By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
His parents were addicted to drugs throughout his childhood, but when he turned 33, they did the mos
44b25a6223ed9da811ad434f684fe0db6409262dfc85ecf95c2a1ebe45bf6fd4
What would you do in this situation? - photo by Christa Cutler
Parents worry about their kids who they hang out with, what they are learning in school and how many veggies they are getting seem to occupy the minds of many, many parents. However, among the worry and stress, parents sometimes forget that children are worried about them in return.

It might not seem like it all of the time, but children really want whats best for their parents. They want them to be happy.

Don't underestimate the power of example

Charles Cole knows this better than most. According to LittleThings, Cole was raised by his grandparents because his parents were in and out of jail. His parents were addicted to crack cocaine and Cole would go months without seeing them.

But when he was in middle school, his parents made a decision that would not only change their lives but also the life of their son.

They decided to get help

Overcoming an addiction is never easy. Among other things, it requires self discipline and hard work. But Coles parents pushed through. After some time they were able to get clean then they decided to make another life-changing decision. They went back to school.

Coles parents were inspired by their son and his hard work as a full-time student. They changed their lives around.

Cole said that he didnt even know that they had gone back to school, but he couldnt be prouder of his parents. He wants them to be happy and seeing them change their life around makes him so proud.

We all want our parents to be happy

We need to remember that although we cant make decisions for our parents, we can still be good examples. Cole didnt ever give up on his parents, but he also didnt let their choices limit his life. He was able to keep focused in school and look how that choice inspired his parents.

Dont give up on the ones you love

This can seem like the hardest thing to do. You have seen them make terrible decisions and you dont know how to help someone you care so deeply about. It might be better to put some space between you and them, but never give up on them.

Keep praying for those you love. Keep in contact and let them know that you love them, regardless of their decisions. You might not love the choices they have made, but they need to know that you still care for them. Its always easier to give up, but the ones you love are worth the temporary heartache or headache you may suffer by sticking around. Coles parents werent really there for him when he was growing up and he had to rely on other people for a time. Although this was a terrible situation, Cole never gave up on his parents. And when they were able to turn their lives around he was there supporting them we could all take something from his incredible example.

People dont change quickly but that doesnt mean that they arent trying. Like Cole, we might not know what they are doing to change. No matter their life plan, we need to keep loving them.

Our love and good examples will help our loved ones make better choices.
Sign up for our e-newsletters
New Medicare cards are in the mail and scammers are on the prowl
15a28f62e4e53fcceb32746533cbdfdf48abb7c7d42a28dbb1aeb1083721f23b
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has begun mailing new Medicare Health Insurance ID cards. The program no longer uses Social Security numbers to identify people. - photo by Lois M Collins
The federal government is beginning to send out new ID cards to the 58 million Americans who benefit from Medicare. But since many of the people who will receive them don't know they're coming or why, scammers are already gearing up to take advantage.

An AARP survey shows as many as three-fourths of Americans 65 and older have no idea the cards are coming, so some individuals may be duped with claims that they're supposed to pay a fee or provide personal information that will be used, instead, to defraud them.

The new cards are the first reissue in years, and the most striking part of the redesign is that the cards no longer carry the beneficiary's Social Security number. Congress mandated the removal of that number as an identifier for Medicare beneficiaries by next April. Instead, the card has a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier number, an 11-digit combination of numbers and letters.

The new Medicare cards are now being mailed out in batches, starting with the Eastern seaboard and moving west. Most Medicare beneficiaries will receive their cards over the next six months, as long as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has their correct mailing address. Once the cards are in hand, people can share the new identification number with their health care providers. During a transition period, either card is valid.

The old cards, which used Social Security numbers as the personal identification number, should be destroyed.

AARP recently launched an education campaign to warn consumers about scams related to the new Medicare cards.

The membership organization's "Fraud Watch" consultant, Frank Abagnale reformed con man, scammer and the subject of the movie and book "Catch Me If You Can" tells senior citizens the only time they need to carry the actual Medicare card is to health care appointments. Otherwise, it should be left in a safe place. If they want to carry one in their wallet or purse, he says, make a copy and black out the first seven numbers.

Since the cards were announced, scammers have already:

  • Called seniors and asked for their bank account information so that money on their old card could be returned. There is no money on the old card and CMS never asks for personal information over the phone.
  • Offered to send the new card after Medicare beneficiaries pay a $25 fee to cover expenses related to the card. The card is free.
  • Said the card will be mailed out as soon as the older person verifies his or her Social Security number, mailing address and other personal information. CMS already knows the beneficiary's Social Security number and it's no longer being used in conjunction with health care.
AARP and the Federal Trade Commission will hold a free online seminar about the cards and the fraud attempts they have spawned on Thursday, April 19, at 7 p.m. EDT. Register at: www.aarp.org/FraudWebinar. CMS also offers a "frequently asked questions" guide to the new cards.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network says consumers can sign up for its Watchdog Alert emails that deliver breaking scam information, or call a free helpline at 877-908-3360 to speak with volunteers trained in fraud counseling. Abagnale also hosts a weekly podcast for AARP, called The Perfect Scam.
Latest Obituaries