Letters to our Grandchildren

 Two great writers one great poem.   My sister, Jean Bogdanski Stratton and my son James Bogdanski wrote this beautiful poem for my birthday.  It touched my heart and I wanted to share this masterpiece. 1953 was a very good year. Little Mikey arrived, bringing with him good cheer. One of millions of Baby boomers you’d be But just baby brother between you and me Born a Taurus, the sign of the bull Brave and bold with a heart so full Twas the decade of hotrods, Elvis, and transistor radio The best-selling single on your birthday? "The Doggie in the Window" You say I was your first bully when I was 5 and you 4 You soon would become sore Me pushing the swing into your eye forcing a scar Then closing your hand in the door of the car At 16 a dust up with the neighborhood bully next door,  Little did we know your name would become one of lore Karate gave you a business, a career – a very clear sign That soon you’d leave your competitors flat on their behinds A penchant for ...

  First, I am happy I made it to age 73. Second, someday you will all be 73 one day and have your grandchildren and children over or celebrate. Every day is a gift, don't forget that. Today is Mothers Day - get a card and gift and make it special.Buy some flowers and think of your loving Mimi who spent big bucks at sprucedale nursery every year. While you kids were playing I was sitting at the table alone for a minute taking it all in. Uncle Dangar asked if I was in a pensive mood. Yes,,thinking about so, many things in this special day.  I have outlived my Dad by four years at this point. In the last four years I think of all the great joy in my life and you guys are a huge part of it.  Growing up I hardly thought about being a dad never mind a Grampy. I love when you say to me -come on Grampy lets play, grab my hand and say- Grampy lets go. Or taking our group photo and Spence says - Grampy I want to sit on your head. I am not sure what age you are when you read this bu...

 Hi Kids, I just spent a week in Poland with uncle James, cioci Jean and Bsrbara. Uncle James had to bring paperwork to his lawyer for dual citizenship and I thought I would keep him company. he decided to go around the time of his birthday. Uncle James got to travel Bug from Me when he was younger we went to Disney every spring break and had the very best times. These were the start of our great adventures together. You can read about that in one of my other blocks. First 21st birthday I could’ve bought him a sweater but I decided to buy him a memory so we went to Paris. By the time we got ready to go we had it over 15 people go Mimi Maddy uncle Steve we had a big group going it was such a blast and that was some of the beginning early years. Since then, I’ve taken uncle James to Korea, Australia, and even a year ago instead of visiting him in California, we decided to go to London and we had such a blast. It was an extraordinary time.  When I called James and I were sitting ...

 

  Good thoughts  Good words  Good deeds Love you!

  Success  is getting what you want  Happiness  is wanting what you get 

                                                                  Our  love for you is limitless 

 Hello Good Kids, Mimi and I just got elected to office in Putnam.  Mimi was elected to the board of finance as an alternate and I was voted in as a selectman. I was timid and shy as a kid.  My grandmother used to say “someone can be standing on your foot and you won’t tell them to get off”.  I was often afraid, and I hated it.  Karate has given me the confidence to do whatever I wanted to do. It took me years but now I have confidence thru preparation and planning. Running for office seemed like a fun thing to do.  We both love this town and the people that live here.  Mimi often says that Putnam is the center of the universe because of all the great things that go on here.  For several years we have enjoyed watching the national news and are really tuned into the state of affairs in our country.  And now we are following the idea- all politics is local politics. Our goal is to serve the good people of Putnam. Through our leadership and visi...

 

 

When you were born your parents did everything for you. Feed you, clean you love you.  This is how you take care of your babies.  You are egocentric. When you grow up become world centric and give back in some special way. Mkmi and I are running for office so we can make Putnam a better place for people to live. ❤️  Grampy

 What would you do if you knew you could not fail?

   Several years ago, I met a martial arts instructor, Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee of Washington, D.C. Over the decades, he taught hundreds of Senators, members of Congress, and several world champions. Even at age 70, he was the perfect physical specimen (doing one thousand situps and pushups every day); he decided not to get us out on the floor to train physically; he just wanted to talk about how to be a Black Belt in life. Here are his basic “Home Rules For Children.” This might be a good printout for the refrigerator door. 1. Children Shall greet their parents with "Hi, Mom! Hi, Dad!" when they enter the home and tell their parents, "Goodbye," when they leave.  Good manners must be taught to young people, and they should be praised when they display the desired attributes until they become a habit. 2. Children will always be respectful of their parents, teachers and elders. My personal idea of respect is -treat people how you want to be treated. Some of us that are ...

Dear Grandkids, I want to share a little secret with you—one that will make your life richer, more exciting, and full of adventure. It’s simple: start a travel fund now! You might think travel is something only grown-ups do, but the best time to prepare for it is while you’re young. Here’s why: 1. The World is Big and Amazing – There are so many places to see, people to meet, and experiences to have. Whether it’s walking along a beach, exploring ancient castles, or trying new foods, travel opens your mind and heart in ways nothing else can. 2. Money Grows Over Time – Even saving a little bit now—pocket change, birthday money, or a small part of your allowance—can add up over the years. By the time you’re old enough to travel on your own, you’ll have a nice little fund waiting for you. 3. Independence and Confidence – Traveling teaches you how to be responsible, solve problems, and adapt to new situations. It’s one of the best ways to grow as a person. 4. Memories Over Things – In...

 When I saw this I just knew that someday this message would come in handy. P.s. Uncle James wants to watch this with you so bad. Love you with all my heart, Grampy

  My New Year tip to readers is to do something for someone else. I love the   quote from motivational speaker Zig Ziglar who famously said, "You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want." Overall, acts of kindness benefit both your mental and physical well-being. I know some of you are saying, "Mike, I am too busy, too stressed, too overworked, and overwhelmed." How can I help others when I can barely help myself? We can look to the late President Jimmy Carter. He served as president of the US and then quietly faded into the background, but he and his wife went on for decades to serve others.  Why?  When you do something nice for someone, your body experiences several positive mental and physical benefits: Random acts of kindness release serotonin (which improves mood), dopamine (which creates a sense of pleasure), and endorphins (which reduce pain and stress). Being kind can lower cortisol levels, your stres...

 Hi kids, Speaking in front of groups may be one of the hardest things you will ever do.  It is not a skill that comes easily but a must-do. Take a class on how to be a better speaker, enter some competitions, and have fun.  You will not be good at it for quite a while, but keep practicing. Everyone is a beginner sometimes. Even I was a white belt in karate once.  This skill you will use many times in your life will help build your confidence and make you a leader. Remember to ask Uncle Jsmes for help.  He can write you some beautiful speeches. Love, “Grampy

 10-18-24 Hi kids, A few years ago there was a movie titled “The bucket list” where it featured a couple of friends who were old and in their final years.  They made a list of things they wanted to accomplish before they die. I would like you to make a list of things you want to accomplish in your young life and update it regularly.  Last year at age 70 I went to key west and got scuba certified.  I wanted to do it when uncle James was 12 or 13 but I never followed up on it.  We could have enjoyed it together for so many years.  Next I have to nudge him to get certified.   Cioci Jean had a good technique she and uncle Dave had where on new year day they would work on theirs.  A great time to set up your year.  Some goals on the list might be long term, like getting your black belt. Leni you just told me this week you wanted to live in Hawaii, and mentioned Maui. Very impressive goal for a 6 year old. Love you guys. Grampy

 Continued And Never  Ending Improvement 

 Hi kids, I started writing a new paper article in the Villager newspapers.  These are tips for parents on how to help their kids be awesome in life. Here is my latest article. https://linpub.blob.core.windows.net/pdf/2/3bf72696-76c1-41ee-be17-ebbeeae2ec23.pdf Hope these help you as kids and maybe someday as parents too. Love you so much. Grampy