Be sure to smile at others before it’s too late

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Updated: February 6, 2012 8:53AM

Can you believe that almost a whole week of 2012 is gone already?

Gosh, it seems like only yesterday we were all rushing around getting last-minute shopping, baking and cards done, and suddenly it’s all memories. I guess there’s a reason for the phrase “live each day as your last,” ’cause the days go by too fast, and if we forget to smile at someone, it may be too late. Gulp!

We so enjoy all the outdoor decorations during the Christmas season, and when they start disappearing, it kind of makes everything look a little less inviting. But then an exciting phone call makes it seem like fireworks are lighting the sky — a great-granddaughter born on Jan. 1, 2012 at 12:12!

Mia’s grand entry into the world certainly is a wonderful beginning to the new year for us, and I so hope that all of you have something very special to cheer about too.

Every time you pass a mirror, smile at yourself and think of any small reason for that smile. It’s catching, and you’ll find yourself accentuating the positive so much more.

I mentioned that to my sister-in-law, who has had some serious surgery, and is unable to put any weight on her left leg, so is basically bed-ridden, yet always seems “up.”

She said she just doesn’t smile when she looks in the mirror — she laughs out loud at the funny-looking 90-year-old who looks back at her.

She had me laughing instead of feeling sorry for her. With an attitude like that, I feel positive that she will one day be walking again.

Oh that we all could really keep a “happy new year.” We can try, can’t we?

It’s back to school time for thousands of students today, and although the time off was fun, most of the kids I talked to are ready to get back into the groove.

I’m not sure if it’s because they missed going to classes, or that they’ll be back getting together with all their friends. Hmm, let me guess.

I know one group of young ladies who are excited about getting started in the new year. Our Special Olympians who are learning to be cheerleaders are ready to swing those pom-poms.

Thanks to Caitlyn Gear, a Valparaiso High School cheerleader, Porter County Special Olympics will now boast a cheering squad, and will be yelling “Go! Fight! Win!” for all our teams. By recruiting some of her cheerleading friends, this pretty, vibrant cheerleader has the lobby of the VHS gym filled with yelling and jumping every Sunday afternoon for an hour, and I can guarantee you that these cheers will be loud and clear at every Special Olympics game.

You are my pet person of the week, Caitlyn, for bringing such a neat idea to some very neat young people. Thank you again!

This Saturday is a long-awaited evening for Porter County Special Olympics, too. As many of you know, our Elvis Fantasy Fest in October is our main fundraiser, thanks to our special friends in Indianapolis and Portage.

The culmination is our athletes being presented the proceeds at the Elvis Tribute at the Star Plaza Theatre right on stage. Each year, we are invited guests by Omar Farag, who is the organizer of the evening’s concert, and our Elvis Fantasy Fest angels excite us with a great start of the new year by ensuring that our Special Olympics bank account begins with a plus.

It’s another time for cheering!

I hope you have a great day because you deserve it. Thanks for reading. Fly your flag.