Education & Family

My grandmother died when she was 55 years old. I was only a child at the time, and Noni seemed very old – old enough to die. Now I know lots better. After all, I was 70 in May. Even 70 is still very young.

However, I am beginning to see signs of my aging. Not just the normal malfunctioning of body parts, aches, pains, and creaks, but a change in the way I look at life, the way I behave, and the things I consider important.

For instance … ….

Many times I get email messages from folks who want to ask a question about education or family issues. I truly enjoy hearing from my readers and try my best to answer their concerns. However, sometimes an email crosses my desk and makes me wonder if anyone can help the writer. This is one of those letters.

Dear Dr. Smith,

I have been reading your columns for a long time now and want to ask you a question. What should a kid do if his parents have fallen down on the job?

When our grandson Jordan was born almost 21 years ago, our daughter had a dog named Tibet. Tibet was a Heinz 57 Variety dog –mostly Chow, but a large mixture mutt that Jen had bought at a shelter. A loyal animal, Tibet loved Jennifer a lot. He tolerated the rest of us.

When Jennifer's first son Jordan was born, Tibet sensed that something new had entered the house. He sniffed and sniffed at the baby seat. He wanted desperately to be close to the newborn. When Jordan cried, Tibet's ears perked up.

If you believe in Darwin's Theory of Evolution, you believe that mankind evolved from basic organic elements. Today's human being, then, is the product of millions of years of change and growth. However, if you believe in the religious theory of Creation, then God's miraculous invention of Adam and Eve took place instantaneously. No evolution involved at all.