Lettter to the Editor

Dear Editor:

I, like so many in the Bootheel and in the world, struggle to survive. As a disabled senior citizen and single father, trying to survive on an income that is well below the poverty level, the burden of telling my child "no I cannot afford to provide you with this opportunity or that resource you need to do well," breaks my heart and crushes my spirit. When this happens I try to remember and remind my child of the following:

"Persevere"

There are times when I wake up to face a brand new dawn

When I find it hard to get up or the strength to carry on

When the obstacles that confront me seem too difficult to bear

When the indifference that surrounds me rob my will to care

Then from somewhere unexpected a word; a phrase; a sight

Reminds me that I am not alone in my struggle to survive

A simple gesture, a kind remark or too see someone in need

Someone that has a harder road a more difficult life to lead

Fills me with a both pride and shame which forces me to face

Like these unsung heroes I must endeavor to win this race

So at each opportunity when another feels despair

I can share that inspiration which helped me too "PERSEVERE."

- Martin Anthony, 2015

I hope this will help inspire and encourage all of you that are discouraged and feel despair to lift your eyes and your spirit!!!

Martin A. Passley

Poplar Bluff, MO