CNJ+ May 2025

IF THIS BE MY DESTINY By Richard Mabey Jr.

We provide Adult Day Services For Special Needs Adults (21 years old +) National Maritime Day: May 22, 2023 “The United States has always been and will always be a great maritime nation. From our origins as 13 British colonies, through every period of peace and conflict since, the Mer chant Marine has been a pillar in this coun try’s foundation of prosperity and security. They power the world’s largest economy and strengthen our ties with trading partners around the world, all while supporting our military forces by shipping troops and sup plies wherever they need to go.” “In 1933, Congress declared National Mar itime Day to commemorate the American steamship Savannah’s voyage from the United States to England, marking the first success ful crossing of the Atlantic Ocean with steam propulsion. During World War II more than 250,000 members of the American Merchant Marine served their country, with more than 6,700 giving their lives, hundreds being de tained as prisoners of war and more than 800 U.S. merchant ships being sunk or damaged.” “Maritime Day is a time-honored tradition that recognizes one of our country’s most im portant industries. Each year, ceremonies and celebrations throughout the country recog nize Maritime Day and the people our mar itime nation depends on.” From the Maritime Administration, U.S. De partment of Transportation. As I write the words for this essay, I have become more and more acutely aware of my phys ical failing. For it was only two years ago, that I walked and cared for over a dozen wonderful dogs in my little community. It was common for me, to walk five or six miles a day, walking my fur lined friends, while their mom mies and daddies were away vis iting their adult children. Now, when I walk around the block, I become all so winded, the chest pains prevail. I am becoming more and more aware that it’s the ninth inning, the last scene of Act III of the play. I have been blessed beyond my wildest imagination. My father once told me that God had giv en me a very precious gift, to put words down on paper. He told me that it was my job to develop it, to hone it, to fine tune it. I truly hope that I have not let my father down. When I was two years old, my father built a lit tle desk for me. Dad built a chalkboard onto it. My mother once told me that when I was just two years old, as she would cook supper, I would write down stories on my little desk, drawing stick fig ures. I never chose to be a writer; God chose for me to be a writer. I have no doubt about that. There are too many people to thank. Without whom, I would be nothing. I would have been a piece of driftwood, bobbing up and down out in the darkness of the deep blue sea. I started writ ing articles for the Lincoln Park Herald, when I was 12 years old. I started writing them from a hospital bed at the Barnert Hospital in Paterson, while I was battling a case of full-blown Rheu matic Fever. In 1971, when my friends were attending pres tigious universities, far from Lincoln Park, I humbly worked at the A&P grocery store, attend ed County College of Morris and wrote stories and articles for Youngtown Edition. To Professor John Keeler, wherever you may now be, I earnestly thank you for all your kind advice. You told me to forget about writing about the great white whale, but rather to write about the little town I loved so much, the people I knew, and the old farmhouse that my Great Grandpa Call UsToday For ATour or Info! (732) 845-3332 • Free Door-to-DoorTransportation • Health Evaluations • Bi-Lingual staff • Music & PetTherapy • Educational Programs to assist & encourage independance with activities of daily living • Social Activities • Fabulous food and menu options • Recreation, Exercise,Trips to Museums, Stores, Crafts and more... Serving Monmouth, Middlesex & Ocean Residents 20 1-A Jackson Street Freehold, New Jersey We Offer Something Special Nowhere Else Found In CNJ ForYour Loved One! Active Day Adult Services Medicaid/HMO/DDD

YERS

You have always been there for your mom, and now GoldenYears Care is here for you

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Yours truly at two years old, writing at the desk that my dear, kind father built for me.

Call UsToday For ATour or Info! (732) 851-6640 www.GoldenYearsCareNJ.com • Medical AppointmentTransportation • Around-the-clock attention • Physical & OccupationalTherapy In House • Free Door-to-DoorTransportation • Delicious Food Options (Spanish, Russian, Italian & more) • Onsite & Offsite Activities: (Ping Pong, Zumba, Shopping Excursions, Museums, Crafts,Trips to the Shore and much more) • Onsite Hairdresser Serving Monmouth, Middlesex & Ocean Residents Conveniently off Rt 33 and NJTurnpike Exit 8 108 Woodward Rd. Manalapan, New Jersey If your loved one needs care during the day, trust GoldenYears Care to put them in good hands!

built. It’s a debt I can only recognize but never repay. In 1977, in a small town in West Virginia, I attempted to be a successful chiropractor. But I failed miserably. I was dirt poor, had only four or five patients, wasn’t eating right and living in tight quarters of a back room of a store front office. The strep throat came and once again, I came down with Rheumatic Fever. Returning to the old farmhouse on Mabey Lane, I fell into a deep, deep sleep. And in that deep sleep, I felt the unmistakable spiritual presence of Thomas Wolfe. And the endearing Southern gentleman, simply whispered to me, “write the stories of these people, whom you love so much.” To all of my dear and precious readers, I share these heart-felt words. Do not ever let anyone kill your dreams. Walk away from your harsh critics. Believe in yourself. Dig deep to find your purpose upon this Earth. Always give it 110 percent. Nev er, ever give up. Always remember, failure is not an option. Love, love, love the people in your life. Forgive, forgive, forgive. Never stop forgiving those who have done you wrong. Hold dear this eternal truth, love is the most powerful force in the uni verse. Love God with all your heart, mind and soul. And love all, even unto the creatures of the forest. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. His sec ond book is presently at the printer. He hosts a You Tube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@gmail.com.

OVING or WNSIZING? ALL US!!

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