I recieved a telephone call the other day from a reader, who said that he is a reader of my column, and he asked me, if I thought that anyone cared about my life as it was and is. This really threw me, because I was not prepared to go one on one with anyone on the question of caring. He then came up with these words; I care, and I know that many others care about learning  what life in the old days was like. Man, I was sure happy to hear that. Well, this nice man, who was named Bill, said that he was thirty and that ever since he could remember, after an argument with his folks, they would end thier little discussion with the words;"If you lived back in my day, you would see things a lot different." He told me that he was so sick of hearing about the old days from his parents,  until he started reading my words. He said that he is contantly asking both of his parents about how it was when they were growing up, and they answer with some great stories. He said that before he started reading my column, he was against hearing about the past, because it was always after a fight between him and his parents. Now thier little talks between parents and son are very intertaining to him and to his son who now sits and listens to Grandma and Grandpa tell about how it was to live way back then. This young man and I finished up our little conversation with hope in both of our hearts that I have reached many more young people, with my views and thoughts, through this column that The Kokomo Tribune allows me to write for them to send out to thier subscribers.

And so,  I am writing this one to tell all of you that someone out there cares about you and about me. As I go about my duties at the store, I see many of my friends, who stop by and ask me about my health, and how I am feeling that day. They are aware of  my situation ,and they cared enough to ask. As I go shopping, or just walking somewhere, someone will always say hello and ask how I am feeling. At sporting events, they too ask if I am doing ok. And at home, my wonderful wife and my daughter, as well as my brother who lives two houses over , are always asking me ,if I am alright and if I need help in getting my chores done. This is because they care . I get e-mails from friends all over the country and the first thing they write is ;"how are you doing?" This is because they care enough to ask.

We think that sometimes we are alone, because we have lost that loved one through death or through a divorce, or even because they moved away. We think that no one cares, but folks you are wrong. There is always someone out there who cares, and maybe you won't hear them say it but you will see that they do in what they do for you. Caring for your fellow human beings is an automatic function, that was placed in your body by the GREAT FATHER, so that we as HIS children would always help one another in ways that are needed to show that we care.

Here in Kokomo, we expierence each year at Christmas time, the caring of all, for those who need help, who otherwise would have to do without. It is not only those who give every year, but also those who give without any names, who just want to say that they care. Each year I am amazed at what this community does for all those organizations who try to make someone happy. Each year "We Care Park" gets more lights , because Mike and his family cares about Kokomo and it's citizens. They take up collections and all of it goes to We Care. All expenses for running that "We Care Park" comes out of the pockets of Mike and his brothers, as well as some of his friends. It is because they care.

This year, we have gone through some rough times in certain parts of the city, due to unrest and the way that the Police  take care of it.  I , as a good friend of both the fine people in those areas and of many of our fine policemen, would like to see a better partnership between both. The fine men, who go out each day to do thier job ,need to hear that they are doing good. They don't need to be on the constant defence, that causes them to be less helpful in thier jobs. Those great men in those areas,  that are trying to make that area a better place for all, need to be commended for it. We need to clean out those who would want to constantly cause unrest  in this and all other areas in Kokomo. Send those trouble makers on both sides to other cities to cause trouble. I grew up in the north end and many of my old childhood friends are still up there trying to make that section of town a place that anyone would want to raise thier children in. It is because they care about Kokomo and they care about all people, regardless of race and religion. And I know that those great men and women who put thier lives on the line each day so that we as a whole, are safe, want to have a better partnership with all of the people here in Kokomo and Howard County. They are only doing the job that they are paid to do. Maybe I stepped on some toes with that statement, but I said it because I care about all of you.

Take a few minutes of your time, and just think back to what those who came before us ,did to get this great city of Kokomo as the "CITY OF FIRSTS" Wouldn't it be great to be the city that came together , because they cared about trying to understand the other man. All it takes is to just care. Reach down into that heart of yours, and understand what that other person is saying. Tell him you understand ,and that you care enough to help him or her in any way you can. Let them know that you will always be there for them, when they need you.  Just ask and you will recieve. Remember out there, that Uncle Ray cares about you, and if I reach just one each time this column is written, than I am doing my job of caring. Take care of yourself and enrich your life with a bucket of cares. As always send me your comments to [email protected] .

Ray "Uncle Ray" Day