AMEN

by Jennifer Schnittker
(Butler, Pa 16001)

I know I have been all over your sight, putting in my "input" on just about everything; however, one thing I have thus far failed to mention is my educational background. I have a B.S.Psy. I totally agree with you on soooo very much you have had to say here. People miss the little things. Unfortunately in today's world we do let our TV's, computers, and game stations "watch our children". In our pursuit to have more than the last generation had. Keeping up with the Jone's, or giving our kids more than we had. In our pursuit for the almighty dollar, we have lost the most valuable things in our lives... OUR CHILDREN. When do we say enough is enough. Yes, I may be considered middle class--or even amongst the poverty class---but my children have been raised with morals, values, and beliefs.

In the 1800's (I know we cannot go back there) children were raised with some work ethics, morals, beliefs, and values. Today, our kids are lazy, and want everything for nothing. They get everything handed to them on a silver plate, and have to work for nothing!

For the most part, none of us are going to win a noble prize, or become the next president of the United States--our names are NOT going to be written in the history books, nor are we going to make an outstanding impact on future generations. In 100 years, people will not even know we existed, accept for a "great grandmother/father on my fathers side." It is of the utmost importance to OUR OWN FUTURES to raise well rounded children, that will pass that information on for generations to come. It is our Job, and our Legacy!

I have primarily been a stay at home wife/mother all of my life. Despite financial struggles. My children were never latch key kids. I have raised my kids with the knowledge that they were going to screw up-- hey it happens, even in the best of families. But I have drilled into their brain these few sayings:

"The only MISTAKE that you make in life--is the one you DO NOT LEARN FROM." (this is of course a coined phrase by me.)

"Life is only 10% of what happens to me, and 90% of how I deal with it" - Charles Swindell.

and Lastly "I once had the blues because I had no shoes, until upon the street, I met a man who had no feet" - Unknown

I have made it my personal mission to teach my children to give back, even if they don't have much. We volunteer at the local soup kitchens (feeding the homeless) and the local Humane Society- I want to impress on my children that the grass is not always greener, and sometimes right where you are is a DAMN FINE place to be.

People have to stop and think--how much money or "personal time." is worth my children's future? I would have to say NONE! You cannot replace a young mind, or OUR future.

Our children are our future leaders, doctors, lawyers, Presidents, and even our future blue collared workers, our truck drivers ect.

If we do not take time for our future (our kids) what will our future look like? When I look at today's children, I am actually afraid! When I am dependent at 70--who is going to take care of me? What will our finances of this country look like? I do hope and pray that people get back to "basics" remember that money may make the world go around, but your KIDS are the one's that are going to spend it!