Darke County Senior Scribe
Open Letters
By Mona Lease

Hi, all!! Open Letter to a Daughter In-Law: You do not have to call me Mom or Ma'am. You can if you wish; but it is not necessary You see - I was once like you - young - in love - and the world was full of hope and promise. And, in many ways it still is full of promise. I have age on my side. I've learned a few things the hard way. I've learned not to take anything or anyone for granted. I've learned that people can and will let you down - whether they mean to or not. I've learned that no matter what you do - you can not please everyone and someone will talk about you - and it's probably gonna be bad. I've learned to not pay attention to people when they say someone in an exalted position...Judge, Mayor, etc. "pulls strings" to help people who are on their way to "the top." That's usually not true...they could lose their job, too.

Probably most importantly is - If I were looking at these things I would not see what a beautiful person you are - and how much my son loves you. You two have to make this life yours. I can not interfere - I do not have your chemical/emotional make-up. I do not know what dreams you have that "now" might be the opportunity for them to emerge.

I would like for us to be friends - sisters if you will...an older woman and a younger woman - with the common bond of love for the same young man. And - I am always here if you want to talk. All my best to you both - now and always!!

Open Letter to John Boehner: We just want you to know we do not know what the future holds. We're afraid here in District 8. Some of us are buying a home and now our hours are being cut to 28 hours a week - effective January 1, 2014. Some of us have lost our health insurance.Some of us have watched our husbands of 55+ years die of cancer. They died believing they had done their best and that their wives' futures were secure...home paid for...money laid aside...only to have our health premiums doubled. Some of us have had to turn to our 401k retirement to pay bills. And we took a penalty for early withdrawal. We had no choice - we have children in college.

We believe you are fighting for us. And we're going to hang on as long as we can. Thanks for being our voice in Washington - even when we did not say thanks - you kept up the fight. . - From Darke County, at large.

I told you readers I'd keep you informed about the invitation to call John Boehner in Cincinnati. I've not spoken with the D.C. secretary since November. I've kept contact with the Cincy office. They report that all over District 8 - people are taking "the hit." I am e.mailing a copy of this open letter to the D.C. office. I encourage everyone to call the office in Cincinnati. At least let your voice be heard. Call for those who are afraid to call (with their permission). I call 1-800-582-1001. They answer live and it's a free call.

Remember the kiddies and our service people. Take good care of the furry and feathered ones out there. Be safe and healthy. See ya next time. Ever Toodles!! MONA