React - February 2008

React LETTERS ON THE DECEMBER ISSUE

A Better Place

G

reet everyone you meet for a month— what a great idea (“Hello, Everybody”). I served in the Air Force for 28 years, and one of the first things I was taught was to greet everyone, regardless of rank. This simple act establishes a connection—whether it’s between spouses or strangers—that really does make a difference. I hope this catches on. Susa n Pardo,

I L L U S T R AT E D B Y E D E L R O D R I G U E Z

Colorado Springs, Colorado

I’ve been running the same route for ten years, and I’ve met more “intimate strangers” by just saying hello to those I pass. I now see them when I’m out doing errands. My circle of friends has expanded, and my run is physically healthy and a blast socially. Katherine Allen, Plant City, Florida

While visiting China, I wanted to practice some of the expressions our tour guide had taught us, so I started saying ni hao to people I met on the street. I was delighted that most people smiled and responded. I thought, The people in China are much friendlier than Americans. Back at home, I read Joe Kita’s article and decided to try it here. Guess what? Americans can be just as friendly. El d on Irving, Duncanville, Texas

Early Education

I

appreciated the suggestions in “Raising Kids Who Care.” However, this job starts way before children are old enough to volunteer. Teaching your child to see the world from others’ perspectives can begin as early as the toddler years. By pointing out how his or her actions

We Want to Hear from You! If we publish your letter—whether it’s to comment on our content, sing our praises, or take us to task—you’ll receive a free Reader’s Digest book or CD (courtesy of our Books and Music division). Send your submissions to [email protected]. readersdigest.com 2/09

9

Thanks for the tips on how to protect one’s reputation. An Mien Nguyen, Mesquite, Texas

These “keyboard cowards” have no respect for themselves or anyone else. I was raised in an orphanage and took a lot of teasing. One of my “angels” there told me that anytime someone tries to hurt or disrespect you with negative words, say something positive in return. “I’m not sure why, but you’re starting I’ve been an educator for to irritate me, Betty.” 45 years, and I will continue to share this advice with affect the feelings and reactions of Bill Fox, Tarkio, Missouri my students. others, you raise kids who really do care. H ol l y Step hens, Silver Spring, Maryland he words of author Kate Braestrup (“Great Inspirations”), whose son enlisted in the Marines, could not was appalled to learn that people have come at a better time. My son use the Internet to harass others recently joined the Navy, and while (Outrageous! “Keyboard Cowards”). It seems like no one understands pri- I’m proud of him, I had the same fears and concerns as Braestrup. vacy or respect anymore. The Web Now, having read her story, I can is for sharing information, not for better cope with his leaving. I hope shielding creeps who bully others.

Wit and Wisdom

Fight Back

T

I

Since you told your readers about H2O for Life and how 900 students brought

water to a village in Kenya, we’ve had an amazing response. One hundred schools have each taken on a water, sanitation, and hygiene project. Just think, 100 schools in developing nations will have clean water by the end of the school year. I appeared on the Today show, and I am pleased to tell you that I was selected to be honored by CNN at an “Inspire” conference for women in December. It all started with your article “Quenching a Thirst” (Make It Matter, June 2008). Your readers are Patty Hall, New Brighton, Minnesota helping us bring clean water to the world. 10

readersdigest.com 2/09

I L L U S T R AT E D B Y K E N C ATA L I N O

1 Idea + 38 Million Readers = New Hope

that he will carry with him the lessons I taught and that he will stay the gentle, caring young man I raised. Kathi Black , Guilford, New York

As a paraplegic for 13 years, I was especially interested in the wise words of the late actor Christopher Reeve. He never stopped trying to walk again. That kind of perseverance can come only from a strong family support system and faith in Joseph P. Paris, Rochester, New York God.

How to Reach Us >> Letters to the Editor [email protected] React, Reader’s Digest, Box 200, Pleasantville, New York 10572-0200 Include your full name, address, e-mail, and daytime phone number. We may edit letters and use them in all print and electronic media.

■ ■

>> Customer Care Subscriptions, renewals, gifts, address changes, payments, account information, and inquiries: ■ readersdigest.com/help ■ 877-732-4438 ■ Reader’s Digest, Box 7825, Red Oak, Iowa 51591-0825

>> Submissions For short humor items, please see page 53. We regret that we cannot accept or acknowledge unsolicited artwork, photographs, or article-length manuscripts.

>> Reprints ■

readersdigest.com/reprints (min. 100)