ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I have always had a way with people. I build a rapport by really listening to the person. Not only the spoken words, but by observing their facial expressions and body language. This helps me better understand an individual’s point of view and where they are coming from, even in a group environment. To assist in resolving differences and building trusting relationships. This can and should be started from a young age. My wife and I are blessed to have raised two children who have exceeded their dreams and have families of their own now.
By following the pathway of EQ (emotional intelligence), I was a successful manager with one company for nearly forty years. I pride myself on helping people achieved their goals and attain success for themselves which it has. This in turn benefits the company. To coin a phrase, a win – win situation.
POEMS & SHORT STORIES
BY
ALAN MINITER
Footprints on my Heart
Over sixty years ago I was born into a very special family. I was the “baby” and quickly realized I had the best big sister anyone could ever ask for! She helped me figure out everything from how to tie a shoe to how to design a prize winning Halloween costume. She’s amazing with arts and crafts. At times growing up we had a variety of animals in the house from her job at Terry Lou Zoo, (none as strange as my brother and myself). My favorite were the skunks. Sometimes after Playing platform tennis at the “Y”, I’m sure we came home smelling worse than they ever did. Over time, we became best friends. We played tennis, ping pong and softball together. She would come watch my football games, even in the snow. Poor girl almost passed out when I broke my arm. I thought I was the hurt one!
Joanne demonstrates kindness, compassion and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude. The examples she has set in life, helped shape my personality and develop my character. After starting a family of her own, she raised two fantastic daughters who exhibit her same fine qualities. She may be retiring from her job as a teacher, but just think about the thousand plus students she has impacted over the years! The world is a better placed because of her influence. As you can see, I’m proud of my sister. Her footprints are on my heart. A more precious soul you couldn’t ask for. We laugh together, cry together and will forever love each other.
With all my love,
Al
ON THE DAY THAT DOESN’T ARRIVE
From the first day we awake and step into the sun, we are unaware of what life has in store for us. We start growing older the moment we live. We travel through time with guidance from our parents, mentors and spiritual enlightenment from above. We try to do what is right. We do our best to keep our family healthy and happy. As each sunrise greets us, we appreciate it and all the beauty that surrounds us. Through life’s journey, we learn compassion and love. On the days that don’t arrive sunny, and skies are dark, it is our duty to support each other, to ease the pain and reach the sunset. For the sun will rise again. We build relationships and gather memories which are stored in our, hearts, minds and souls. But, our time will run out. Our last sun will set. On the day that doesn’t arrive, we will live on through those around us.
Al Miniter 1999
Six And a Half Dozen Years
The year was 1919, the world was two years into the Russian Revolution. The Roaring Twenties are around the corner. It would be ten years before the Museum of Modern Art would open in New York City and the Great Depression would hit. On a small street in New Jersey a boy was born who would grow to be my father. As I grew, he taught me how to be sensitive, happy, hard working and honest. He taught me how to fish, golf, play tennis, ping pong, and pool. I learned how to pitch everything from baseballs, to horseshoes to woo. (as my mom would say). Sometimes he wished he hadn’t been so successful, especially when I taught him how to lose, gracefully! There is nothing he wouldn’t do for me, nor I for him. Some lessons came more difficultly, like teaching me to dive headfirst into Tomahawk Lake. Or when I would do something wrong and had to take the punishment to learn a life lesson the hard way.
As the song says, life’s a dance, you learn as you go. Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow. There’s a time to listen and a time to talk. You must crawl before you can walk. The longer I live, the more I believe, you do have to give if you want to receive. My dad is always ready to give whatever he can. He reminds me not to worry about what I don’t know, because life is a dance, and I will learn as I go.
Even though he has lived over six and a half dozen years, and I’m nearly half his age, his guidance has given me the ability to take the lead in my life’s dance. We all learn from one another, and pass that knowledge on to our children, grandchildren. We impact everyone we touch in our lives. My dad has since passed, but I hope my latest book, “Lifelong Friends” has a positive influence on all its readers.
Alan Miniter
Bri’s Rainbow
Somewhere over the rainbow way up high, there are dreams that you dream of, once in a lullaby . . .
Where a rainbow starts and ends is entirely up to us. Its beauty is measured in time and appreciation. We are not in complete control of how much time we have. But we are in control of how much we appreciate in the time we have. I like
to call them “rainbow” moments. They are created as we grow and mature. Through interactions with family and friends, experiencing nature. Any good events. There are thousands of rainbow moments and are what form the complete rainbow, which is our lives. Think of all your special moments . . .
A little girl, who absolutely loved animals would say to her mom and dad “I’m gonna be an animal doctor when I grow up.”
Bri would walk around the house carrying her pet rat. Sometimes pets, like Peaches, one of her rats would come to need a veterinarian. Peaches got her tail skinned in Bri’s trundle bed. Maybe Bri was trying one of her first amputations. poor Peaches!
Then we moved into our new home in Valley Center. Bri decided to ride Cory, the neighbor’s dog, like a horse. Much the same way she did with our Doberman, Mariah. Cory didn’t quite appreciate that and swung around and bit her! Helluva
way to meet your new neighbors.
We cleared the lower end of the property for the horse coral. Thirty avocado trees had to go. Then Mickey our Welsh Mountain pony had a place to stay. Not too many two-year-old girls get their own horse. Of course, we got more horses
over time to go on family rides. We even bred Teri’s Arabian stud with the mares. We kept a baby monitor in the run in shed, so we wouldn’t miss any of the newborns. One of the newborns would be Quest, one of her “Lifelong Friends”.
Alan Miniter
Then 4-H and FFA in school would enter the picture. Rabbits were her first undertaking. We ended up with so many rabbits we had to build and entire enclosure of cages just to hold them. (Rabbit City). Even installed misting
equipment to keep the furry bunnies cool in the Valley Center heat. Hell, we didn’t even have A/C to keep the humans cool! Goats, pigs and even steers would be raised and entered into the Del Mar County Fair. Thank the Lord her mom was so knowledgeable about animals as well, to guide her. Lydon always helped with the manual labor.
Off to Fresno State College for higher education. Have to have that, if you’re gonna be an animal doctor. I guess the wife and I freaked out a bit when we heard that Graduate School was going to happen in Dublin, Ireland. Never really thought about her going abroad. Assumed UC Davis or the University of Colorado would be next, but Bri stuck to her vision. Graduated with honors.
Little did we know that that was only the beginning for our animal adventures. One-year internship in Canada, one year in San Diego, and a three years’ residency in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. An Animal Doctor/Surgeon was created. We couldn’t be more proud. We did hope she would find work in California, but the best opportunity came from Florida, the next step in life and more rainbow moments.
As usual, her fantastic mom will be there to help her move. Maybe, not guiding as much after three decades, but always there. Over the years, Bri learned about unconditional love, the values of hard work, integrity and stellar character. We are blessed to be part of Bri’s rainbow, arching across the sky!
Alan Miniter
Sweet Summerland – The Little Red Roofed Cottage
Nestled on the banks of the Okanagan Lake in BC Canada is a little cottage whose roof is as red as the blood pulsing through the veins of those who dwell within her borders. She started as a simple fishing shack. Brush had to be chopped away just to show Albert Beer her raw beauty. The first photographs of her were from 1933. For the next three years the Beer family would reside within her. That is when the little red roofed cottage really came to life. She was saddened in 1936 when they moved away.
For numerous years, different renters occupied her. Some were good, but many were not. Over time they broke her spirit and nearly destroyed her physically. In 1953 the Beer family returned to do much needed repairs. This thrilled the little red roofed cottage and once again gave her hope for a new life. But unfortunately, the renters would return with their uncaring ways. Again, years would pass with only intermittent fond memories. Like from 1956 to 1962 when the Beer children would come to fish and swim in the lake. It would bring a smile to her face watching them learn to waterski
behind her rowboat and the trusty Evinrude engine.
Finally in 1991, her true renaissance took place. The evil tenants were evicted, after 55 years of pain, no longer to return. The joy the little red roofed cottage experienced that day would be unrivaled. She knew only family and friends would ever live with her again. Even when the Miniter’s take over her deck for sleeping under the stars or when people hang towels from her porch rails, she tolerates it. Because she knows they all love her dearly. She even enjoys sacrificing her grass for volleyball games, during family reunions. The Bocce Ball games tickle her sometimes (she told me so). She is not averse to everyone going out wine tasting or on a float down the canal, because it gives the old girl a chance to rest. She knows they will once again return to warm her heart. Even as winter approaches and the Miniter’s head back to California, she will hibernate like a bear. She can sleep well, with her tender memories and dreams of next summer’s
adventures. This is the true meaning of Summerland.
Alan Miniter
The Face in the Bushes
My wife absolutely loves Great Danes! After losing Tippy, she was bound and determined to adopt another. Teri contacted a woman in Fallbrook who had about thirteen Danes. Literally, a pack. When she arrived at the residence, “the pack” acted exactly that way. They swarmed her, jumping all over her car. As she walked around, the gang greeted her. All but one. She could see one face staring at her through the bushes. When he finally emerged, he kept leaning on her. Every time she would be petting the other candidates, this one would find her (thru the crowd) and lean on her. She would again have to ask, who is this one? Mikey the woman would answer. Mikey had difficulties walking. He appeared to have spinal issues. One thing was quite apparent. He had definitely chosen Teri. That fit our criteria for adopting another family member.
As I pulled in the driveway that night, both back doors were wide open on my wife’s car. I parked and as I looked inside, the big brown eyes of a big black dog, looked up at me. Teri came out to greet me, all she said was that’s Mikey. Well I don’t know how they got “Mikey” in the car, but he wasn’t coming out easily. When he finally did, I was concerned that he could barely walk.
The next day, Teri took him to the veterinarian. If there was something really wrong with him, we may have to return him. That already would have broken our hearts, because he was such a sweetheart. He got a clean bill of health?! After talking to our daughter, the animal doctor to be, they decided it must be a nutritional deficiency. After all, Mikey had only eaten raw eggs and table scraps, the first year of his life. The proper vitamins did the trick. After only a week or so,
Mikey got to run for the first time in his life! The smile that brought to his face, brought a tear to our eyes. As they say, it was priceless. For the next nine years, Mikey remained the sweetest, most loving dog you could ever ask for. My beautiful wife must be a dog whisperer, to have found him. Even when her horse, Fox would walk in the house, Mikey would just look up at him from his bed as much as to say, welcome brother. Make sure you wipe your hooves off. Unfortunately, Danes don’t have a long life span. But the mark he left in everyone’s heart who met him will live on forever.
Alan Miniter
Tennis in Heaven
It was a cold, misty morning. No colorful sunrise as I walked down to feed my daughters horse. The dogs playfully jumping by my side, impeding my way. They knew I had carrots with me. I snapped off the skinny ends for them. They jumped and caught them in midair. Hairball may be smaller than Moose, but he was not going to let him get in the way of the orange goodies.
As I made the bend to the corral Quest was already nickering at me. I stuck the fat end of the carrot right in her mouth. Big yellow teeth crunching away. I pinched her nostrils and kissed her on the soft warm nose. One of my favorite times of the day. Rami was staring up at me as if to say “What about me!” I bit some chunks of carrot off and tossed it on his hay.
I headed back up to the house. The rain was coming down a bit harder now. I fixed the metal shed door that was ajar. I closed my eyes, raised my face to the sky. I could feel the cool droplets hitting my face, running down my glasses. Somewhere from the recesses of my mind the trailer my parents used to live in was right in front of me. I could see the kids coming down the path. Bri with her blankie and Lydon with two fingers in his mouth looking for pancakes or juice. Any breakfast with Nana and Pop was special. I could see the horseshoe pits Pop and I had made together. I would
try to get home from work before dark so we could throw a few. Who would win this time?
I can’t believe it has been 20 years since we lost you Dad. I was so proud of the courage you showed battling cancer. Even more so when you opted to listen to the doctor and stop the Dialysis. We know you weren’t ready to leave the family yet. Mom felt bad she took so long to join you. Her heart was so strong even though her mind was failing. Sometimes it feels like yesterday other times like forever.
Going to the cemetery today. I make sure to pack a bag and some tools to clear the weeds. I have to make sure people can read Mom’s “Together Again” plaque. Bringing a nice assortment of flowers. Always bringing enough to cover Teri’s
grandparent’s headstones as well. We are pleased that they are so close. Makes it easier than getting to Summerland. As I make the turn to Oakhill, a single ray of sunshine hits a tennis court in the playground. The ragged net hangs loosely from the cold metal posts. Raindrops glistening off the frayed edges. I must pull to the side of the road as a thousand memories flow through my mind. Nana and Pop loved playing tennis. Growing up in Jersey, Joanne and I would challenge them to matches. Regular tennis in the spring and summer. Platform tennis at the “Y” during the winter snows. The thoughts brought a huge smile to my face! Mom and Dad, playing tennis in Heaven . . . Together Again.
Alan Miniter
Three and a Half Decades
People always say, where did all the time go? We agree. In 1985 a baby boy would be born who would row to be an amazing man. He arrived two weeks early and persistent! Actually interrupted a good game of Gin Rummy. Didn’t realize Teri’s water broke until she bent over the back of the sofa and said I have to push NOW! We thought he may breathe his first air in the car. Heck no, daddy to be hit the gas. Almost stopped at a red light until mom to be, punched me and stated “you better not stop”. At 2 am we made it to Palomar Hospital. The nurses didn’t think it was time yet being our first one and all. Little did they know! We barely had time to get Teri into the delivery room and get the booties on my big feet. At 2:22 am Lydon Michael Miniter greeted us and it was up to me to cut the cord. Doctor Stehly was just arriving himself. Did we still have to pay him for his services? When I asked, he just laughed and said yes. We even made the nurses nightly news. Don’t let a first-time birth catch you with your guard down. This baby came fast! Welcome “Lydo” as we like to call him. “Tiger” as his mom says.
Being the first born, Mom and Dad had to show him off to everyone! Nine days later dressed in a baseball onesie, laying in my first baseman’s glove, he went to his first Padres game. One night, a few months later we went out to dinner. Somehow the little carrier Lydon was laying in, slid off the bench seat and he landed face first on the floor! Well who knew that walking into a crowded bar with a crying baby was such a chick magnet! Guys, remember it works better if your wife is not with you.
As we all know, time marches on. Before we knew it, Teri was pregnant again. Lydon would be an older brother. He was always so kind and considerate. You couldn’t ask for a better big brother. Little did we know that Brianna would test that theory! School and sports would be next. Lydon’s teachers and coaches always loved him. Many awards both scholastic and athletic. Even the Chamber of Commerce recognized him. He would run the Valley Center Recreation Committee at the pool during the summer. Showed everyone just how smart and organized he was. The High School Water Polo team won CIF and they were invited to go to L.A. and participate in a Junior Olympics Event. Extra stressful on Mom and Dad when your kid is the goalie. Oh yeah, on him too. But steaking the football field in Speedos during graduation was a hoot! Hopefully for all.
Next would be work, marriage and family. Los Vallecitos Water District would get one of their best workers. Now he inspects the work projects to confirm they are done right. I guess some of his “OCD”’s came in handy. He met Regina and they embarked on a long distance relationship. Started in Ireland and culminated in Cancun at their wedding. He may have been the groom, but Teri and I were the lucky ones. Regina and the entire Wisconsin clan would become one big family.
While writing this, we found out we were going to be Grandparents for the first time. Even had a gender reveal party. Got to pop out the blue confetti. It’s a boy! Kian Rostan Miniter was born. 9 lbs. 6 ounces and 21 inches long. No real surprise since both his grand dads are tall guys. That was three weeks ago. The only word that could start to describe how we felt was “giddy” and that’s a word we rarely ever use. Holding Kian is wonderful, but watching Regina and Lydon is the truly
astonishing part. They are and will be the best parents a child could ever ask for.
Each, and every day we discover as individuals and as families how fortunate we truly are.
Alan Miniter
Upon Reflection
It seems that it is in man’s nature to live a spiritual lifestyle. We need very much to live a meaningful life. Therefore, we look to find purpose in our lives. “Religion” is a simple system devised to guide and support how you accomplish that. How to be the best person you can be. But, people must ultimately find that path on their own. That journey must come from their hearts. They need to navigate, day to day according to the “meaning” they have envisioned for their lives.
Some find the structure of organized religion too regimented. At times stifling. They find that communing with nature is the best way to get in touch with their “spirit”. It certainly seems the trees, grass and flowers never lose sight of their
purpose. The unconditional love of a dog. The calming, warmth of a purring kitten. The confident strength of a horse running free. The playfulness of a dolphin in the sea. All natural elements that should give us guidance in the same way.
Nature helps us get in touch with our inner soul. Examples that empower us. In that way, our interactions with others will be less combative and more pleasant. Never lose sight of life’s miracles that will make us the best that we can be.
Alan Miniter
Where Is Your Treasure Found?
Our soul is the guiding force of our lives. It is only you who have the awareness of what lies in your soul. Your desires, your passions, your dreams. Something you may not always think about. Be mindful not to disconnect from your soul. Be confident Make use of your emotional intelligence.
Remember, in life, you will fail at times. Do not give up in the process. Your happiness comes through your journey towards a destination, of your choosing. Towards your dreams. Live each day so that it gets you one step closer to your life’s ambition, to that dream, your treasure. Learn how to navigate the twists, turns, and obstacles life throws at you. Have respect for yourself and others.
Stay focused, adjust to the changes and stay the course. These are all opportunities to increase your knowledge and understanding of yourself. It will strengthen your confidence and help you better develop your character.
Nothing in life truly comes easy. Life is not always fair. Sometimes you have to risk it all. Don’t talk yourself out of things. Get rid of the doubt and fight the fears. Or better yet, use the fears to motivate yourself. You are you, that makes you unique. Live the life you want to live. Don’t be selfish, but don’t let others knock you off your own path either.
Listen to your heart whenever trying to achieve whatever that may be. You will reap the rewards. Your spirit will help those around you find their successes in life and their smiles. You will fail. But those failures will give you more knowledge to make you stronger. You will grow and build more character. Everything we do, everyone we come in contact with, are part of the lessons learned. These crucial life experiences impact your spirit, your families, your friends at home and at work. “It’s the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary”
Your treasure is found where your heart is.
Alan Miniter
THE YOUNGEST KIDS’ VIEWPOINT
Two young people met over fifty years ago, He was sensitive, athletic and handsome. He was also thrilled because he had found a genuine “N.P.W.” (Nearly perfect woman). She was beautiful, bright and had a voice that equaled the most melodious songbird. In 1945 they were married. It was wartime and while many families were being torn apart, theirs was just beginning. The love they had experienced in their parents, families and friends blossomed into a newfound love in each other. Alas, life is not easy. The twists and turns you encounter cannot always be anticipated. Your goal is happiness and together you struggle to achieve it, together you have the best chance. I have told them before, you live life day to day, you survive life on dreams for the future and memories of the past. They made it through the war and set their sights on having children. Over the course of ten years, three would be born, two sons and a daughter. She loves kids and was always a “natural” with them, as he would say. They sacrificed unselfishly just to keep the family fed and give us the best life they could. At times he would work three jobs to accomplish that. She did what she did best, be a mom. Sometimes that meant babysitting for others to earn extra money. But no matter how busy they were, they always made time for us, the kids. Careers may come and go, but I believe the greatest contribution anyone man make in this world, is being a good parent. In my eyes, they raised three good healthy kids which at times took every bit of experience, patience and knowledge they could muster, especially with the third. Their children’s paths lead to various parts of the country. But the values and closeness they instilled in our hearts bonds us forever.
Now, they are in retirement and enjoy life. Although most of their work is done, the role of parent has been extended to grandparents. Even though they are still very busy, they always provide the love and guidance they are known for. I guess all these things are what keep them young. They’ve made the most of the fifty married years, under their belts, without taking that good fortune for granted. That appreciation for life engulfs everyone who encounters them. The benefits that we and their family and friends incur are immeasurable. When I think of my parents, I think of “Happiness”. The reward in life we all strive for. My family is already reaping that reward and in great part due to my parents. I thank them for that, with all my heart. Congratulations on fifty wonderful years, from your youngest kid.
Alan Miniter