There's Hope For TodaySample

1976: The toughest man in politics was crying ... in front of a crowd ... in front of the president ... on the courthouse lawn in Russell, Kansas.

After 15 years in Washington, everyone knew he was a fighter. Some called him “hatchet man.” His party called him when they needed someone to fight hard. Bob was an “extra rounds” fighter.

Terribly wounded in the waning days of World War II, Bob had battled against the odds to survive. He had risen to prominence through the House of Representatives and the Senate. Now he stood as a candidate for the vice-presidency. What makes a tough man cry? What breaks through the iron bulwark of a veteran campaigner? All it took that day was a memory of the good people of his tiny hometown collecting money in a cigar box at the drug store so that Bob could have a needed surgery. When tears interrupted Bob’s speech, the president stood and led the applause. Bob Dole’s vice-presidential quest failed by two percentage points. The fighter fought on for another two decades.

We should all look back with grateful hearts for the good people and good blessings that have marked our way. Cicero was right when he said, “Gratitude is the parent of all virtues.”