One Year Later: Reflections on the Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump

It was exactly one year ago today, July 13th 2024, an event that shook the nation and captured the world’s attention. A violent attempt was made on the life of then-presidential candidate Donald J. Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

At the time, I was at North Shore University Hospital on 300 Community Drive, Long Island. I had just stepped into a patient's room when she looked at me with a stunned expression and said, “They tried to kill Trump.” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. The news spread fast, and soon it was on every screen, in every headline, and at the center of a nationwide conversation. Videos circulated, investigations launched, and the country held its breath.

Then came November.

Despite the trauma of that moment, Trump went on to win the election. He was very resilient about it. A familiar face returned to the White House, after having already served four years as President. This wasn’t new ground for him, and yet, the circumstances were unlike anything we had seen in modern political history.

Now, a full year later, much remains unknown. Questions linger, and many will likely never be answered. That’s often the way with moments like these. The public remains in the dark, left to piece together truth from fragments.

But regardless of personal politics, one fact remains: Donald Trump is now the President of the United States. And whether we voted for him or not, he holds the highest office in the land and leads the nation we all call home.

This is our country. We all live here. We all want what’s best for America. And so, we must come together, not just in times of tragedy or shock, but in the everyday work of citizenship. That means supporting the office of the presidency, respecting our institutions, and committing to the unity and strength of the republic.

Long live the republic. Long live the wonderful people of this land.

-Pal Ronnie-

Reflection: Called to Be Good Samaritans

Happy Sunday,

I went to Mass at St. Anthony, Nanuet,NY.

Today's Gospel is the parable of the Good Samaritan, found in (Luke 10:25–37). It's a story Jesus told to answer a question that still echoes through our world today:

 “And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29)

Jesus also added in subsequent verses:

He said in reply,

"You shall love the Lord, your God,

with all your heart,

with all your being,

with all your strength,

and with all your mind,

and your neighbor as yourself."

He replied to him, "You have answered correctly;

do this and you will live."

Years ago, I worked at a hospital called Good Samaritan Hospital. The name alone carried a mission—one that reminded us that we are all called to be Good Samaritans, people who notice, who care, and who act when others are in need.

Sadly, that spirit is often missing in the way we treat one another, especially in healthcare settings. I was recently at a hospital where the tension between permanent staff and traveling staff was overwhelming. The welcome was cold. The hostility? Off the charts.

It’s not natural, or human, to treat someone poorly just because they don’t belong to your clique. A workplace is not high school, and trying to carry that kind of immaturity into adult professional life is a travesty.

In the parable, Jesus tells of a man beaten and left for dead on the road. Religious and respected people passed him by. But:

“A Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.”

 (Luke 10:33)

He didn’t ask where the man was from. He didn’t check his credentials. He didn’t care if he was part of his circle. He saw someone in need, and he responded with mercy. That’s what maturity looks like.

We are all that traveler on the road at some point in life. Everyone you meet is carrying something you can’t see. Sometimes the need is deep, physical, emotional, or spiritual. Other times, it’s as simple as needing directions to a good barbershop, or a recommendation for a local diner, or a heads-up about a part of town that isn’t so friendly to strangers.

“Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37)

 That’s what Jesus tells us at the end of the parable.

And that’s the call, to see, to feel, and to act with compassion. Wherever you are today, be the one who stops. Be the one who helps. Be the Good Samaritan.

God bless you 

Have a wonderful Sunday 

Pal Ronnie

The Uncomfortable Truths

There is something undeniably refreshing about the truth, raw, unfiltered, and direct. But let’s be honest: truth can also be uncomfortable. It has a way of shaking our assumptions, pressing on our biases, and pulling us out of the safety of what we think we know.

Lately, I’ve been listening to voices like Candace Owens and Nick Fuentes. They’re controversial figures, no doubt, often criticized, censored, and even hated in some circles. But what draws me in is not blind agreement; it’s their willingness to challenge power structures and say things others won’t. Whether or not I agree with them on everything, and I don’t, I believe there’s value in hearing people out, especially when they go against the grain. 

In a world where so many rush to cancel or silence, I choose instead to listen. As someone committed to learning and understanding, I can’t afford to alienate ideas before I’ve even heard them. That doesn’t mean I accept everything at face value, it means I am open to seeing the full picture.

Truth is not always comfortable. But it often carries the seeds of wisdom, growth, and even healing, if we’re brave enough to face it.

I hope you, too, are seeking, listening, and learning. If so, don't stop. Let's keep learning!!

I remain

Pal Ronnie

“Do Not Be Afraid”: A Daily Reflection from Sleepy Hollow New York

 

I’m back in Sleepy Hollow today, duty calls. As I prepare for the day ahead, I find myself drawn to the Gospel reading for today. It comes from Matthew 10, where Jesus speaks words of reassurance to His disciples:

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

 (Matthew 10:28)

These words hit differently when you’re standing at the edge of human vulnerability, whether in the hospital ward, in the field, or simply facing another day of uncertainty. Fear is something we all wrestle with. It isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s part of who we are. God made us with fear—not to cripple us, but to help us survive.

Fear sharpens our senses. It makes us cautious, alert, and aware. But there’s another side to fear, the one that paralyzes, keeps us from stepping out in faith, or convinces us we’re not enough. That’s the fear Jesus addresses.

“Do not be afraid,” He says, not because danger isn’t real, but because God is even more real. He sees the sparrow fall and counts the very hairs on our heads. In other words, our lives are not ruled by fear but by His providence.

So, whether you’re heading to your job, standing in a crisis, or facing a decision that fills you with doubt, carry this with you: fear is natural, but faith is supernatural. We are called not to live recklessly, but courageously.

And as I walk through Sleepy Hollow today, I do so with a renewed calm. Not because the path is easy, but because I know I do not walk it alone.

Have a blessed day and don't be afraid for God is with you.

Pal Ronnie 

Congratulations to My Cuzo

 

Congratulations to my cousin, Mavis, and her Vice President-elect! Eugenia

I'm so proud of you. Your determination and perseverance have truly paid off.

As you step into leadership, remember to always stand for what is good, without compromise.

We believe in doing the right thing, even if it means standing alone.

Wishing you strength, wisdom, and continued success on this journey.

God bless you!

Cuz Ronnie

Angela Has a Big Day Coming

 

Angela is to your anatomical right above

For My Niece

Today, my heart is full. My baby niece is graduating from middle school, a milestone that marks the end of one chapter and the hopeful beginning of another. I couldn’t be prouder.

I remember when she was just a little girl, holding tightly to her mother’s hand, wide-eyed and full of questions. And now, here she stands, taller in both height and spirit, walking across a stage with confidence, ready to take on the world one step at a time. You ask tough questions. 

This moment is more than just a ceremony. It is a symbol of growth, resilience, and endless possibility for her. It’s a reminder that even the smallest beginnings can lead to the most beautiful futures.

To my dear girl: May God bless you and guide you every step of the way. May He surround you with wisdom, favor, and grace. And may your future be greater than anything we could ever dream for you. And May God bless us all with long life just to see your future.

Keep rising. Keep believing. The world is waiting for your light.

We all love you very much

Uncle Ronald 

Why I Want to Work and Learn Until the End

The other day, I had a patient in his late 70s. As part of our friendly and therapeutic exchange, I asked him if he was still working. He grinned and replied, “Heck yeah! I will work until I drop dead.” I laughed and told him, “I want to be like you when I grow up.” He inspired me. 

Jokes aside, there’s something powerful about having meaningful work and a structured routine. Studies have shown that people who fully retire often experience a decline in both mental and physical health. In contrast, those who remain partially retired or maintain a solid routine tend to live longer, healthier lives. It’s not just about staying busy—it’s about staying engaged with others.

Retirement isn’t inherently bad. In fact, it can be a beautiful season of life, especially for those who have created a routine that keeps their minds and bodies active. But for me personally, I don’t want to stop working completely when I get there —not because I’m obsessed with productivity, but because I find purpose in growth and contribution to the enrichment of others. 

I told my patient that I would like to work until the end too, and also keep learning until the very end. I love everything about learning. I hate ignorance. The pursuit of knowledge gives life meaning. It opens up the world and makes it richer, more connected, and more humane.

That’s why I often struggle with surface-level conversations, especially at work. Some people think I am antisocial sometimes, far from it. Many people I found, don’t seem to have the curiosity to ask, “What’s life like beyond my corner of the world?” But I do. I can sit in the comfort of my home and dive deep into learning about life in rural Ghana, Papua New Guinea, Auckland,New Zealand, Tasmania, Burundi, Cabo Verde, or Madagascar. That kind of exploration, mentally, culturally, intellectually is simply amazing to me.

So, what do you think, Pals?

What does retirement mean to you?

Should we keep learning until our last breath as alluded to by my patient?

Drop me a comment.

Let’s talk.

-Pal Ronnie-

The New 4 Trillion Dollar Empire

Thank God It’s Friday: A Market Note

Thank God it’s Friday!

On the business front, Wall Street closed the week on an interesting note. This week, NVIDIA crossed an unbelievable milestone: a market capitalization of over $4 trillion. That’s right, trillion with a “T.” It’s a feat no other company in financial market history has achieved with such quiet strength.

NVIDIA, known initially for its brilliant graphics chips for gamers, is now dominating in the realm of AI and server-grade processors. The company has transitioned from powering video games to powering the future. What makes it even more remarkable is how quietly it has risen. Most people can’t even name its CEO. (For the record, it’s Jensen Huang.) And honestly, that’s exactly what you want in a publicly traded company, consistency, focus, and execution without the noise.

Contrast that with someone like Elon Musk of Tesla and SpaceX fame. Elon is a genius, no doubt, but he’s also the king of market-moving headlines, sometimes intentionally, other times not. When a CEO is constantly in the news, it can affect the stock dramatically in both directions. That kind of volatility might excite traders, but it gives long-term investors heartburn.

Maybe Elon could take a page or two from Jensen Huang’s book. Build, innovate, lead, but do it without making every move a spectacle.

Anyway, just some thoughts to wrap up a busy week. Stay blessed, stay focused, and always remember Who’s really in charge, on Wall Street and in life. God is. 

-Pal Ronnie-

Today's Mass Reading: Sheep Among Wolves

As we head into the weekend, I wanted to share a few thoughts inspired by today’s readings.

The First Reading recounts a major turning point in salvation history, Jacob and his descendants migrating to Egypt. This move, though driven by famine, was part of God’s greater plan to preserve His people. It reminds me that sometimes, what looks like displacement or hardship is actually divine repositioning. God sees the end from the beginning. I could literally fit myself into this. 

Another wonderful illustration is the cross. Man has no idea what the thoughts and the mind of God is. 

The Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 37, reassures us of God's faithfulness:

"The salvation of the just comes from the Lord; he is their refuge in time of distress." (Psalm 37:39)

That’s a promise worth holding onto in a world filled with uncertainty.

And in today’s Gospel (Matthew 10:16), Jesus sends out His disciples with a sobering warning:

“Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves.”

This verse strikes deep. Being a disciple today is no easy task, we are still sent into a world that often misunderstands truth and resists grace. Yet Jesus does not send us unprepared. He sends us with wisdom ("shrewd as serpents") and purity of heart ("simple as doves").

The are still places around the world where the name of Jesus is a taboo Word.

As we navigate our own daily missions: at work, in our families, in society, let us walk with the confidence that God is both our guide and our refuge.

Wishing you all a blessed and peaceful weekend.

God bless you 🙏 

– Pal Ronnie-

The Casualties of War

As a healthcare professional, seeing this picture has taken a heavy toll on my spirit. Where is justice in this world?

The image above is a young boy in Gaza holding a bag of blood being transfused into his wounded mother, a victim of Israeli airstrikes. This image will stay with me forever. It is heartbreaking.

Being a child or a woman in Gaza today seems to carry an unbearable risk. From what we have been seeing and reading every day, it is clear that life there is marked by constant danger and deep suffering. Yes, there are casualties on both sides, but one must ask: Why the relentless bombing? Why the resistance to peace?

I’m so disturbed by this image. And the worst part is, I can’t unsee it.

—Pal Ronnie