Resolutions

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From Mindy Mickens:

“I don’t call them New Year resolutions. I prefer ‘casual promises to myself I’m under no obligation to fulfill.”

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From William Kenny’s annual holiday greeting: “A Good Way of Thinking About Life.”

1). Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2). Names the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3). Name the last five winners of the Miss American pageant.

4). Name 10 people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5). Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actress and actor.

6). Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is none of us remembers the headliners of yesterday.

These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish, achievements are forgotten.

Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

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Here’s another quiz.  See how you do on this one:

1). List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2). Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3). Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4). Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5). Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money or the most awards.

They simply are the ones who care the most.

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On Jan. 9 there will be a memorial service for President Jimmy Carter at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. All former living U.S. presidents will be in attendance and may speak.

Jimmy Carter died a hero, a well-respected and admired former president. But when he was president, he was unpopular and only served one term. I feel guilty because he was the only Democratic president who did not receive my vote. I cast my ballot for independent candidate John B. Anderson. History is fickle, too.  Today’s heroes may not stand the test of time. The United States has had many presidents but only a few are classified as great:  George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt.

Some believe John Adams should be on the list and some Barack Obama. And what about James Madison and Harry S. Truman and Ronald Reagan? One-hundred years from now who will make the list?

Sue Lempert is the former mayor of San Mateo. Her column runs Mondays. She can be reached at sue@smdailyjournal.com.