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Dear Editor:

These words of wisdom have been making the rounds on the Internet. I hope your readers enjoy them.

—Jerry Minkoff
   Queens, New York

"What I've Learned"

Age 6
I've learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sing "Silent Night."

Age 7
I've learned that you can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.

Age 9
I've learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back.

Age 13
I've learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me clean it up.

Age 14
I've learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up.

Age 15
I've learned that although it's hard to admit it, I'm secretly glad my parents are strict with me.

Age 24
I've learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice.

Age 26
I've learned that brushing my child's hair is one of life's pleasures.

Age 29
I've learned that wherever I go, the world's worst drivers have followed me there.

Age 32
I've learned that some people are so afraid of being loved that they avoid it at all costs, but as difficult as it is to do, you still have to show them that they are loved.

Age 39
I've learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it.

Age 41
I've learned that there are people who love you dearly but just don't know how to show it.

Age 44
I've learned that you can make someone's day by simply sending them a little card.

Age 46
I've learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt, the greater his need to cast blame on others.

Age 47
I've learned that children and grandparents are natural allies.

Age 49
I've learned that singing "Amazing Grace" can lift my spirits for hours.

Age 50
I've learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the telephone.

Age 51
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way s/he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

Age 52
I've learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills.

Age 53
I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die.

Age 58
I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.

Age 62
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

Age 64
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.

Age 65
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

Age 68
I've learned that whenever I decide to do something with kindness, I usually make the right decision.

Age 72
I've learned that everyone can use a prayer.

Age 73
I've learned that it pays to believe in miracles. And to tell the truth, I've seen several.

Age 82
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.

Age 85
People love that human touch - holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

Age 92
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.

Today....
I've learned that you should pass this on to someone you care about. Sometimes they just need a little something to make them smile.

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