low in some countries. Some people have also donated their plasma for study after recovering from the infection. Herd immunity as a term originated around 1923 at the University of Manchester when infectious diseases raged. Diseases like chickenpox, and flus were able to be defeated to a certain extent when a lot of people developed immunity after surviving it or through vaccination. This made it exceedingly difficult for the disease to spread by contact between the infected and one with immunity did not necessarily result in a transfer of the disease. Scientists discovered this when mice were subjected to an infection. When vaccine was introduced, it was discovered that

those who recovered do not pass the infection to those who never had it even though they came in contact with an infected mouse. The packets of infection at the moment is from those who did not adhere strictly to the rules set aside to battle the pandemic. People have been discovered to be fully immune to other infectious diseases like the flu. Hopefully, with the increasing number of vaccines being put out into the market, it is will be safe to say that humans will develop herd immunity to the Corona Virus in no distant time. Herd immunity whether triggered by vaccine or from recovery, might by an option out of the current pandemic.

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Bad News Keeps Getting Worse The world today is experiencing the worst pandemic in recent times. Covid-19 has destroyed the way of livelihoods, and people are living with anxiety and fear. However, my concern is not the pandemic but the excessive bad news in our media today. It seems mental health is becoming a leading concern after the Covid-19. The media houses compete with each other to spin and replay the bad news each day that passes. During the weeks before and after the death of George Floyd, an incident that caused unrest across different cities in the United States, it seems there was another traumatic death after the other. For days, the newsrooms continued to replay the incidents over and over again. The world today is experiencing the worst pandemic in recent times. Covid-19 has destroyed the way of livelihoods, and people are living with anxiety and fear. However, my concern is not the pandemic but the excessive bad news in our media

today. It seems mental health is becoming a leading concern after the Covid-19. The media houses compete with each other to spin and replay the bad news each day that passes. During the weeks before and after the death of George Floyd, an incident that caused unrest across different cities in the United States, it seems there was another traumatic death after the other. For days, the newsrooms continued to replay the incidents over and over again. Are the studies suggesting that bad news sells the factor influencing our media houses to cover them in excess? A study in 2014 conducted by Outbrain established that negative superlatives work 30% better at attracting attention than positive ones. The appetite for bad news seems to be higher among populations worldwide. Morgana Chess claims that a Russianbased publication attempted to report only good news but lost approximately two-thirds of their readership in one day. Therefore, it is fair if one concludes that

media focuses on bad news because it sells, resulting in more profits. However, what are the effects of excess bad news to the viewers? Do media decision makers consider the negative effects or only focus on selling and increasing viewership and readerships at the expense of people’s mental health? These are some of the critical concerns that I am worried little attention is drawn to as we examine the media content people consume. A recent study done by the American Psychological Association indicates that most Americans believe that news consumption has its downside. More than half of the Americans claim that news causes them stress, while many people report feeling fatigue, anxiety, or sleep loss. Many people watch and read the news to stay informed due to its significance, but it is concerning when it generates anxiety or stress. Graham Davey, a psychology professor at Sussex University, United Kingdom, argues that the way news is presented and how

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Bad News Keeps Getting Worse cont. people access it has changed significantly for the last two decades, directly affecting the general mental health. The newsrooms are concerned about covering more negative news than positive news as they take advantage of the fact that human brains are attracted to troubling information. Studies show that our brains are often predisposed to negative information, and the consumption of negative news reflects it.

discussed in a positive manner without continuously dragging the issue of an individual’s death in headlines for days and weeks. We must start to consider the mental health and wellbeing of news consumers.

While our brains may find the latest negative news enthralling, it is difficult to claim that all of the news consumed is informative. Loretta Breuning, a former management professor at the University of California in her contribution to an article published in times, claimed that much of the commentary or opinion broadcasted as the analysis is equal to gossip that may not add value to the viewership. Clearly, during and after the death of George Floyd, newsrooms sustained the news through bringing in different professionals ranging from politicians to security experts to shed light and analyze the situation.

People encounter different forms of challenges in their lives, and when they turn on their TVs, the only thing they can see is bad news, either associated with civil unrest resulting in death or hostile unrest. The amount of time given to such news is significant compared to the good news, which could be mentally beneficial to the viewers.

I do not wish to be perceived as undermining the coverage given to the issues of racism and police inequality. However, I believe that these issues can be

It pains me to see my son, an Army veteran shipped to three different war zones who suffered from PTSD, can only watch the same sports channel every day since that is all he can tolerate.

Imagine the effects caused by Covid-19. People are traumatized by the severe effects of the pandemic. They are living in confusion and fear. The Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention indicates that anxiety and fear concerning the coronavirus and what could happen are overwhelming and results in strong emotions in people. In this case, we must question the impact of bad news on already vulnerable populations.

Newsroom must review the effects of bad news on consumers’ wellbeing and determine the best approach to cover them. It is my humble appeal that we review the manner news is covered and how people receive it to develop appropriate interventions. Newsrooms should find the best approaches to cover bad news and consider the mental health effects. Sometimes presentation is an issue other times it is repetition. Every news show that comes on CNN replays the same headline story no matter how horrific. Who makes that decision? Probably the same executive that decides the value of “Breaking News”. People suffering from social trauma resulting from exposure to negative media events may need counselling to overcome mental health challenges. Therefore, it is evident that bad news is not good news, after all. Sometimes it is best to turn it off or change the channel.

GLORY DAYS MAGAZINE / Jan - Feb 2021

YOUNG BLACK & MEN WOMEN

in Politics?

What keeps so many minorities out of politics in this country (USA)? Is it a lack of interest, or just disengagement? The title of this article is an interesting one and will help to answer the many questions of this piece. Firstly, with a resounding YES, there is a place for young Black men and women in politics. Yet perhaps a better question should be ‘Are young Black men and women interested in politics? And do they believe that when they are actively involved in it, they can become a part of the change that needs to happen and bring about balance for the Black community and fairness for all? Surveys and Statistics have shown that Blacks have not had a strong voter turnout at the polls. Is it because they do not care about the decisions that are made in their neighborhood, communities, or the country? Here is a thought. It may be that the challenge for Black American young people is the

double standard that seems to surround politicians and their policies that have continued to disadvantage them further as a people. As a result, many young people are not aware of real politics. By real politics, I mean, the basic understanding of a regulated institution that determines what actions should be taken, for whom and by who; what citizens of that country should be able to do/not do; determine endorsing behaviors about fairness, justice, safety and security, or power relations and the appropriate distribution, etc. Many young Blacks are truly unaware of all that politics entail, and sometimes those who may have some insights, are daunted by the dimensions, diversity, dynamics, and for Blacks the hypocrisy of it. Early Grooming So, it is clear that young Black men and women need to be politically educated and at a fast pace to catch up. While

there is no prescribed age for when young Blacks should start participating in politics, I think many can agree that the thinking process has to commence informally in the homes, formally and through teachable moments in the schools and then reinforced by an individually piqued interest even from a tender age of say 7 years old. Parents should encourage any such interest and expose the child to materials that give insight, place in an environment that will groom the learning process; help to shape the narratives about the rules of society and the distribution of wealth and power. The truth is, this field of study and active work, will require young Black men and women to be ushered and groomed to understand the culture, norm, and the language that govern this circle. The discussion about avoiding

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personal criminal records, taking of drugs, substance abuse, and deviant behaviors that cause them to be tagged and labelled by the systemic structures that are currently designed to disadvantage the Blacks must be had in a clear way. In other words, discouraged at all cost. Parents who think their children have potential and show an interest in world views and the apt for reasoned discussions can further help by the scrutiny they give to activities those children are involved in from an early age. Their lifestyle must be or start becoming one that is exemplary. We know how integrity, honesty, scruples, and transparency are important in the lives of public figures. Also, standing for something within the community and being known for that position is also contributory towards making a good candidate that people will have confidence in knowing that they will bring about change or initiate change. Political Education How can we begin the educational training? Well, political education

must begin from early in school. Even if schools do not have this as a program, teachers can start communicating the concepts in terms that students understand. As said before, it should start at home around dinner tables, during recreational times, while listening/ watching/reading news. This is mainly where parents must help in the paradigm shift of their children, helping them to formulate their schema. Parents should encourage children to identify, seek and join a local political party. Young Black men and women who show an avid or acute disposition must start championing a cause/ initiative that benefits other young people, community, country, and the world. Even just generally, we have to begin to groom our young people to be more concerned about situations affecting the neighborhood, become engaged by and about what is happening around them. Those who are of age must cast their votes; and even if they are never interested in taking an active role in politics, they still should learn how to form

and advocate an opinion. These political opinions need to be (1) theoretical state of knowledge and (2) practical demonstration of learning. Conclusion The truth is we expect our minority children, Blacks particularly, to vote in elections and make their voices count, but we really have not taught them enough about this institution. Only the selected and opportune few can ever hope or dare to rise to the occasion; and except for the former President Barack Obama and now VP hopeful Kamala Harris, Blacks have still been kept at the baseline of US political rise. Without a general political education, we cannot expect our young Black men and women to verve towards a career in politics. The onus is on parents, schools and communities to begin to highlight the everyday opinions that we all have and show how it can benefit and strengthen the base of the scrutiny of politics. Politics is an intricately woven part of our lives and whether we want to acknowledge it or not, we are tied to the democracy of it.

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How Does the Election Process Take Place for The President? Voting - the people’s chance to decide who they want to run their country and represent their interests. But how does it work in the United States of America? Across the pond, voting is quite different. Like the UK Parliament, the United States Congress has two houses: The House of Representatives and the Senate. Unlike the UK, there are public elections to both houses and a third separate election is held to choose a President. In the US, the President is both the head of State and the head of Government. In the UK, these roles are carried out separately by the Monarch and the Prime Minister. The House of Representatives in the US Congress is designed to give a voice to the people

of every local voting region in America. Members of the House of Representatives stand for re-election every two years. Each State is split into districts, and each district votes for one Representative. The number of districts depends on each State; for example, California, the most populous State, is split into 53 Districts, so it has 53 Representatives. Still, Alaska, which is huge but has a tiny population, only has one District and only one Representative in the House. As the UK House of Commons, the election system is firstpast-the-post, so the candidate with the most votes in each district wins a seat in the House of Representatives. The party that wins a majority of seats in

the House takes control. The ideal situation for a President is that their party controls the House. However, with elections held every two years, there’s always a midterm election in the middle of the President’s office time. If the public thinks the President is not doing a great job, they can vote in more opposition party members, making it more difficult for the President to pass laws. The Senate in the US Congress, like the House of Lords in the UK Parliament, is sometimes called the Upper House. George Washington described the Senate as the saucer that cools the coffee, meaning that it’s their job to scrutinize and question all proposals made by both the House of Representatives

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and the President before voting to decide whether they should proceed as law. As members of the House of Representatives, senators are also elected to their seats by the public. Senators serve six-year terms, and elections are staggered, so every two years, a third of the Senators run for re-election. Each State is represented by two Senators, regardless of its population and again the first pastthe-post voting system is used so the candidate with the most votes wins. So how do Americans choose their leader? Well Presidential elections take place every four years. The two main parties - the Democrats and the Republicans - host big get together where they choose their Presidential candidates, the person they think will be the best leader for the

nation. The winning candidate then chooses their Vice -Presidential candidate also known as their Running Mate to help support the campaign. Presidential candidates usually choose someone with different areas of skill or knowledge, so they present voters with the best package. Together they’re known as a ticket. Presidential candidates from both parties then start out on massive election campaigns to gain as much voter support as possible. They travel across the country and hold great big campaign rallies where they set out the policies and their ideas for the whole country. These campaigns cost money, lots of it, so both candidates have large campaign teams who help raise the tens of millions of dollars needed to keep them afloat.

When it comes to Election Day the public goes to the polls to vote for one Presidential ticket. So far so easy, however the public don’t vote directly for their choice for President, instead a system called the Electoral College is used. Each State is allocated a number of Electors that will make the final choice. A State has the same number of Electors as it does Senators and Representatives. In most States all the Electors will voters for the Presidential ticket which received the most support and public vote. Finally, the Presidential ticket with the most Electoral College votes becomes President and Vice President of the United States of America. So that’s how things work in the US, a democracy like the UK but on a much larger scale.

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Understanding Voting

One of the critical freedoms in American life is participating in elections. Many countries worldwide do not give citizens the freedom of voting, nor did many Americans in centuries past. No matter who you support or what you believe, it is essential to exercise your voice as a citizen. However, despite voting being a necessary and crucial democratic process, we have several opportunities to become active citizens. Results can be impactive more than we anticipate, and youths need to understand change involves more than a vote. Voting and elections are the

significant issues that hugely divide the democrats and the republicans. While republicans affirm voting at a higher security level to avoid fraud, the Democrats tend to make the process easy and accessible to everyone. To encourage each person to vote, the Democrats have supported voting through mail. These have surged tensions in whether voting should be inclined on the side of accessibility or security. Although the ballot results may differ, the youths may also express themselves in other ways. One way they can bring change is by creating youth-led organizations.

This will generate a structure that will participate in government solution ideas and implementations. Change can also be obtained using technology and making a mainstream that advocates for youth awareness and opportunities. With youth mainstreaming, the effect would be felt as democrat representation would be open even though the right to vote would be denied until reaching eligibility. References Alvarez, R. M., & Hall, T. E. (2003). The point, click and vote: The future of Internet voting. Brookings Institution Press.

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Who is going to win America’s election? It’s a question everyone is trying to answer. Most of the focus is on the presidency but there’s another crucial race. After five years the Democrats are in with a shot of taking back America’s Senate. But with 35 individual races to follow the result is harder to predict than the presidency. So how do you work out who will win? Control of Congress can make or break a presidency especially one intent on delivering change. If you just look at the presidency of Barack Obama, he passed a bunch of major legislation during the first two years of his term. The health-care reform, also the financial reform and then once the Republicans won the House in 2010 there was no more legislative achievements for six years. Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader at the end of Barack Obama’s time in office saw blocking Democratic motions as part of his job. There are 35 Senate seats up for grabs in November where the Republicans are defending 23 seats and the Democrats 12. To take control, the Democrats will need to gain at least four (or three if Biden wins the presidency) as the vice-

president decides on tied votes. But trying to predict the result is not an easy task; there are so many different races with so many different candidates and so many different polls. I mean, there’s just no way one person could keep track of it all in their head but fortunately we have computers to do that for us. As of October 6th the polls gave the Democrats a 71% chance of winning the Senate. You can get quite accurate predictions of how legislative elections are going to go using polls when you have a lot of quality polls taken really close to an election. The problem is, the quality and quantity of polls, for Senate races vary widely state by state, and every race counts. Following are crucial things while believing in these polls such as things like... • • • •

A state’s voting history Whether a candidate is the incumbent Their political experience Or how much money they have raised

Political-science nerds call these factors “fundamentals”. But first,

the model has to estimate the impact and each of those factors is likely to have on the result. To work that out, it is tested on an election for which we already know the result. Why go to all this trouble? Because projections that combine polling data with fundamental factors tend to be much more stable than those looking at polling alone. While in a pandemic, votes cast by mail are expected to set a new record this November. While experts say voting by mail is safe, it’s yet another example of how it’s complicated and it could be even more challenging come November. I think Covid-19 is a huge deal, it’s obviously killed a huge amount of people and of course it will cause changes in the way we vote. It could indeed have significant unexpected results. Predicting how the pandemic is going to affect this election would call for forces far beyond science.

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Dinner Is Served

We Grow Closer When We Share A Meal

The dinner table experience is significant in my life and many others. I learned so much about family, community and relationships.

When I think of my childhood while living with my grandmother, I always think of the dinner table. There was always food on the table, in my hand or in my mouth. Food being within arm’s reach was more significant then. Long before McDonald’s or Burger King in the mid 1950’s food came from our front yard or our freezer. I spent my early years with my grandmother and I often watched because cooking a daily feast seemed so easy for her. We never had sandwiches for supper because everyone needed a “hot meal”. This after changing buses to get to her “lady’s” house to clean then changing buses again to get home. She toiled every day in the kitchen to be sure we ate well. Grandmother also fed others that just happened to stop by during dinner time. I do not recall ever running out of food, but many times we ran out of seats at the table. It was never a

problem - eat in the living room or sit on the front porch (literally). Supper was memorable to me because there was always talk and laughter. We kids’ overheard what the neighbors were doing, who the police arrested, what woman got caught slipping and who had trouble with the rent man. Rarely, did my grandmother need to tell us to be quiet at the table; we sat silent most of the time –listening. Fast forward to my mother’s era. She broke with tradition and was fortunate enough to get a job as a sleep-in-maid in New York. That was a huge accomplishment at the time because it ushered one more poverty- stricken family out of the south in with the Negro Exodus that most often led to New York. My mother worked more than a decade as a sleep-in maid, cooking, cleaning and entertaining the same family full time. That is why I spent most of my early years with my grandmother in South Carolina.

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When mother married a military man and stayed home with her own family, she had learned a new way of cooking and communicating. She cooked square, frozen boxed vegetables that remained “crunchy” and there was never salt or gravy on the table. Dinner was served followed by a relatively silent meal. For the first time in my life, I was introduced to cream of wheat! To this day I still gag at the thought of it. During this era, a call to dinner meant “oh no, it’s time to eat”! Mother had been totally brainwashed by a culture that was not hers. Cooking aside, my mother changed the family dynamic for generations to come. Everyone in our family left SC and moved to NY, either with her or arranged by her; she made the difference. She was the hero in our family. Eventually, my mother returned to SC for the remainder of her life. As a young adult, I never studied the science of food, calories or nutrition but I wanted the enjoyment, compliments and atmosphere of my grandmothers’ dinner table. By then, my grandmother was gone so I felt compelled to ask my mother and my new motherin-law for a few cooking tips. It was my first family gathering and I wanted it to be a success. I remember the menu well

– brown rice, baked chicken, cabbage and Jiffy corn bread. Guests included my parents, my in-laws and a few others. There was definitely a lot of food with a hefty dose of laughter and fun around the table. They were laughing at my version of cabbage and corn bread. It was horrible! The cabbage was watery with no seasoning and very crunchy. Weeks later, my mother told me they stopped twice on the way home because they were sick on the stomach from the cabbage. How I wish I had paid closer attention to my grandmothers cooking and less to the table talk. The dinner table experience is significant in my life and many others. I learned so much

about family, community and relationships. I learned the importance of sharing a meal, (good or not-so-good) with your tribe. Lessons that I will never forget. As a mother, I loved sharing the table with my three children and listening to them over talk each other. There was so much information sharing. They would tattle on each other or bring up problems with certain teachers. Sometimes, I would cook late night pancakes. Many years later, they remembered their favorite dishes. I often heard remarks like “you never make monkey bread or macaroni salad anymore- why?”. I always chuckle to myself because it’s your turn, babe – it’s your turn…

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Banana Pudding Still a Holiday Favorite!

Banana pudding has been a meal dominator for generations. To see it on the table or hear that it is chilling in the refrigerator that is a sign the meal is going to be special. Initially, I used my grandmother’s recipe. Nabisco vanilla wafers, bananas and a pudding mix of flour, cream, sugar and vanilla flavor slow cooked in a double boiler. I did not master this recipe for years and it became tedious. While eating at a buffet one day I dipped into their banana pudding and found it to be pleasantly lighter. However,

there

was

pudding than bananas and wafers. That was a problem. It has been long time since I’ve cooked banana pudding. Although my pudding is still heavier – I ate the entire bowl and enjoyed it immensely. Light or heavy it will always be a favorite dessert. Banana pudding has been a meal dominator for generations. To see it on the table or hear that it is chilling in the refrigerator that is a sign the meal is going to be special. Initially, I used my grandmother’s recipe. Nabisco vanilla wafers, bananas and a pudding mix of flour, cream, sugar and vanilla flavor slow cooked in a double boiler.

I did not master this recipe for years and it became tedious. While eating at a buffet one day I dipped into their banana pudding and found it to be pleasantly lighter. However, there was more pudding than bananas and wafers. That was a problem. It has been long time since I’ve cooked banana pudding. Although my pudding is still heavier – I ate the entire bowl and enjoyed it immensely. Light or heavy it will always be a favorite dessert.

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Original Nilla Banana Pudding Ready in: 60 mins. Layers of Nilla wafers, creamy pudding and fresh banana slices are the stars of this American classic.

• • • • • • • •

3/4 cup sugar, divided 1/3 cup all-purpose flour Dash salt 3 eggs, separated 2 cups milk 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 45 NILLA Wafers, divided 5 ripe bananas, sliced (about 3 1/2 cups), divided • Additional NILLA Wafers and banana slices, for garnish

3. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form; gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff but not dry. Spoon on top of pudding, spreading evenly to cover entire surface and sealing well to edges. 4. Bake at 350°F in top half of oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until browned. Cool slightly or refrigerate. Garnish with additional wafers and banana slices just before serving. Makes 8 servings

1. Mix 1/2 cup sugar, flour and salt in top of double boiler. Blend in 3 egg yolks and milk. Cook, uncovered, over boiling water, stirring constantly for 10 to 12 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. 2. Reserve 10 wafers for garnish. Spread small amount of custard on bottom of 1 1/2-quart casserole; cover with a layer of wafers and a layer of sliced bananas. Pour about 1/3 of custard over bananas. Continue to layer wafers, bananas and custard to make a total of 3 layers of each, ending with custard.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION per serving 287 calories, 6 g protein, 50 g carbohydrate, 7 g total fat, 2 g saturated fat, 117 mg cholesterol, 134 mg sodium, 1g dietary fiber. Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 15 mins Cooling Time: 15 mins Total Time: 60 mins

GLORY DAYS MAGAZINE / Jan - Feb 2021

The importance

family gatherings

A family gathering is to spread happiness and release the tension and stress of one’s daily routine.

GLORY DAYS MAGAZINE / Jan - Feb 2021

...we are all together because we are a family. Family is the word that displays the feeling of unity and unconditional love. They are the people who stay close to each other’s heart even if the distance between them increases miles apart, or they have conflicts on certain things, but they handle it with wisdom.

Family means being together, being available for your parents or siblings whenever they need you around. But sadly, in this fast-growing world, every person is busy in his/ her own life. They have expanded their work or social circle so much that they don’t find time for their own family and traditions. In most cases, people are unable to see their family members for long, and there is a lack of communication. The countries active in family gatherings: Here to mention, some countries are still doing a great job in this regard by sticking to their culture and traditions. Mostly the ASIAN

countries are more active in this activity. They value their families more than their work. Families live together in the same house despite the number of people. They make an effort to celebrate every single day or moment of joy, either its religious or cultural, which gives them more opportunities to have family gatherings. These things are joyful for

them. Their children learn the traditional values from their elders, and hence they keep on passing down in the family. They look forward to spending time with each other to have conversations. They are always open to share meals. So mostly, there is no need to plan for standing dates, but if they do, they make sure to invite everyone to have more fun. If the family members live in different cities or other countries, the head of

Family gatherings can help to alleviate stress from daily life.

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The Importance of Family Gatherings cont. the family awaits them or invite them occasionally to eat on the same table. They exchange their experiences to stay connected and practice wisdom. They discuss their dreams, hobbies, and show each other achievements. Help each other in doing better, improving their grades and life. A family gathering is to spread happiness and release the tension and stress of one’s daily routine. The same daily routine becomes bothersome at the time, so family gatherings boost energy and refresh the mood. Family members assure their loved one that they are with them; they hold the back of weak ones and appreciate the ones who are succeeding. They promise to provide a helping hand for each other, to show wisdom. They keep a check on each other’s life to know that if anyone needs help, is everyone ok? Do they eat or sleep well? Do they work or study well? Do they have a health issue? Because family is all about the concern and family gatherings are a display of that concern that no one is alone, we are all together because we are a family. Role of HEAD OF THE FAMILY: Elders tell stories about their

forefathers to motivate the children for their tradition and the importance of family. They teach them what it means to have a family, so they should stay together and value each other’s presence. Family heads also try to resolve the conflicts and disputes in family members by providing a certain solution and consultancy. They build their roots so strong and hearts united by filling it with values of unconditional love, brotherhood, and sacrifice. Not only do they address such values but show their young children by practicing them. They teach their family to open their heart for all.

Mothers in the family cook traditional foods for all family members as they prefer homemade food over anything else, and the women don’t take it as a burden; they feel happy to cook for their loved ones.

Countries, including Turkey, Pakistan, and India, are good As they believe that the one who with family delicacies. Their has a vast dining table has a big traditional dishes are Baklava, heart considering it an act of kofte, kabab (Turkey). Its seeji, wisdom. They welcome everyone biryani, halwa puri, nihari, warm to dine with them, so their Paay, haleem, and many more relations and traditions do not in Pakistan. India also has fade away. By keeping in mind large cuisine of traditional their family’s needs and interests, meals as daal makhani, butter they give ideas or advice when chicken, matter paneer, and needed. The young ones also Punjab. In India and Pakistan, respect their elders’ thoughts, feel makkikirotti (bread made happy, and content to see them with corn flour) and Sarson or eat with them. They listen to ka saag (mustard plant) are them humbly as they know their the most cultural and famous experiences can help them live a delicacy. Children exchange good life and earn a better living. ideas about their dreams, school gatherings, and so on. Families have their issue, but No matter what, the Asian they negotiate it with wisdom to families do not think of losing resolve them as soon as possible their family relations, which to keep their bond alive. sometimes becomes hard to Traditional dishes:

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tackle. Still, they do every possible thing to protect their relations and family. Countries without Family Gatherings: On the other hand, people in more advanced countries like Europe and America are mostly busy. In the race of being the best, they neglect their families. They don’t have to sit with them and talk over the food. They do not even live in the same house as everyone is independent. It leads to no connection with the family as they don’t ask each other for help in any regard. These modern-day trends cause them to grow apart from their families. Americans rarely eat together. The average American eats his one meal of the day in his car, one out of four Americans eats at least one fast food meal every day. Sadly, an American family eats together once in five days. Americans miss the leisure of quality time with their families. Effect of lack of Family Gatherings: Not eating together have negative effects, both physically and physiologically. The lack

of connectivity increases stress levels in people of all ages as they don’t sit and talk, the issues start growing bigger, which somehow become unbearable in certain situations. Family gatherings are important for sharing, caring, and elevating once peace of mind. Data from nearly three-quarters of the world’s countries, analysis from OCED (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), found that children who do not eat regularly with their families are shirker. A research presentation in Europe shows children who don’t eat with their parents twice a week are 40% more likely to gain weight. On the contrary, children who eat with their parents are healthy and are less attracted to alcohol or drugs. Even adults who are not on good terms with their families, experience a more depressing life than the ones who are close with their parents. They have no one they look up to, so it decreases their confidence, making them rebellious or cut off from society.

Conclusion: Research shows that lack of family gatherings has a negative impact on children. Adults also face difficulties mentally and physically. Having no connection with your loved ones is a painful thing in itself, but people tend to forget their traditional values with passing time. As fast as the world is growing, blood relations are becoming weaker because the world has changed the face of people’s earth and minds so much they value business relations more than blood relations. This materialism leads people to depression, heart attacks, loneliness, anxiety, lack of trust, lack of self-confidence, and, indeed, the death of blood relations. Family means staying together, so one should value his family more than anything. The people who consider their families their priority live a healthy and peaceful life.

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The Best of Friends:

Living on

Borrowed Time Dr. Emerson Hazzard

And even though we were in different parts of the world, often times, our lives were travelling on parallel tracks. - Emerson Hazzard I wanted to take a few moments to share with you some things about the relationship between your son Doran and me – him being my best friend since 8th grade to beyond the grave, because our friendship did not cease to exist when Doran transitioned from reality into eternity. It’s simply taken on another form, maybe because Doran and I shared a relationship that few people share, and that’s true friendship – true love for each other. We didn’t judge each other, and we accepted

each other 100% through the good, the bad and the ugly. That was the type of relationship that Doran and I shared. And I only shared that relationship with one other man, and that man also shared my first name, my middle name, and my last name – my father. Because yes, not only was my father, my father, but we were also best friends. In order for me to really get into who Doran and I were as friends, I’ve got to start off a little bit about who I was before I met Doran. I was born in a cauldron of domestic violence. My father had come back from Vietnam with post-traumatic stress disorder, and in a fit of rage, he jumped in the car with my sister. And my mom, who was trying to protect my sister, jumped into the car. And my grandmamma, who was trying to protect my

mama and my sister, and my father’s mother, also jumped in the car. All of them were riding with a man who was basically drunk out of his mind. Long story short, my father ran head-on into a garbage truck. My grandmother died in that accident, my father ended up in a coma, my mother ended up with her hip and pelvis shattered, and inside of her pelvis and womb was me, and sitting on her lap was my sister, Valarie. Now, this was back in 1966 when they didn’t have seatbelts, and they didn’t have airbags, so my sister Valerie served as the airbag for my mother, and her body served as the airbag for me. So, my sister traded her life for mine. So, when I was born 8 months later, I was already living on borrowed time, and a lot of people don’t really understand that concept of borrowed time. For those who

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don’t understand, borrowed time means that in reality your time is already up, and you really aren’t supposed to be here – you’re supposed to be gone, but you’re still here, and you may leave here at any time. And that fact shaped a lot of my life and my attitude about life. I never really expected to live that long. Fast forward to the 8th grade Hopkins Junior High School, Hopkins, South Carolina. Two young men ran into each other – myself and Doran Jones. I don’t quite remember when we met, why we met or how we met, but what I do know is that when we did, we became instant friends and that friendship solidified into a relationship that would span decades and even end up spanning beyond the grave. For whatever reason, Doran and I both lived on borrowed time. Now, we never discussed this. I never told Doran why I was living on borrowed time, and Doran never talked to me about why he was living on borrowed time. But neither one of us really expected to live that long. Not that we thought about it every day and were concerned that we weren’t going to be here tomorrow, but we really didn’t care, truth be told. Doran’s mantra in life was, “Don’t sweat the small stuff,” and “Oh, by the way, it’s all small stuff.” And my mantra, equally as

to fight me or fight Doran, crazy that it’s not even crazier, was, or it was a couple of other “No one who has ever died lived to ladies’ men between Hopkins regret it.” So, as you can see, Doran and Lower Richland at that and I had no concept time. A lot of borrowed time – we of people “...we became were basically fearless. a l w a y s I mean, if you don’t fear instant friends and had us on death, and once you that friendship the list, so get to the point where solidified into Doran and you don’t fear death, a relationship I always that pretty much wipes that would span had to everything else off the decades and even have each table – you don’t care end up spanning other’s back what people think, you because beyond the grave.” aren’t worried about there was what this one said that a l w a y s one said, and all of the something. things that control But remember who Doran and other people’s actions Doran and I I were. We simply did not care simply did not care about. what other people thought, period. That’s just how we On top of that, even all the way rolled. back in the 8th grade, Doran and I shared an addiction for the fear of sex. We loved women. We could not get enough. Could not get enough. I don’t care how many, who, what, when, or where, Doran and I could not get enough. We loved women. And because of that, we always had drama with a lot of the other guys in school. Somebody always wanted

Doran Jones

Part of who Doran and I developed into as young men stemmed from the fact that we didn’t have enough sense to realize that most of the bragging that guys do in the locker room is just that – they are bragging, they are lying, and all of the girls that they said that they’ve conquered, and all of the conquest, 99.9% of these guys are lying about. Unfortunately, Doran and I did not have enough sense to realize that these guys were lying. As a matter of fact, I didn’t find out until years later when I talked to some of these young ladies. But to make a long story

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short, because Doran and I did not have enough sense to realize that these guys were lying about a lot of things, whenever it came to whatever misadventures they had gotten into that weekend, or with women, or racing, or whatever, we just believed these clowns. So, we went out, and we began to live the lies that these guys were telling. We became the lies that guys told in the locker room, especially when it came to being a ladies’ man. For better or for worse, we always had girlfriends spanned across several different high schools all at the same time for no better reason than, “Why not!” As I look back over those times, I wish that we had thought better, but the truth is that we didn’t. The truth is that Doran and I had equal parts, especially when you mixed us together like how yellow and blue make green, we had equal parts of what makes men heroes and what makes men villains. Doran and I were fearless. We weren’t afraid of anybody. We weren’t afraid of anything. We didn’t care what people thought. So, we really didn’t have to deal with a lot of the restrictions that a lot of people have to deal with. We just didn’t care. So, we began to do whatever we were big enough to get away with. Whatever we were big enough to do, whether it was good, whether it was bad or whatever. We began to get away with it, and we felt right doing it, so we were going to do it.

This reminds me of the time that I was doing something that I was not supposed to be doing, and my sister said, “Mama going to kill you when you get home.” And I smiled at her and said, “Then I better have a good time because I don’t have long to live.” And for the most part, when it came to life, that was the attitude Doran and I had. We were best friends. We always had each other’s back. We stirred up a lot of controversies. In fact, one time, I got word that a whole neighbourhood of guys was planning on jumping us. So, I brought a knife to school. I was prepared to get the message across if they had popped up at any time. But nothing happened all day. At the end of school, I was upstairs in the K building at Lower Richland, doing what I do best. I was talking to a young lady when somebody ran around the corner, yelling that they’d gotten Doran in the parking lot. That’s all I needed to hear. I dropped my books, pulled out my knife, and ran all the way from K building to the parking lot, prepared to stab the first person I came into contact with until I found out who it was that was fighting Doran, and then they would get the final stab. Luckily, before I got to the group, I was about three or four steps away, knife in my hand and prepared to stab, I heard somebody yelling from the berm over to the side,

“Emerson, I’m over here, man.” So, I stopped, put my knife away, walked over to the berm, and Doran and I had a laugh. But that just shows you the fierce loyalty that we had for each other. We never started trouble, and we never started fights, but if somebody wanted to fight, then it was on. We didn’t care. If you want to dance, just turn on the music. I mean, Doran and I would rather be talking to the ladies, but if you all want to fight, we can go and do that too, and then we’ll go talk to the ladies. That’s just how we were. Several times in football games, and dances, and you name it, there was always a crowd of misfits that decided the ladies’ men needed somebody to teach them a lesson. So, Doran and

Emerson in the military

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I just did what we had to do. One thing that separated Doran and I is the fact that we were like yin and yang. Out of all the time that I’d known Doran, from the 8th grade to the age of 50, in all of that time, I have never seen Doran get angry. Believe it or not, I have never seen Doran get angry no matter what was going on; even if we had to fight, the only thing Doran would have to say was, “Well, you sure that’s what you want to do? Let’s go and get it on. If you’re sure that’s what you want to do, then let’s do it.” But as far as getting mad, and raising hell, and cussing… Nah. That wasn’t Doran. Me? I’m probably going to cuss you out. Doran, no. Now me, I had a temper. I would get angry. I’ll be ready to burn down the whole city. Doran was always calm. So, we often operated as yin and yang. Yin and yang — hot head and calm person. As life went on, Doran and I ended up taking separate paths. Life carried us in different directions. The military carried

Doran in the military

us in different directions. But even though we went in different directions, our lives often travelled on parallel tracks. Doran became a mason; I became a mason. I went in the military; Doran went in the military. I ended up married; Doran also got married. I’m having kids; Doran’s having kids. We became husbands. We became fathers. We became soldiers. We became paratroopers jumping out of jets. And even though we were in different parts of the world, oftentimes, our lives were travelling on parallel tracks. So, who was Doran? Doran was the light in the room. Doran was the type of person that when he walked into a room, people would light up. He always had a positive attitude. He always showed up with a joke or a smile or a laugh. People loved that about Doran. What’s crazy is, Doran and I, even though we never enrolled in Benedict College, I guarantee you that we spent enough

time at Benedict College chasing the ladies to both have earned a Master’s degree. Guaranteed. We spent so much time at Benedict College that we were actually in some of the talent shows that they would have. Because we’d be around, and Doran can sing, and I can halfway sing, the next thing you knew Doran and I were in talent shows at Benedict as if we were students, and we never paid, not one day of tuition. The Lord knows we had good times as young men growing up. We were fearless, and we were reckless. And like I said, those traits make you a hero, but can also make you a villain. We were fearless, in that there was no challenge that we wouldn’t attack, whether it was becoming paratroopers jumping out of jets, going out to war, or travelling around the world with the military, you name it. Doran and I were part of this course. We never thought twice about it. We never thought twice about travelling around the world fighting and facing bullets and bombs and whatever. We never cared. Fearless. But unfortunately, we were also reckless, and the things that we did, and the situations that we got ourselves into, and the relationships – we were reckless in them. And as we matured as men, I think that we both regretted the effect that some of our reckless behaviours had on people who we loved, and cared about. And as time went on, we wanted to be better men for our children because, for the most part, as young men before we had kids,

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tomorrow never really mattered; affect those that we love. if you died, you wouldn’t live to The last time I came home to regret it. It is what it is, and we do visit South Carolina, Doran and what we do. But after you become I sat down and had a long, long a family man, and start having discussion. We talked about life, children, and years go by, you marriage, businesses, religion, you start seeing the effects that your name it. Doran told me, “Emerson, recklessness had on the people the doctor tells me that I’ve got that you love. And, you see, when heart problems, but you know I we were in high school, Doran and am not going to let that stop me.” I vowed that we would never grow Right then, he lit up a cigarette up, and we had every intention of never growing up. We would never let the pressures of life, and the responsibilities, drag us down and stop us from being both fearless and reckless. Because it’s exciting being fearless and reckless, and we had intended to carry that Doran Speaking throughout the rest of our lives. However, Muhammed Ali once quipped and said, and ordered another drink. I said, “If you’re the same man at 50 “Doran, come on, dawg. Cigarettes that you were when you were 25, killed my father. Don’t let it kill you then you’d have wasted 25 years too.” He smiled and winked at me of your life.” And I must admit that because Doran and I were always in spite of our best efforts, we did the types to smile and wink at grow up. We did learn to shoulder death. When death smiles at you, responsibility. We did learn to wink and smile back was our temper some of our actions, and attitude. But then I went to a place I underline some of our actions, that only a best friend can go. so that our recklessness did not

I looked Doran straight in the eye and said, “Doran, are you living under the Lord? Are you living under grace?” Because you see, if you’re not living under the Lord, then when you leave here, you’re not going to make it happen. In fact, we both knew that neither one of us were going to make it happen if we’ve got to stand before Saint Peter and answer for the long list of foolishness that we had engaged in throughout our lifetime. However, if we can stand in front of Saint Peter and express the fact that we are living under the grace of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, then we can wink and smile at Saint Peter and say, “Yeah, I know I am not supposed to be here. I know I am not supposed to be living in a mansion and walking on the streets of gold. However, I am here based on the grace of my Lord and Saviour. I know you have a long list, but you know what, as a matter of fact, there are some things not on that list.

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But it’s all covered under His grace. So, if you don’t mind, I’m going to move into my mansion. Now, I’m going to walk on these streets of gold.”

iniquity. So, when you came out of your mother’s womb, you were already pointed in the direction of hell. Now, if you’re reading the same Bible that I’m reading, “Born in sin, shaped in iniquity.” That’s scripture.

And my best friend looked me in the eye, and he said, “Emerson, I am living under grace.” He said that emphatically. No question. So, that’s Doran’s legacy. Not that “I’m living under he was a perfect grace.” Why is that man. Doran was far “...we also did a impossible? That’s from perfect, and lot of wonderful impossible. Why as his best friend, things. We served is that important? I’m here to tell you. our country. That is important Because a lot of We we wore a because that is a his imperfections uniform. We large part of Doran’s I was there with bee became legacy – who he him. If you can husbands. We was as a man. The imagine all of the message that he left foolishness that became fathers.” behind for people to young men can get understand. It isn’t into and multiply about being a perfect man. It’s about that by twenty, then you might being a man who understands that be one-third of the way to the no matter how perfect you might live, foolishness that Doran and I got no matter how you may have deluded into collectively and separately. yourself that you live without sin, we But with that, we also did a lot of have all sinned and fallen short of the wonderful things. We served our glory of God, and the only way that country. We wore a uniform. We we’re going to get in is under grace. became husbands. We became fathers. So, were we perfect men? Now I know of plenty of people out Not by a long shot. Were we men there who believe that they are good who did the best with what we enough to go to heaven. Good luck. knew? Yes. Did we grow up learning That is very amusing to me, because a lot of things that we later found it’s going to be funny when people out was pure foolishness? Yes. like Doran and I are walking on streets Absolutely. There were a lot of of gold, and people who believe that things that we accepted as “This they have kept every commandment is part of manhood. This is part from birth find themselves walking of being a man, and this is how a through the gates of hell because the man roll.” But we later found out one thing they didn’t realize was that that was pure foolishness without we are all born in sin and shaped in a doubt.

So, as best friends, we were not perfect men, but we did the best we could with what we knew. And we learned better – most of the time, we did better. All of the time – no. But most of the time, we learned better, and we did better. So, less than 60 days after Doran and I had the discussion about him living under grace, I got a phone call or either somebody contacted me on Facebook saying that Doran is gone. Now it took me a while to comprehend what “Doran is gone” meant. I had just seen Doran, I was just home with him, so how could he be gone? “Emerson, Doran is gone.” When the realization of what I was being told finally hit me, I had not felt that type of pain since my father had passed, and I immediately started making preparations to fly to South Carolina. At this time, I met his wife and helped her through everything I could help her with. I was with the family, and when I looked in the casket and saw my best friend, I had to look to the heavens for strength. But I was also happy because his troubles were over, and I knew from the conversation that we had that he was living under grace. Doran was the type of person, like I said, when he walked into the room, he lit the room up.

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Doran was fiercely loyal to his friends. He would protect his family and his friends. He wasn’t a perfect man, and neither was I. But he was a man that did the best he could with what he knew and what he had. Mama Pat, this video cannot end without me talking about who you were in my life. The fact that you had room in your heart for one more knucklehead had an impact on my life that you will probably never understand. There was a lot of wisdom that you shared with me that you probably figured I wasn’t listening to, but I was listening. And it probably was the difference between me ending up spending my life in prison and me ending up living the life that I’m living right now. Twenty-eight years of marriage. Thirty-one years in a military career. I have a Ph.D. behind my name. I have a summer home and a winter home, as opposed to an angry young man statistic, shot by the police, incarcerated by the state. Your wisdom is a big part of who I turned out to be as a man. Not a perfect man. I don’t think Mother Theresa herself would have put her hands on me, and pray for me. I wouldn’t turn into a perfect man, but my life

positive attitude.

didn’t turn into nowhere near the calamity that it could have become considering that I live by the mantra, “No one who has died ever lived to regret it.” And to Aisha, Doran’s little sister, my little sister, I will always love you. You will always be my little sister, even though from a very young age you had way more sense than me, me being your big brother and all. Oh my God. I was always so proud of you. Always proud to watch you grow into womanhood. Harvey, my little brother, I’m so proud of you, and I hope somewhere between the craziness that your brother and I thought you, I hope that we also endowed you with some wisdom that will make you a better man as you travel through life. To Doran’s children, your father was real. He was a real person. Not a perfect person, but a real person. Fiercely loyal with a

He was the life of the party. When people were down, they could count on Doran to lift their spirits. That’s priceless. When people were down, they could always count on Doran to say, “Don’t sweat the small stuff, and it’s all small stuff. And we’re going to get through this together.” That’s who your father was. That is who Doran Jones was. Because of that, I love you all like you are my own children, and you can reach out to me anytime. Aisha, Shane, Harvey, you already know. Mama Pat, of course, you know. God bless you all, and Mama Pat, as you write this book, if there’s any additional insight that you need from me about who I was, who Doran was, how we crossed paths with each other, what it was that made us who we were as friends, reach out. Reach out to me. God bless you all. I love you. Good night.

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When people were down, they could always count on Doran to say, “Don’t sweat the small stuff, and it’s all small stuff. And we’re going to get through this together.”

Emerson Hazzard completed this article in September 2020. Sadly, we lost him to an untimely battle with a killer disease on October 22. He battled aggressively, prepared to win more time. Emerson was 53 years old; Doran would have turned 53 on September 10, 2020. Their lives paralleled in so many ways. When Emerson saw the magazine cover, he said it brought him to tears. We were devastated by his loss. He is resting but family and friends grieve deeply for his passing. Emerson sent this article to me via YouTube. It was converted to print. In hindsight, I believe he was too weak to write. Glory Days Magazine offers our deepest sympathy to the Hazzard family. We were fortunate to have Emerson share his wisdom of Living on borrowed time. I am so thankful that he was part of our family and best buddy, always there for Doran. - Editor

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Do Lasting

Friendships

really matter?

Friendship is the most beautiful and sincere relation on this planet. . A true friend is not only your partner in crime but also a trustworthy companion who can see through your soul and enlighten your darkest parts. Friendship is meant to be the most special and emotional bond between two people who may have similar minds and similar habits but are open to welcoming each other’s different perspectives and personalities. In fact, a loyal friend can improve your life in many ways. He/she can help you find your lifelong dream, see your inner soul, and help you in crisis being your emotional support. The one you can lean on with all your secrets, worries, scars, but he/she still owns you with all of his/her heart and endure your every pain along with you by embracing it with wide-open arms.

Significance: The people who have any such friends in their life are indeed luckiest and happiest people as they know there is at least one person in this whole wide world on whom they can rely. The one person who can make you smile on your bad days and tell you to keep your head up no matter what and the one who doubles your happiness on your good days. If someone has such an emotional bond with his/her friend, they should never let them go. Hold onto that friend even in the crisis. That person is a reflection of your soul. But unfortunately, the world we are living in is very cruel people are highly selfish and rude. No one is interested in other’s

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be your other half. To pinpoint each other’s good and bad, to learn together, hang out together, love and care unconditionally, and have different personalities does not matter. Isn’t it pity not to have one companion in a sea of seven billion people? We all have friends, true that. But not all of them are trustworthy; some hang out partners, some are social media friends, some are colleagues, some are we became friends because we live in the same street. Real friendship is a lot more than that. The one who has so many friends but does not have a strong emotional bond with any of them is lonely at the end. Everyone needs a person who can pat their back when they are the ugliest version of themselves. life to cherish the sad ones, help the poor ones, or accompany the lonely one. It is making everyone lonely. The one who is deprived of a good friend or a strong emotional bond is far away from finding his/her true self. In this time of great hustle, the ones who are still holding onto their friends are happy, but those who never got the opportunity to have such a delighted experience don’t even know its charm. They don’t know what it feels like to talk about every little emotion or share every single activity of your day with your friend, who seems to

Life becomes difficult without a friend. Many people live that way because they were so busy in their lives to get to know that they also need a friend. Friendship is important than love. If friendship is based only on socializing without any emotional bond, there are very few chances to last longer. Friendship is a relationship that should base on truth, sharing, love, and care; these are the things that make it last longer. If you are connected to someone at emotional terms, that relation will last longer. There are so many people who have one or two friends, and they remain to be friends for life. They never think

of making new friends because they know the connection they share with each other and spent so many years. Such an emotional bond cannot be made again and again with different people. There are people who became friends in high school and went to the same college or university, so staying together for so long made their friendship last longer. The stronger the relationship, the longer it lasts. There are so many people who have one or two friends, and they remain to be friends for life. They never think of making new friends because they know the connection they share with each other and spent so many years. Such an emotional bond cannot be made again and again with different people. There are people who became friends in high school and went to the same college or university, so staying together for so long made their friendship last longer. The stronger the relationship, the longer it lasts. Gender-based Friendships: Either it is male/male friendship or female/female friendship, the key is loyalty. The more loyal friend you have, the more good things will happen to strengthen your bond, and one it tends to be unbreakable. It becomes so natural the way you communicate with your friend. You don’t feel him/her as another human; it

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Do Lasting Friendships Really Matter? cont.

feels like you both have the same soul with two bodies. Talking, sharing, traveling, study everything becomes fun. This lower the burden of unexpected life events; there is always one person holding your back. Proximity: Mostly the friends who live nearby are long-lasting friends as they can see others whenever they want to. Research shows that 80%friends of a person live in 600 miles of distance from that person’s house. But if the relationship is stronger, it does not matter you live in the same street or different cities. Many friends tend to live apart at some stage of life, but it does not mean their hearts grow apart. The emotional bond remains there and even becomes stronger as the distance grows; the love becomes more deep and passionate. Friends plan on seeing each other for their good

or bad days. They share all the things as they did in the past. It makes friendship long-lasting.

overcome it together with courage by helping each other. They learn a lesson from it to spend a better life being a better person.

Adult Relationships: The adult relationships are hard to make because, in the early stage of life, every person is very outgoing, open to new challenges and people. As time passes, people become more conscious about the choices they make in their life either it is about the people they want in their lives or any other matter. They chose wisely and keenly. Some friends have similar experiences in their life, which becomes the backbone of their relationship. They don’t have to find new topics of each other’s interest to talk because that experience is enough to talk about to grow their emotional bond. Similar experiences prove as a milestone in long-lasting friendships. That experience allows them to

Research: “A good friendship is a wonderful antidepressant,” says psychologist Janice Kiecolt-Glaser. Review of research 2010, the effect of friendship on life span is twice as strong as exercising and equal to quit smoking. Researchers think friendship is strongly linked with health through the body’s stress process, a study including 300,000 participants. The people (ages 12 to 91) with weaker social ties tend to have worse health. Having friends who make you feel like you belong can improve your physical health. Having friends allow you to communicate with different minds, which open new doors of knowledge for you and help you to polish your opinions. Some researches show that having

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good social ties can decrease mortality. A study of 2012 found that older people’s dementia risk increased with their feelings of loneliness. Friends can make you a better person or worse case you can ever be. A study 2007 shows that if one person is obese, his/her friends can likely be obese too. That is why choosing a friend is a matter of care too. CONCLUSION Friendship is indeed a very emotional bond with is not only linked with our heart and mind but with health also. Having friends is good instead of being alone. If you don’t socialize and line alone, it becomes a habit that makes you a lonely person. Loneliness leads to stress, and depression begins, which is worse than anyone thinks or knows. So without losing your-self making friends is healthy. Seeing new people other than your-self and knowing them makes your life a whole lot better. It teaches you to

be thankful for the thing you have, but others don’t. Friends can help you to walk the roads; you were afraid to walk alone; they become your emotional support, protective companions, mentors, and life coach when and where needed. This is the beauty of friendship that even your own life sucks, you are getting no way to come out from your fears, but you never let your friend get down, so your friend too. Having a loyal friend is a blessing; just keep in mind that do not lose yourself in the crowd in the name friendship, be yourself, and seek those who push you to become a better human as research shows that happiness increases when you have the right friends and vice versa. Lasting friendships do matter as they are the people who have seen you in your bad days and never

gave up on you; this what sincerity is, and it is hard to find nowadays. A true friend, a true companion, never leaves you alone to struggle your battle. This makes lasting friendships. They are important to show you mirror when you are wrong, uplift you when you need help, care for you without letting you know, and never let go such a friend.

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Aging The

POWER of

Have you come to terms with your feelings about growing old?

To this day I remember the horror I felt when my mother callously confessed that she was 36 years old. How embarrassing! I was a teenager horrified! By my logic, my mother was old and decrepit and she admitted it in front of God and everybody. At that silly age and mind set I was certain mother would need my help, soon, climbing the stairs. She looked at me with that incredulous smile that signaled she must have done something wrong while raising me. While walking in youthful ignorance, I lacked the foresight that I could, possibly be around to witness authentic old age. But I was 13 then, so let’s fast forward to my elder years. You will find an advocate for longevity, and quality of life

for those in their later years; to include myself? Have you come to terms with your feelings about growing old? More importantly, how do you view the elders in your life today? Can you picture yourself at 80 or 90 years of age? Albeit the questions are simple, the decisions and answers can be difficult. My parents died much too young. Whether you are 13 or 36, those numbers probably seem light years away from the foresight needed to prepare for age 90. But beware, time moves swiftly, and years are gone quickly. Relationships and wellbeing are “negotiable”. We get 24 hours each day regardless of our mental and or physical well-being.

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My mother was diagnosed with type one diabetes at age 17 in 1952. Imagine managing a life changing disease with minimal information and no disposable needles in the poverty-stricken South. She recalled it being one of the most difficult times in her life. However, with fortitude and perseverance, she gained control of her disease, her health and her future by migrating from the South to New York as a live-in maid. Her life decisions during the early years impacted each generation marching behind her. Her decisions were never in question; however, this history of strength and fortitude would appear every time there were suggestions by her children. As I sit with pen in hand, I realize that aging is more than a notion – in fact, I am sure of it. Aging (life itself) impacts those we know and everything we have struggled to become. It is a special blessing from God

that exemplifies our time allotted purpose on this earth. As we live to work through or witness this challenging time of life, we must be well equipped to interpret the past and convey wisdom for future generations. It does not matter if you are watching or waiting – you have work to do. You and I must create new paths of better communication and compassion for our elders. Many elders are remarkable at creating their “new” journey in life. Moving a little slower – maybe, thinking things through more carefully – by all means. But as long as breath comes with a heartbeat, our presence and influence matters to those close to us. Let’s engage with the elderly in our lives and neighborhoods. The best understanding of the past and probabilities lurking ahead are revealed by the world’s most reliable resource – the aging population.

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REFLEXOLOGY

Are you suffering from anxiety, stress, and pain? Don’t worry! You can get rid of these issues naturaJly. Try reflexology, it is a type of massage, in which pressure is applied to specific points on your foot , ear, and hands to relieve pain and stress, also good to enhance sleep and relaxation. Because these parts are connected to certain systems and organs of your body. Reflexology suggests that when pressure is applied to these body parts, they provide multiple health benefits.

• Small intestine 3 lies on the edge of your hand, on the outside just below the pinkie finger. By applying firm pressure on this point will relieve your headache, neck pain, and earache.

How does reflexology works? The concept of reflexology comes from Chinese tradition. According to this vital energy flows in your body. But when you are in pain or stress your body ‘ s vital energy becomes imbalance, leads to diseases.

• Lung meridian point is present on hand edge starting from a thumb tip and ending on the wrist crease. It will relieve from cold, running nose, sneezing, and sore throat.

Hence, by applying pressure to specific points on your hands and foot, this vital energy starts to flow again towards the areas where healing is required. Pressure points on your hands: Pressure points are the sensitive parts of your body. These are some essential pressure points on your hands. • Heart 7 is present on the crease of the wrist, in line with space between your pinkie and ring finger. Massaging this point will protect you against insomnia, anxiety, and depression.

• The inner gate point is present on the front side on arm, 3cm away from your wrist. Massaging this point with the thumb will relieve nausea, stomach pain, and improve digestion.

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• Outer gate point present on the backside of your arm. Apply pressure with three fingers on this point and boost your immune system.

• Hand valley point found on the outer side of the hand, between index finger and thumb. Firm pressure on this point will reduce toothache, stress, and shoulder tension.

• Gongsun is present inside your foot and associated with your spleen. Pressure on this point will redt1ce stomach pain and nausea.

The bottom line: So, relieve all your stress naturally through reflexology. Hence, apply pressure on these mentioned pressure points on your hands and foot, and enjoy good health. References : 1. https://mindbodypal.com/foot-pressurepoints/

Pressure points on your foot: Some important pressure points on your foot are: • Tai Chong, locate this by pressing the tendon between the big and second toe. Massage of this point will relieve menstrual pain and irritability.

2. https://www.healthline.com/health/whatis-reflexology#how-it-works 3. www.healthline.com/health/handpressure-points#What-are-the-handpressure-points? 4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthylifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/ what-is-reflexology/faq-20058139 5. https://www.healthline.com/health/ pressure-points-for-nausea#sp-4

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Opiod Abuse in the US Around 70,200 people were killed by opioid overdose in 2017. Twenty-nine thousand three hundred sixty-six deaths have been associated with synthesis opioids (including methadone), 3,333 with cocaine, and 10,342 by Heroin (including methamphetamine), 15,482 have been associated by heroin use, and prescription opioids have identified 17.029. Many people have died from the opioidrelated prescription overdoses between 2017 and 2019 (Floyd & Warren, 2018). The unfortunate death of Mac Miller is a widely profile example of the tragic incident that is happening in the streets of America regularly.

to dependence, when you learn to embrace the prescription prescribed. Suffering takes our minds in many ways – much more nuanced and much less compassionate than many people know.

Opiod Abuse Opioids are incredibly addictive, and drug addiction in the United States has been a domestic epidemic. Statistics demonstrate the magnitude of the crisis, with an estimated more than 2 million Americans abusing opioids recorded by the National Institute for Substance Addiction. More than 90 Americans die every day by an overdose of an opioid (Floyd & Warren, 2018). Opioids will make the mind and body realize like the medication is needed to live. You will find that you will require even more drugs to ease the pain or achieve well-being, leading

Avoiding addiction to opiods If a person is considering opioid care, it is essential to speak to a doctor, anesthesiologist, or another expert on pain management for proper utilization of opioids and, when possible, pursue alternate choices. Americans must learn to work with the medical practitioners to use medications better and safely and what options can work with pain relief. References Floyd, C. N., & Warren, J. B. (2018). Opioids out of control. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 84(5), 813.

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When Adults Crash and Burn sequels to count.

Most people have heard the phrase, “the bigger they are, the harder they fall?” It has been evidenced many times by prominent people manipulating legal issues; company “leaders” convicted of pyramid schemes, drug use, sexual harassment on the job, and so on. These offenses usually usher in a very public fall, worthy of judgment and conversation for years ahead. Joe Biden became Presidentelect on November 7th and the United States changed forever; not because Joe Biden won, but because Donald J. Trump lost! Watching and reading the news since the election has become a horror movie with too many

Life events force us to realize that we learn more from losing than we do from winning. However, President Trump’s response to losing seems super unrealistic to many in this nation, and the world at large. He was the incumbent candidate, running against successful Democratic nominee Joe Biden. Two people! One winner and one loser. This should not have been unacceptable logic for someone that actually WON the 2016 election. There was an unexpected loser in that race as well. Hilary Clinton was bound to win when I switched the TV off and went to bed. But something happened and she lost. She lost! Later tales of Russian interference did not set off riots or government shutdowns. As a nation, we moved on. Let us not belabor the fact that President Trump lost the 2020 election. It happened and it is well documented by the states, the White House, and the courts. But the President’s brazen rebellion, personal, cultural, and political attacks surprised many people. His failure was not in

losing his position. It was in the outrageous behavior, lack of social maturity, and public decorum that we muster at our lowest point, when we do not want to get out of bed and deal with our demons. It is about how we react to our absolute worst turn of events. But former President Trump chose to leave a legacy that would change the history books and his family’s legacy forever. He became the first president in American history to be impeached twice. That will forever be monumental! His speeches are laced with disdain for the people that “stole” the election from him even though all evidence refutes that belief. He has repeatedly added fuel to the fire of social unrest Most people have heard the phrase, “the bigger they are, the harder they fall?” It has been evidenced many times by prominent people manipulating legal issues; company “leaders” convicted of pyramid schemes, drug use, sexual harassment on the job, and so on. These offenses usually usher in a very

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When Adults Crash and Burn cont.

public fall, worthy of judgment and conversation for years ahead. Joe Biden became Presidentelect on November 7th and the United States changed forever; not because Joe Biden won, but because Donald J. Trump lost! Watching and reading the news since the election has become a horror movie with too many sequels to count. Life events force us to realize that we learn more from losing than we do from winning. However, President Trump’s response to losing seems super unrealistic to many in this nation, and the world at large. He was the incumbent candidate, running against successful Democratic nominee Joe Biden. Two people! One winner and one loser. This should not have been unacceptable logic for someone that actually WON

the 2016 election. There was an unexpected loser in that race as well. Hilary Clinton was bound to win when I switched the TV off and went to bed. But something happened and she lost. She lost! Later tales of Russian interference did not set off riots or government shutdowns. As a nation, we moved on. Let us not forget the fact that President Trump lost the 2020 election. It happened and it is well documented by the states, the White House, and the courts. But the President’s brazen rebellion, personal, cultural, and political attacks surprised many people. His failure was not in losing his position. It was in the outrageous behavior, lack of social maturity, and public decorum that we muster at our lowest point, when we do not want to get out of bed

and deal with our demons. It is about how we react to our absolute worst turn of events. But former President Trump chose to leave a legacy that would change the history books and his family’s legacy forever. He became the first president in American history to be impeached twice. That will forever be monumental! His speeches are laced with disdain for the people that “stole” the election from him even though all evidence refutes that belief. He has repeatedly added fuel to the fire of social unrest and rebellion, as has been verified many times. His

inflamed

statements,

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all on the record, encouraged receptive Americans to attack. “Our country has had enough. We will not take it anymore and that’s what this is all about. Donald Trump became intoxicated with his numbers and false sense of entitlement. His rebellious spirit and superior attitude manifested repeatedly during the January 6 uprising at the Capitol. For him, losing the election will always be seen as a personal affront and scheme against him for generations to come. However, after the election, many people were excited and hopeful about the country’s future, because former President Trump lost the election. Does he regret how he handled his four-year opportunity to improve the world? On what was probably

the worst day of his public life, he golfed and attempt to work out a successful legal response for the accusations landing at the White House steps. Truly, our President had crashed and burned—for now. One of my favorite bedside books is SOMETIMES YOU WIN SOMETIMES YOU LEARN by John Maxwell. He wrote, “Everyone experiences adversity. Some people are made humble by it. Others are made hard. And they carry that spirit with them everywhere they go. For those who allow themselves to become hard, that’s tragic because it’s exceedingly difficult for a hard person to learn anything.” President Trump dug his heels into a stance of denial. He claimed to have nothing to do with inciting the crowd. But his words came back to haunt him and some statements could not

be misconstrued. Life is hard even when we do everything right, and sometimes, the right action is in the eye of the beholder. No one is right all the time. However, mistakes and missteps that cause public shame and personal pain are much more difficult to overcome. The personal pain usually lands at the core of victims. President Trump used his influence to choose those beholden to him and further alienated those who refused to accept the pain of his loss.

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Is Military Service for You? Military Enlistment: Pros and Cons

When it comes to military enlistment, there are both benefits and drawbacks. This post will help you decide whether you want to join the military or not.

Pros of Military Enlistment Following are some of the benefits of joining the military: Opportunity of Serving Your Nation One of the most important benefits of military enlistment is that it offers an opportunity to serve our nation. Our homelands are important to use because they provide us a place where we grow up and spend our lives. Therefore, it is obvious to protect this place that gives us so much and there is nothing more patriotic than joining the military. It helps in learning about true sacrifice, improving leadership qualities, creating discipline, and boosting self-esteem. Furthermore, it is quite a respectful career and when veterans pass on streets, they seem to wear their stripes proudly and the people respect them. Finding a Meaningful Career

It is important to note that the military offers a number of job opportunities. An important benefit of military enlistment is its allegiance to offer funds and tuition to its members. Actually, the military offers several opportunities in technology, engineering, math, and science. It also seems to support specialised career opportunities. In addition to connecting you with career opportunities and higher education, you are also provided with various skills. You get to develop these skills as you serve the country. There are a lot of people who are unable to gain education because they do not have the necessary resources. While higher education is

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highly important, not everyone can afford it. One of the best ways of tackling this issue is by joining the military. The military provides candidates with more than 40,000 dollars for college education and it opens up new possibilities for people who are unable to afford higher education. In addition to it, funding might also be available for housing and books. Depending on your situation, you can apply for different benefit programs and they will offer the opportunities you need. Developing Bonds The military is like a family and as soon as you join it, you become a member of this family. In fact, all branches of the military offer a true family environment. You will find yourself developing special bonds with your companions. In fact, your teammates will be your friends and your family members. Your special bond with your companions and teammates will be impossible to replicate. Even when you leave the military, you will find that your bond stays with you. This special brotherhood seems to begin as soon as you are selected and it generally translates into solutions of conflict. Afterward, it connects people of all colours, creeds, and religions. Seeing the World Another important benefit of joining the military is that it allows you to visit numerous places. The sheer number of places that you are able to see in the military would cost you a fortune if you were to see them on your own. Therefore, other than the general advantages of serving in the military, this is quite a unique benefit and it gives the chance of seeing the world. Military enables people to visit different areas and countries by stationing and positioning them in these places. If you have a keen interest in checking out new places other than serving the nation then you should certainly join the military.

Decent Pay Although joining the military is not the highest paying job that you can get, it is important to note that the military still offers a higher salary than what a normal teenager can make. Therefore, you can also consider joining the military when you need to earn money.

Cons of Military Enlistment Some drawbacks of joining military include: Demanding Service It is important to note that there are people who want to serve the nation. However, they are not capable of meeting the physical requirements of the military. Thus, if you want to join the military then you should remember that you will be tested both mentally and physically more than you have ever experienced in your life. The pressure seems to begin as soon as you are selected and it continues on into your service. It is important to recognise that people in the military are physically fit and not every single person is able to serve. If you don’t really think that you can perform rigorous physical and emotional exercises then you should reconsider because the military is quite demanding when it comes to exercise. Tough for Families You might have heard it before that military is quite difficult for people who have families. Your job in the military is similar to a fire-fighter or a police officer because the job seems to require months, weeks, or hours away from the family. You need to understand that joining the army is quite a serious sacrifice and commitment. If you are a person who cannot stay away from his family then you should think about your decision of joining the military again.

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Is Military Service For You cont. Staying away from the family is quite a tough thing and it is understandable as well. Furthermore, being in the military, there is no knowing when you will have enough time to spend it with your family. Little Control over Your Positioning When you join the military, not only you have to meet the expectations of your superiors but you will also have to agree to the orders that they give. You will no control over where you live and you are positioned. For instance, you might be sent to a country where there is a war or other dangerous area. It will be part of your commitment to the military.

Strict Discipline It is important to note that no matter where you go, the military seeks discipline and the environment in which you will be living is strict and disciplined. In fact, they have guidelines and rules for almost everything. You might find yourself not agreeing with some rules. Your superiors will be teaching you discipline and you will be expected to obey every order that is given by them. It can be quite difficult.

I Love Yellow GLORY DAYS MAGAZINE / Jan - Feb 2021

GLORY DAYS MAGAZINE / Jan - Feb 2021

How to safely wear a non-medical fabric mask

DOS: Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water before touching the mask Inspect the mask for any damages or dirt Adjust the mask without leaving gaps on the side Cover your mouth, nose, and chin

DON'TS:

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DO NOT use a damaged mask DO NOT wear a loose mask DO NOT wear the mask under the nose DO NOT remove the mask if there are people within 1 meter of you

Avoid touching the mask

DO NOT use a mask that's difficult to breathe through

Clean your hands before removing the mask

DO NOT use a dirty or wet mask

Use the straps to remove the mask and pull it away from your face

DO NOT share your mask with others

Store the mask in the clean resealable plastic bag if it is not dirty or wet, and you plan to re-use it Remove the mask from the bag by the straps Wash the mask with soap or detergent, preferably with hot water, at least once a day Clean your hands after removing the mask

Source: World Health Organization