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Speak up
Ten years ago, I was back on the Mainland and looking for work. Uncle Mike hosted me for a few days while I interviewed with the NRA—the National Restaurant Association, which offered me a job I ultimately refused so I could return to Cleveland where Erin was. I remember Mike telling me about Toastmasters, the organization that helps people become better speakers. Now my mom has joined, and she’s finding it to be an inspiring experience. She wrote today to tell me she earned honors for an impromptu two-minute speech about watching Olympic ice skaters with my grandmother. Next week she’s to give a formal speech. Good luck, mom.
Meanwhile, my dad—who has no problem speaking his mind—continues to seesaw in his Speaker’s Corner, sending out e-mail messages with his reactions to politicians, polemicists and patsies.