Pop's Philosophy on Life

One of my most favorite writing assignments was when I wrote the cooking column, "Country Cupboard" for the weekly Pocono Post. Each week it featured a local person who liked to cook, or bake, and willing to share their story along with a few of their favorite recipes for the readers.

Besides meeting some really great people, many of them cooked their favorite dishes for me. Talk about perks of the job! Many of those recipes then became favorites of my own family.

I had the great honor and privilege of being invited to the home of Dolores and Joe Horn in Kunkletown. They introduced to me delicious mock crab cakes, made with zucchini and Old Bay Seasoning. I was amazed at how much they tasted like crab cakes.

Joe and Dolores were so warm and hospitable. They remain today as friends, and reminders of how special a job I had. They are living examples of how they turned 22 years of retirement into an opportunity to help others through volunteering with the American Cancer Society, Red Cross and as Ombudsmen. They are "poster children" to what the Golden Years can really be.

Joe told me once that he had written "Pop's Philosophy on Life." It was all the things he tries to live his life by and keeps it posted on his refrigerator.

"Our refrigerator is the family bulletin board. We always post jokes and things of interest. We still have Bob Urban's '42 Lessons' column posted."

Their granddaughter, Missy, took her grandfather's philosophy of life, had it printed and sent a copy to each of the Horns' nine grandchildren.

When the Horns read about my retirement, they sent me a lovely letter wishing me well, which included the wise words, "If you rest, you rust" and a copy of "Pop's Philosophy on Life," for which I thank them very much. It is now posted on my refrigerator.

I think it is well worth sharing with all of you. So, from Joe Horn, here are his words of wisdom to live by:

Advocate for those who are unable to advocate for themselves.

Exercise your right to vote.

Help others by sharing your talents.

Always have a dream.

Share food with family and friends.

Compliment someone every day.

It's not the number of friends you have but the number of close friends.

If you have one close friend, you are a rich man. They last a lifetime!

Laugh and make others laugh.

Find what your talents are and do what you enjoy for your life's work.

Work hard.

Maintain a relationship with God. Go to church.

Ask for advice from people you respect.

Never compromise your values.

Always trust your instincts.

Be thankful for what you have.

Forgive others even when it's hard. Admit it when you are wrong.

Find a true love to share your life with. I did.

Successful relationships are based on mutual respect.

Never go to bed angry.

Set an example for your children.

Listen to what others have to say.

Try new things.

Grow a garden.

Have a dog.

Enjoy the simple things in life.

Live each day as if it is your last.