January 20, 2026

My Nana said admiringly about my 4 year old daughter, “She’s such a little lady!”, meaning she was quiet, never caused any trouble, did what she was told and looked adorable in those expensive designer little girl dresses my mother loved to splurge on her.

Of course her brother could show those same characteristics but he would be called a “little gentleman.” My father was indeed the ultimate gentleman, always walking between a lady and the street to protect her from splashng mud or perhaps even being run over. He always opened doors for women, would never swear in their presence,and took his hat off when entering church Or when my brother, out fishing with his Dad, accidentally drops his brand new expensive knife overboard, and remembers to this day how his father didn;t get mad or hurt, but instead went out of his way to assure his son that it was okay it was only a knife, etc, etc. I am reminded of the word “gratious” The story of Barak Obama, the ultimate gentleman, who, standing next to a woman and about to have a group picture taken, asks her permission to put his hand on her back.

Ladies and Gentlemen! Are you still with us? Stand up and be counted. We need you more than ever.