So here's the short of it, 
A favorite meditation...

And here's the long.

There are lots of favorite meditations and readings at the High Holidays.  This one is always a favorite, and seemed especially appropriate in remembering Pennie and my Dad.

Do not imagine that character is determined at birth.
We have been given free will.
Any person can become as righteous as Moses or as wicked as Jeroboam.
We ourselves decide whether to make ourselves learned or ignorant, compassionate or cruel, generous or miserly.
No one forces us, no one drags us along one path or the other.
We ourselves, by our own volition, choose our own way.
                                                                         ..... Maimonides