The senseless violence at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown,Connecticut has left us all shaken. We find ourselves left with the same painful bewilderment that overcame us following the shootings in Tucson, Arizona and Aurora,Colorado and Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania and Oak Creek, Wisconsin and every other place that has been visited by these attacks. The incidents are on the international news, then the national, then the state, then the local as the evil creeps closer and closer to our back doors.
This sort of evil was characterized as "Pitch" in the holiday children's movie, The Rise of The Guardians. This animated villain attempts to take away children's beliefs in all things good. He attempts to take away their security and innocence. He attempts to take away their optimism and hope. He attempts to erase all that is good and replace it with darkness.
Enter the guardians. They include "The Sandman", "Tooth", "North", "Bunny" and "Jack Frost". Their very existence depends on protecting children. As should ours. Jack is initially resistent to being named a guardian thinking himself unworthy of this title and uneager to assume this enormous responsibility. Yet his innate guardian-self emerges and he partners with the one child whose light could not be dimmed ( "Jamie") and together they defeat "Pitch".
It is up to each of us to be guardians of our precious children. Be they our own children, our nieces and nephews, our grandchildren, our great-nieces and nephews, our neighbors, our students, our local young athletes or children we have never met in another area of our planet.
Banning the sale of assault weapons to protect these remarkable little lights sounds reasonable. Taking a close look at all gun control laws sounds like a plan. Increased funding for mental health is a positive step in any culture regardless of crime rate. We must think less about ourselves and our guns and our possessions and more about the children. We must rise up to be guardians in the most nonviolent loving ways we can imagine.
We must rise up and become guardians of peace.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
9/11 Memorial
This past May a friend and I visited New York City. We make the pilgrimage to attend the theatre and enjoy the variety of delicious culinary offerings. But on this trip we also had one very important destination: the 9/11 Memorial.
The Memorial's twin reflecting pools mark the lives of the fallen. We lost nearly three thousand people on September 11, 2001 at the Pentagon, at the World Trade Center and near Shanksville,Pennsylvania. We also lost six people in the World Trade Center bombing in February of 1993.
Architect Michael Arad and landscape architect Peter Walker designed twin reflecting pools that are home to the names of each person who died in the 2001 and 1993 attacks on America. The names are inscribed on bronze panels surrounding each acre-size pool. You run your fingers across the name and you think of that individual and his/her sacrifice for our nation. You see mementos left from family,friends and a grateful nation. You watch loved ones struggle to make etchings through tear-filled eyes. You are watching through tear-filled eyes having been overwhelmed by the enormous loss and the tremendous beauty of the memorial.
We had researched the memorial on their fantastic website and knew where to find the locations of some specific individuals. So with heavy hearts we approached Father Mychal Judge's name. We began to cry as we touched the name of the man who touched so many. He was in the body bag marked Victim 0001 on September 11,2001. In 1992 he was appointed Chaplain of The Fire Department of NYC. He was described as someone who had " achieved an extraordinary degree of union with the divine." He was known for taking his coat off on a cold winter day and giving it to a homeless woman. He said that she needed it more than him. He rocked a man in his arms who was dying of AIDS. He did these things every day. Every hour. Every minute. It comes as no surprise that he rushed to the World Trade Center when he heard of the attack. He administered the last rites to many on the streets before entering the lobby of WTC's North Tower. There he prayed for victims, rescuers and the deceased. There he was when the South Tower collapsed sending debris through the North Tower lobby that struck and killed Father Mike and so many others. His lifeless body was discovered by an NYPD policeman who carried him out with two NYFD men and two civilians. They carried him to nearby St. Peters Church where they wrapped his body and left him on the altar. His life was a ministry of love and their actions reflected their deep love for this great man.
Mark Bingham was on United Airlines Flight 93. He boarded that flight on the way to be an usher at a fraternity brother's wedding. He was one of the heroic passengers to bring down that plane. He was a fearless rugby player and a member of the Chi Psi fraternity at the University of California at Berkeley. He was a public relations executive and founder of The Bingham Group. He left behind a loving partner and mother and countless friends.
Flight Attendant Cee Cee Lyles called her husband at 09:47:57 and told him her flight had been hijacked. Beep... "Hi baby. I'm....Baby, you have to listen to me carefully. I'm on a plane that's been hijacked. I'm on the plane. I'm calling from the plane. I want to tell you I love you. Please tell my children that I love them very much. I'm so sorry babe. Umm I don't know what to say. There's three guys. They hijacked the plane. I'm trying to be calm. We're turned around. And I've heard there's planes that have been..been flown into the World Trade Center. I hope to be able to see your face again baby. I Love you. Goodbye. " End of message. A former police officer, she left behind her husband and four sons. This Floridian was known for her trademark grin.
Patricia Mickley died in the attack on the Pentagon. Patricia Dillaber Mickley worked for The Defense Department. She was survived by her husband,daughter,parents,sisters, brother, nieces and nephews.
Matthew G. Leonard was described by a federal district judge as the "kindest law clerk I've ever had". He would join a homeless man singing Christmas carols in Brooklyn to help him up his contributions from passers-by. He was director of litigation for Cantor Fitzgerald when he left his apartment at 7:11 am . He was survived by his then 7 month old daughter and wife.
Each and every name has a story. Each and every name had a life. Each of them touched many other lives. Some of the stories are more familiar to us than others. Each of them matters. Each of them is missed. Each of them can be found at the 9/11 Memorial. Look at the website. Visit the memorial. Contribute to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
The Memorial's twin reflecting pools mark the lives of the fallen. We lost nearly three thousand people on September 11, 2001 at the Pentagon, at the World Trade Center and near Shanksville,Pennsylvania. We also lost six people in the World Trade Center bombing in February of 1993.
Architect Michael Arad and landscape architect Peter Walker designed twin reflecting pools that are home to the names of each person who died in the 2001 and 1993 attacks on America. The names are inscribed on bronze panels surrounding each acre-size pool. You run your fingers across the name and you think of that individual and his/her sacrifice for our nation. You see mementos left from family,friends and a grateful nation. You watch loved ones struggle to make etchings through tear-filled eyes. You are watching through tear-filled eyes having been overwhelmed by the enormous loss and the tremendous beauty of the memorial.
We had researched the memorial on their fantastic website and knew where to find the locations of some specific individuals. So with heavy hearts we approached Father Mychal Judge's name. We began to cry as we touched the name of the man who touched so many. He was in the body bag marked Victim 0001 on September 11,2001. In 1992 he was appointed Chaplain of The Fire Department of NYC. He was described as someone who had " achieved an extraordinary degree of union with the divine." He was known for taking his coat off on a cold winter day and giving it to a homeless woman. He said that she needed it more than him. He rocked a man in his arms who was dying of AIDS. He did these things every day. Every hour. Every minute. It comes as no surprise that he rushed to the World Trade Center when he heard of the attack. He administered the last rites to many on the streets before entering the lobby of WTC's North Tower. There he prayed for victims, rescuers and the deceased. There he was when the South Tower collapsed sending debris through the North Tower lobby that struck and killed Father Mike and so many others. His lifeless body was discovered by an NYPD policeman who carried him out with two NYFD men and two civilians. They carried him to nearby St. Peters Church where they wrapped his body and left him on the altar. His life was a ministry of love and their actions reflected their deep love for this great man.
Mark Bingham was on United Airlines Flight 93. He boarded that flight on the way to be an usher at a fraternity brother's wedding. He was one of the heroic passengers to bring down that plane. He was a fearless rugby player and a member of the Chi Psi fraternity at the University of California at Berkeley. He was a public relations executive and founder of The Bingham Group. He left behind a loving partner and mother and countless friends.
Flight Attendant Cee Cee Lyles called her husband at 09:47:57 and told him her flight had been hijacked. Beep... "Hi baby. I'm....Baby, you have to listen to me carefully. I'm on a plane that's been hijacked. I'm on the plane. I'm calling from the plane. I want to tell you I love you. Please tell my children that I love them very much. I'm so sorry babe. Umm I don't know what to say. There's three guys. They hijacked the plane. I'm trying to be calm. We're turned around. And I've heard there's planes that have been..been flown into the World Trade Center. I hope to be able to see your face again baby. I Love you. Goodbye. " End of message. A former police officer, she left behind her husband and four sons. This Floridian was known for her trademark grin.
Patricia Mickley died in the attack on the Pentagon. Patricia Dillaber Mickley worked for The Defense Department. She was survived by her husband,daughter,parents,sisters, brother, nieces and nephews.
Matthew G. Leonard was described by a federal district judge as the "kindest law clerk I've ever had". He would join a homeless man singing Christmas carols in Brooklyn to help him up his contributions from passers-by. He was director of litigation for Cantor Fitzgerald when he left his apartment at 7:11 am . He was survived by his then 7 month old daughter and wife.
Each and every name has a story. Each and every name had a life. Each of them touched many other lives. Some of the stories are more familiar to us than others. Each of them matters. Each of them is missed. Each of them can be found at the 9/11 Memorial. Look at the website. Visit the memorial. Contribute to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
All You Need Is Love
I have noticed a disturbing trend among younger married couples. They are calling it quits at an alarming rate. Even more disturbing is the minimal effort they seem to exert toward saving their relationships.
I am clearly THE person to address this situation having served as a bridesmaid countless painful times. One particular service gave me the opportunity to meet a member of the clergy who instructed the wedding party in our roles not just for that day but for the couple's entire marriage. He reminded us of the couple's love for us thus our selection as participants in this very important day. He tolerated our youthful inappropriate pranks during the rehearsal then very calmly yet persuasively revealed the truth about the upcoming marriage. He said that all relationships have obstacles and unexpected hurdles to overcome and that we could help this couple to triumph time and time again over those challenges. He delivered the responsibility as mandatory eliminating any ideas about possibly running from this life-long connection.
I often wonder how I could display this particular couple as an example for the engaged or newly wed. They recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary and are happily married and professionally successful and they have two amazing beautiful daughters. They have remained close friends with the wedding party in addition to maintaining and nurturing their love for each other. All relationships take work. Friendships, marriages and even pen pals take love and attention from both sides.
To you very young and easily defeated young couples, I encourage you to work together to save that love. And turn to those whom you trust and you know will help you fight for your relationships. It is worth fighting for or I doubt you would have trotted down the aisle sporting that expensive gown and tuxedo and watching your parents' bank accounts dissolve into finger sandwiches.
It is not about the wedding. It is about the marriage. It is about your love. Look at your photographs and remember why you both said vows. And chin up! Good luck! The point is that you have loved ones cheering for you! No pain, no gain. No guts, no glory. Keep your sense of humor.
And to Susan and Bill, Congratulations on your 30th anniversary. Well done my friends.
I am clearly THE person to address this situation having served as a bridesmaid countless painful times. One particular service gave me the opportunity to meet a member of the clergy who instructed the wedding party in our roles not just for that day but for the couple's entire marriage. He reminded us of the couple's love for us thus our selection as participants in this very important day. He tolerated our youthful inappropriate pranks during the rehearsal then very calmly yet persuasively revealed the truth about the upcoming marriage. He said that all relationships have obstacles and unexpected hurdles to overcome and that we could help this couple to triumph time and time again over those challenges. He delivered the responsibility as mandatory eliminating any ideas about possibly running from this life-long connection.
I often wonder how I could display this particular couple as an example for the engaged or newly wed. They recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary and are happily married and professionally successful and they have two amazing beautiful daughters. They have remained close friends with the wedding party in addition to maintaining and nurturing their love for each other. All relationships take work. Friendships, marriages and even pen pals take love and attention from both sides.
To you very young and easily defeated young couples, I encourage you to work together to save that love. And turn to those whom you trust and you know will help you fight for your relationships. It is worth fighting for or I doubt you would have trotted down the aisle sporting that expensive gown and tuxedo and watching your parents' bank accounts dissolve into finger sandwiches.
It is not about the wedding. It is about the marriage. It is about your love. Look at your photographs and remember why you both said vows. And chin up! Good luck! The point is that you have loved ones cheering for you! No pain, no gain. No guts, no glory. Keep your sense of humor.
And to Susan and Bill, Congratulations on your 30th anniversary. Well done my friends.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Roots
A recent visit to the spring festival in a friend's hometown sparked a renewed interest in our roots. Where do we come from and why does it matter? As quickly as adolescents yearn to escape their hometowns, adults are equally anxious to return. Youth may prevent us from appreciating the value in the simplicity of our often humble beginnings. Maturity and age present us with clarity and sometimes surprising revelations that we miss what we have lost.
This festival allowed the friend to walk down her main street and revisit her father's mercantile store. She sat alongside her youngest grandson on the bench that had long accompanied the entrance to the store. She had spontaneous reunions with friends and relatives. Breathing the air in her hometown and seeing familar faces was a renewal as spring is intended to be.
A few years ago I had the unexpected pleasure of revisiting my hometown with my mother. We moved when I was a toddler so my memories are possibly a result of stories and photographs more than actual remembrances. It was an amazing trek from beginning to end. The house we lived in still stood and was a thrill to see. We toured landmarks and I had a better understanding of my origin. The park mentioned in my babybook actually exists and we happily drove through the beautiful grounds. It was a priceless trip and one that I will never forget.
A childhood friend lost her mother and she and her siblings returned her mother to another state that used to be home. So she was buried next to her beloved husband and the friend's father. It was important that they go home. The return home is an essential part of what some might call the circle of life. Reconnecting with friends and family is also part of what defines home. Our roots are important because they remind us that we are indeed connected.
My mother returns to her hometown at least once a year and that visit is vitally significant to her. Her childhood home is still there and it always pleases her to see it. In fact, it almost reassures her to see it. We travel dirt roads and country paths and sometimes landmarks are long gone but the roads remain the same. We visit loved ones and cherish the affection we can still express and mourn the ones we miss. Smiles and giggles are shared between "youngsters" in their eighties and nineties as stories are shared that only they remember. Our roots represent our belonging to someone and to something and to somewhere.
What and who and where represent home to you is unique for each of us. Roots give us a strong foundation. Now is a pefect time to be sure you are still connected.
This festival allowed the friend to walk down her main street and revisit her father's mercantile store. She sat alongside her youngest grandson on the bench that had long accompanied the entrance to the store. She had spontaneous reunions with friends and relatives. Breathing the air in her hometown and seeing familar faces was a renewal as spring is intended to be.
A few years ago I had the unexpected pleasure of revisiting my hometown with my mother. We moved when I was a toddler so my memories are possibly a result of stories and photographs more than actual remembrances. It was an amazing trek from beginning to end. The house we lived in still stood and was a thrill to see. We toured landmarks and I had a better understanding of my origin. The park mentioned in my babybook actually exists and we happily drove through the beautiful grounds. It was a priceless trip and one that I will never forget.
A childhood friend lost her mother and she and her siblings returned her mother to another state that used to be home. So she was buried next to her beloved husband and the friend's father. It was important that they go home. The return home is an essential part of what some might call the circle of life. Reconnecting with friends and family is also part of what defines home. Our roots are important because they remind us that we are indeed connected.
My mother returns to her hometown at least once a year and that visit is vitally significant to her. Her childhood home is still there and it always pleases her to see it. In fact, it almost reassures her to see it. We travel dirt roads and country paths and sometimes landmarks are long gone but the roads remain the same. We visit loved ones and cherish the affection we can still express and mourn the ones we miss. Smiles and giggles are shared between "youngsters" in their eighties and nineties as stories are shared that only they remember. Our roots represent our belonging to someone and to something and to somewhere.
What and who and where represent home to you is unique for each of us. Roots give us a strong foundation. Now is a pefect time to be sure you are still connected.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Tear-Stained Green Jackets
Bubba Watson won the 76th Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta,Georgia on Sunday, April 8,2012. He sunk the putt and then he wept. There are tear stains all over the majestic Augusta National Golf Course.
When Bruce Edwards, long-time caddy for Tom Watson died on the opening day of the 2004 Masters, you better believe there were tears. Edwards' death was as a result of Lou Gehrig's disease. He was courageous in his fight and golf patrons would show their support by yelling BRUCE whenever he appeared. The 49 year old Edwards was suddenly gone too soon.
I tear up each and every time I witness Ben Crenshaw and his long-time Masters caddy Carl Jackson at the Masters. The 65 year old Jackson caddied his 51st Masters and 36th for Crenshaw this year. They share an incredibile friendship and amazing history. They are quite the team.
Crenshaw entered the 1995 Masters grieving the loss of his mentor Harvey Penick. He managed to suppress overwhelming emotions and and perform with stellar rounds in the 60's to eventually beat Davis Love by a stroke. Crenshaw sank the putt and then he allowed himself the release. He wept. He sobbed on the 18th green and Carl Jackson walked up behind him and continued to support him with his hands on his shoulders.
This was the first Masters since the death of Severiano Ballesteros last May. The Spanish golfer was diagnosed with a brain tumor after collapsing at a Madrid airport in 2008. He learned to play the game using only one club. He turned pro in 1974 and won his first major in 1979, The Open at Royal Lytham. He followed that by winning the Masters the next year as the first European to wear the green jacket. He was a fighter whose legacy will include his Ryder's Cup play and courageous fight. Seve and his love of the game of golf will make you cry.
Opening day at the Masters introduced another honorary starter, Gary Player. So there you have it on Thursday morning...Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player on the first tee box at the Augusta National Golf Course. The history. The respect. Talk about love of the game. This triple-threat has 34 major championships and 13 green jackets between them. All three shots landed in the fairway. Cue the applause. Pass the tissue. Oh and out of respect, Phil Mickelson was there wearing his green jacket and experiencing that moment in history. He stood with the legendary trio and he paid tribute. This is the Masters.
Fred Couples played amazing golf twenty years after winning his green jacket. He shot the same score on Friday that he did 20 years ago. The same number of players made the cut. You could almost hear Bobby Jones and Byron Nelson whispering in the tall pines pulling for "the kid". He is 52 years old and he played impressive rounds for any age. And on Friday he sat atop the leaderboard. Augusta partons love Freddie Couples and he came through with a round of 67 on Friday. He was in contention again. Cue the tears.
Player after player hit shots into the bunkers and woods and opposite fairways. The frustration. Fore!! The errant shots into the galleries. The emotion. The tears. Player after player sank unbelievable putts and chipped into the hole and recovered from previous diaster. The aces. The comebacks. The jubilation. The emotion. The tears. Legendary ABC Sports broadcaster Jim McKay spoke of "the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat" in sports. Nowhere is it more evident than the Masters Golf Tournament.
Some fortunate patrons were on the hallowed grounds for the first time. The opportunity of a lifetme. The privilege. The dogwoods. The azaleas. The tall towering pines. The clubhouse. The Eisenhower cabin. The overwhelming beauty of the course. Amen Corner. The par 3 course. The pimento cheese sandwiches. The cherished tournament badges. The infamous bunkers. The beloved green jackets. The history. The tradition. The love of the game. The tears.
The tears flow because it is overwhelming. There is no better word. You are engulfed in golf history. You are a visitor on sacred grounds. Golf etiquette informs you that there is no need or desire for you to be a bad sport or raise your voice or behave in any manner unbecoming the game. Masters Etiquette requires you to raise your standards to a new high and this includes no running and no yelling and absolutely nothing that would diminish respect and love of the game. Crying however is accepted. It is an unavoidable and integral part of the Masters Golf Tournament. How could you not cry?
Enter Bubba-Golf. Born November 5,1978, the former University Of Georgia golfer ( Go Dogs!) had his previous best finish at the Masters in 2008 at 20th. He was a member of the 2010 Ryders Cup and 2011 Presidents Cup teams. He played exceptional golf for four rounds and won the 2012 Masters in a play-off. He and his wife adopted a baby boy, Caleb, two weeks ago. Gerry Lester Watson, Jr. aka Bubba lost his father in 2010 to cancer. He was so embedded in the trees right of the 10th fairway that the green was not even visible. Then he hit the shot of his life. The lefty hooked it with creativity and precision. It was a a confident and courageous shot. He made the putts. His caddie embraced him as he wept. His mother embraced him as he wept. Another Watson is part of Masters history. Of course he cried. We all did.
When Bruce Edwards, long-time caddy for Tom Watson died on the opening day of the 2004 Masters, you better believe there were tears. Edwards' death was as a result of Lou Gehrig's disease. He was courageous in his fight and golf patrons would show their support by yelling BRUCE whenever he appeared. The 49 year old Edwards was suddenly gone too soon.
I tear up each and every time I witness Ben Crenshaw and his long-time Masters caddy Carl Jackson at the Masters. The 65 year old Jackson caddied his 51st Masters and 36th for Crenshaw this year. They share an incredibile friendship and amazing history. They are quite the team.
Crenshaw entered the 1995 Masters grieving the loss of his mentor Harvey Penick. He managed to suppress overwhelming emotions and and perform with stellar rounds in the 60's to eventually beat Davis Love by a stroke. Crenshaw sank the putt and then he allowed himself the release. He wept. He sobbed on the 18th green and Carl Jackson walked up behind him and continued to support him with his hands on his shoulders.
This was the first Masters since the death of Severiano Ballesteros last May. The Spanish golfer was diagnosed with a brain tumor after collapsing at a Madrid airport in 2008. He learned to play the game using only one club. He turned pro in 1974 and won his first major in 1979, The Open at Royal Lytham. He followed that by winning the Masters the next year as the first European to wear the green jacket. He was a fighter whose legacy will include his Ryder's Cup play and courageous fight. Seve and his love of the game of golf will make you cry.
Opening day at the Masters introduced another honorary starter, Gary Player. So there you have it on Thursday morning...Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player on the first tee box at the Augusta National Golf Course. The history. The respect. Talk about love of the game. This triple-threat has 34 major championships and 13 green jackets between them. All three shots landed in the fairway. Cue the applause. Pass the tissue. Oh and out of respect, Phil Mickelson was there wearing his green jacket and experiencing that moment in history. He stood with the legendary trio and he paid tribute. This is the Masters.
Fred Couples played amazing golf twenty years after winning his green jacket. He shot the same score on Friday that he did 20 years ago. The same number of players made the cut. You could almost hear Bobby Jones and Byron Nelson whispering in the tall pines pulling for "the kid". He is 52 years old and he played impressive rounds for any age. And on Friday he sat atop the leaderboard. Augusta partons love Freddie Couples and he came through with a round of 67 on Friday. He was in contention again. Cue the tears.
Player after player hit shots into the bunkers and woods and opposite fairways. The frustration. Fore!! The errant shots into the galleries. The emotion. The tears. Player after player sank unbelievable putts and chipped into the hole and recovered from previous diaster. The aces. The comebacks. The jubilation. The emotion. The tears. Legendary ABC Sports broadcaster Jim McKay spoke of "the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat" in sports. Nowhere is it more evident than the Masters Golf Tournament.
Some fortunate patrons were on the hallowed grounds for the first time. The opportunity of a lifetme. The privilege. The dogwoods. The azaleas. The tall towering pines. The clubhouse. The Eisenhower cabin. The overwhelming beauty of the course. Amen Corner. The par 3 course. The pimento cheese sandwiches. The cherished tournament badges. The infamous bunkers. The beloved green jackets. The history. The tradition. The love of the game. The tears.
The tears flow because it is overwhelming. There is no better word. You are engulfed in golf history. You are a visitor on sacred grounds. Golf etiquette informs you that there is no need or desire for you to be a bad sport or raise your voice or behave in any manner unbecoming the game. Masters Etiquette requires you to raise your standards to a new high and this includes no running and no yelling and absolutely nothing that would diminish respect and love of the game. Crying however is accepted. It is an unavoidable and integral part of the Masters Golf Tournament. How could you not cry?
Enter Bubba-Golf. Born November 5,1978, the former University Of Georgia golfer ( Go Dogs!) had his previous best finish at the Masters in 2008 at 20th. He was a member of the 2010 Ryders Cup and 2011 Presidents Cup teams. He played exceptional golf for four rounds and won the 2012 Masters in a play-off. He and his wife adopted a baby boy, Caleb, two weeks ago. Gerry Lester Watson, Jr. aka Bubba lost his father in 2010 to cancer. He was so embedded in the trees right of the 10th fairway that the green was not even visible. Then he hit the shot of his life. The lefty hooked it with creativity and precision. It was a a confident and courageous shot. He made the putts. His caddie embraced him as he wept. His mother embraced him as he wept. Another Watson is part of Masters history. Of course he cried. We all did.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Matters Of The Heart
We celebrated Valentines Day with enough commercial enthusiasm to make
any greeting card company proud. But how many people actually send
physical cards through the postal service or hand deliver them these
days? There remain many individuals who still enjoy walking to the
mailbox and discovering personal mail awaiting them. The mail
represents an acknowledgement. They were remembered. Phone calls and
personal visits are obviously great. In their absence,consider sending
a note or card. Letter-writing has provided comfort and reassurance to
many a recipient in war-time, college-time, travel-time and any time
when distance has separated us from loved ones. Opening an envelope
provides us with anticipation and excitement. What will the message
reveal? Is there money inside? Did they send photographs of the new
baby or graduate or pet or home? There is a dual message here.
Hand-written letters,notes and cards continue to have a significant
role in many lives. Folks need to be remembered. Age doesn't matter if
it is Valentines Day or Easter or Mother's Day or their birthday or
just a day. As I entered and exited the post office on Valentines Day,
no less than seven people said Happy Valentines Day to me. The message
is acknowledgement. I responded in kind to them and each of us
exchanged smiles. Acknowledgement between strangers. Surely there are
people you know and there is something you would like to say to them
whether encouragement, sharing a memory or laugh or a thank you.
Perhaps you want to remember them on a special day which will be made
increasingly special by your acknowledgement. You are recognizing
their importance. And that recognition says as much about the sender
as it does the recipient. How much time you are willing to take to
partake in this endeavor is up to you. Realizing for example that many
elderly people do not tweet or facebook or my space or text or email,
means that you have to take a few minutes to express yourself on paper
for their sake. We are not just talking about a certain age group
though. Everyone needs and wants acknowledgement and loving attention.
It matters to them and they matter to us.
any greeting card company proud. But how many people actually send
physical cards through the postal service or hand deliver them these
days? There remain many individuals who still enjoy walking to the
mailbox and discovering personal mail awaiting them. The mail
represents an acknowledgement. They were remembered. Phone calls and
personal visits are obviously great. In their absence,consider sending
a note or card. Letter-writing has provided comfort and reassurance to
many a recipient in war-time, college-time, travel-time and any time
when distance has separated us from loved ones. Opening an envelope
provides us with anticipation and excitement. What will the message
reveal? Is there money inside? Did they send photographs of the new
baby or graduate or pet or home? There is a dual message here.
Hand-written letters,notes and cards continue to have a significant
role in many lives. Folks need to be remembered. Age doesn't matter if
it is Valentines Day or Easter or Mother's Day or their birthday or
just a day. As I entered and exited the post office on Valentines Day,
no less than seven people said Happy Valentines Day to me. The message
is acknowledgement. I responded in kind to them and each of us
exchanged smiles. Acknowledgement between strangers. Surely there are
people you know and there is something you would like to say to them
whether encouragement, sharing a memory or laugh or a thank you.
Perhaps you want to remember them on a special day which will be made
increasingly special by your acknowledgement. You are recognizing
their importance. And that recognition says as much about the sender
as it does the recipient. How much time you are willing to take to
partake in this endeavor is up to you. Realizing for example that many
elderly people do not tweet or facebook or my space or text or email,
means that you have to take a few minutes to express yourself on paper
for their sake. We are not just talking about a certain age group
though. Everyone needs and wants acknowledgement and loving attention.
It matters to them and they matter to us.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
She Is A True Disciple
Rarely do you find a person possessing so many truly remarkable qualities with humility at the top of the list. Her modesty is an inherent part of her being along with her vision and enormous heart. She is selfless and giving without pretense or agenda. Her love for other humans whether familiar or unacquainted is pure and quite honestly Christ-like. She knows and understands the history of Christianity and she shows her love of her religion through her nonjudgmental,unconditional loving life. Deserving of many accolades but wanting of none, she pursues the truth with a truly enlightened soul and a purity so needed in our world. Our world,is, in fact, so much the better for having her in it. She is an incredibly intelligent woman respectful of the freedom of religion and supportive of individuals' spiritual journeys. She is an erudite scholar with a thirst for new information and perspectives. She wants all people to be treated equally and fairly without prejudice or biases. She is a mentor to many people. Just the other day, an adult told me that she wanted to grow up to be like her.
She loves to travel and experience different cultures through food,history,museums,art,movies,theatre,architecture and conversations. She greets these new places and people with enthusiasm and excitement. She loves sports and cheers for her favorite teams with the same passion that she cheers for the underdog in life. She abhors racism,sexism,homophobia and ageism. Discrimination and hypocrites sadden her. She cares deeply. She feels intensely. She has integrity. She has the courage of her convictions. She walks the walk without worrying about the incessant talk. She actually practices what others often merely preach. When she needs or wants to talk, she has the knowledge to support her positions calmly with confidence.
She wants to break bread with you. She wants you to have a good time. She wants you to have a great time. And if you are blessed enough to be with her, you will.
Generosity and kindness would be used in descriptions of her. She is conscientious and faithful. Add insightful, forgiving, smart,rational,clever,creative and inventive. She is savvy. She has a depth of feeling that is off the charts. She is well-read. She is loving. She is an ardent believer. She is a person of faith. She is disciplined. She can be spontaneous. She has a great sense of humor and is fun-loving. She has a loving spirit. She is complex.
Yet when she looks in the mirror, she sees a simple girl from Mitchell, Georgia. Both humble and complex,she is Carolyn. And she is a true disciple.
She loves to travel and experience different cultures through food,history,museums,art,movies,theatre,architecture and conversations. She greets these new places and people with enthusiasm and excitement. She loves sports and cheers for her favorite teams with the same passion that she cheers for the underdog in life. She abhors racism,sexism,homophobia and ageism. Discrimination and hypocrites sadden her. She cares deeply. She feels intensely. She has integrity. She has the courage of her convictions. She walks the walk without worrying about the incessant talk. She actually practices what others often merely preach. When she needs or wants to talk, she has the knowledge to support her positions calmly with confidence.
She wants to break bread with you. She wants you to have a good time. She wants you to have a great time. And if you are blessed enough to be with her, you will.
Generosity and kindness would be used in descriptions of her. She is conscientious and faithful. Add insightful, forgiving, smart,rational,clever,creative and inventive. She is savvy. She has a depth of feeling that is off the charts. She is well-read. She is loving. She is an ardent believer. She is a person of faith. She is disciplined. She can be spontaneous. She has a great sense of humor and is fun-loving. She has a loving spirit. She is complex.
Yet when she looks in the mirror, she sees a simple girl from Mitchell, Georgia. Both humble and complex,she is Carolyn. And she is a true disciple.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)