I wanted to share with you a letter that was delivered to me from a gentleman who lives in West Medford, Mass. He wrote he had received his copy of the American Legion magazine. My picture graced the cover of this specific issue and tucked inside was an article I wrote.  He also stated that he was pleased with this current issue because during the 30’s through the 70’s he was a die-hard football fan.

“During your playing days and after, you proved you were a superb athlete and a gentleman, like the ones I admired in the ‘30s. Mr. Bleier, thank you again, and your words have inspired many.”

Signed, Oscar H. Greene
 

There was a P.S. at the bottom of the page that simply stated that he will celebrate his 92nd birthday next month.

Oscar’s letter is a reminder of the impact we have on others and possibly the responsibility that goes along with that impact. I was somewhat surprised that at the age of 91, one could still be inspired, and then I found out why.

Before I filed Oscar’s letter away I noticed there was another letter, addressed to no one in particular, yet I felt it was addressed to me.

“Twelve years ago I agonized over retirement” the first line stated. “My skills were valued and needed. I loved my work and I worked hard but fatigue had lessened my performance, threatened my health and disrupted my home. I had to let go. My career was over but in my heart I felt like I was quitting and that hurt.”

When I joined a retirement group I was given some retirement guidelines.

1: One needs direction and purpose

2: One must accept change

3: One must remain curious

4: One must communicate

5: One must remain confident

6: One must remain committed

Letting go is difficult, no doubt. But when you see change – whether it’s retirement, a move, a broken relationship – as a movement into something new and not an end in and of itself, then it makes the transition that much easier, that much more exciting.”

Signed, Oscar Greene, 1995.

I now understand why Oscar was inspired, not because of an article I wrote, but because, he is simply inspiring. As I read his letter, it occurred to me that Oscar, was about the same age as I am today. Those same thoughts that Oscar had have begun to swirl around in my head. Am I valued? Do I have the same drive? Can I retire? Should I retire? Then it dawned on me Oscar didn’t retire, he just changed focus. Oscar is a prime example that change is all a mindset. It’s about life and what we do with it. It’s about the gifts we are given.

Let NAVOBA help you become an Oscar, to embrace the change and mindset it takes to support our new campaign, Buy Veteran.

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