Goodbye 2017

This is my last post for 2017.  I'm not going to write a year in review this morning, although you will certainly see many of them in the next few days.  I'm not going to talk about resolutions either or about who I think should be remembered as the hero of the year.  I simply want to share a few thoughts.

When you look back on this year now ending, I hope you won't think of it as a year of pain and of loss.  Regardless of how much bad happened, there was still good and we certainly woke up to a lot of realities.  I hope you will think of it as a year of growth and a year of learning.

Those of you reading this now, can be proud that you continue to wake up each day.  Despite the hardships, and yes there have been many, you have become stronger and are a better person.  Be proud of yourself!

On Sunday night, don't despair.  Look ahead to better days.  Raise your glass and toast the brand new year with hope and with confidence.

Back to the Barn Sanctuary

Back in August I first wrote about Barn Sanctuary saying "Be kind to all animals.  They deserve our love and respect just as much as humans do."  I've been following them on facebook and twitter and watching the adorable pictures posted by their founder Dan McKernan.  Seeing what they are doing for their rescued turkeys, cows, horses, pigs, chickens, ducks, sheep, and goats warms my heart.  I mentioned them again in October and you will likely hear me say a lot more.

The cruel and horrific things humans do to animals turns my stomach.  We hear about some terrible incident all too often in the news.  Thankfully there are people who care.  Go to https://www.barnsanctuary.org/ and look at the cute pictures, but also read the inspiring stories of rescue.  It truly will warm your heart!

Oh and speaking of warm, this is not a time of year when it is warm in Chelsea, Michigan where Barn Sanctuary is located.  The food, medical expenses, shelter, and daily needs of the animals is particularly important now when snow is on the ground.  Sometimes folks think they cannot afford to make donations, but as little as a dollar can make a difference!  Skip that latte for a day or two and send it on to Barn Sanctuary.  (Right now before the year ends is an especially good time to make a gift so you can claim it on this year's taxes too).

There are volunteer opportunities if you are in that area.  Check it out on the website.  Tell your friends too.  This is such important work.  No animal should suffer.  Dan and Barn Sanctuary are certainly among my 2017 heroes!

Joy to the world!

Finally!  The special time of year has arrived.  (It hasn't been going on since September, despite what some retailers want you to believe). On Sunday night people all over the world will be welcoming Christmas.  You do still have a little bit of time for those last minute preparations but don't delay!

 

Whether you gather with family and friends in a church at midnight and sing Silent Night) or stay at home in front of a fireplace (or the yule log on television), I hope that yours will be an enjoyable celebration.

 

Many of my holiday traditions have changed since I moved to a smaller community, but that doesn't matter.  The spirit of Christmas is wherever you happen to be.

Yes, there have been things in this past year that make you not want to celebrate.  If you lost a loved one, it just not feel right to be happy, but happiness is within the reach of every single one of us.  There have been good times, AND there will be more, so joy to the world  -  be happy!

with grateful hearts

While most of you are gobbling up turkey today, I know that great sadness is present for many too.  If you lost a loved one around this time of year or if it's the first big holiday without a certain relative or friend, it can be difficult.  Remembering the Jonestown Massacre, the JFK Assassination, or the Moscone - Milk murders, all of which occurred in late November, or thinking of the passing of a favorite celebrity like David Cassidy, can put a cloud on the festivities.

There has been a lot of bad news in general these days, and especially the many instances of sexual inappropriateness, and that can also put a damper on the cheerfulness that usually accompanies a holiday like this.  None of this means we shouldn't be thankful and none of this means we shouldn't celebrate.

Thanksgiving Day is one of the most basic kinds of holidays.  It's centered around family, friends, food, and tradition.  At the heart of it all is our grateful attitude.  We all have something to be thankful for - it might not seem like it at times, but there is something. 

I recently asked some of my friends what they are thankful for.  One person was grateful to have recovered enough from a stroke that he can return to work.  Another person said they were grateful their spouse beat her cancer.  My sister told me this week she is grateful for me!  I'm personally grateful for many things, including my health, my friends and family, and for being connected to so many people. 

With a truly grateful heart, I wish you all a happy Thanksgiving!

Cherish is the word

David Cassidy passed away yesterday.  It wasn't a huge surprise - he had been hospitalized for several days in critical condition.  It is still sad news though.  He was only 67.  It might be a surprise though to see me writing about him.  This is where I tell of heroes, but as I have often said, not all heroes wear capes.

David Cassidy didn't have the smoothest of lives.  There were multiple marriages, health issues, problems with alcohol, and even some legal matters, but for most of his life, David did something that made him happy and made him famous:  he entertained.  When people sang along with his song he smiled.  When he say he was making someone happy, he was happy too.  That would seem to be the best reason to be a performer, but se certainly cannot say this about all in the business.

David did things for charity, and this became especially true after his mother died from Alzheimer’s, having spent her last years in a nursing home.  David bravely shared with the world that he too had dementia, and retired from performing.  He had brought attention though to a health matter that really doesn't get much attention.  This month also happens to be National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month.  We can use David Cassidy's death as another reason to get involved and learn more about dementia and what can be done.

Danny Bonaduce‏, who co-starred as David Cassidy's younger brother on The Partridge Family, last night tweeted "I have known, loved, and admired David Cassidy for 48 out of my 58 years. He has been as kind to me as any real brother could ever be. We’ve been through a lot together and he was always there for me. This loss is huge."

Last night the internet lit up with news about David's death and words of love were in abundance.  "Come On Get Happy" wasn't just a song he sang, it was really his mission and there is ample proof of this as the world mourns his loss.  I'll always have a special place for this special guy.  I suppose cherish is the word.

Thanks Whoopi

She's a comedian, actress, author, activist, tv host, and from everything I have every heard, a darn nice person.  I've never met Whoopi Goldberg, but I have been entertained by her for as long as I can remember, and I don't think there is another person I respect and admire more than her.

The whole purpose of this blog has always been to suggest ways of getting involved and making a difference in our world, and to spotlight those everyday heroes who are courageously helping to make this a better place.  Ms Goldberg could easily be the poster-person for this blog.  She is always her true self and says (and does) what it needed when it is needed.  She is certainly not one of those celebrities who sits on her throne, expecting the whole world to bow down to her.

Her support for lgbtq rights is unwavering.  It's not just talk either.  You will see Whoopi Goldberg out on the front lines, not just here in the US, but she called a couple of years ago for global solidarity with lgbtq sisters and brothers in Uganda and Nigeria.  She also helped launch the Give A Damn campaign (with Cyndi Lauper).

I could spend the entire morning writing about how this incredible woman is always giving.  I could talk at length about her wonderful movie roles (I actually watched some of the filming of Sister Act ), her comedy, and her daily gig on The View.  Instead, I just want to say happy birthday to this amazing and inspiring woman, and say thanks for making a difference!

Make it stop

Yesterday, as you no doubt already know, there was another church shooting with more than two dozen people killed including the Pastor's daughter and a pregnant women.  Mass shootings have become so common, and sadly so many of them have been happening in churches. 

Remember when churches were considered a safe place to be?  Remember when churches were sanctuaries?  Remember when our country was a safe place?  For some of us it seems like a long time ago.

Killing is happening somewhere every single day.  Hate is at an all time high.  It doesn't have to be this way though.  We can make it stop.  Just recently someone said to me "there will always be hate, but there will always be love too."  I hope they are wrong about the hate.  I really think we have the power to drive hate out and replace it with only love.  We can at least try.

I don't have a specific solution, but I know that when people come together, we can do great things.  Let's do that.  Let's make a difference.  Let's make the killing stop.

Don't forget your clocks

Tomorrow night before bedding down, don't forget your clocks.  Now I know that in some places, Daylight Saving Time is not observed (like in Arizona and parts of Indiana), but for all the rest of you, be sure to set your clock back one hour and get that extra hour of sleep.

Whether you observe Daylight Saving Time in your neck-of-the-woods or not, it's always a good reminder to replace those batteries in your home, especially the ones in your smoke detectors.  Check also to see if all your wall and table clocks are displaying the correct time.

This isn't something I generally write about here, but how can you change the world if your don't even know the correct time?  Let's all do some incredible things this November!  Together we really can be instruments of change!

Life is a picnic

Have you ever heard someone say "It's no picnic? It means that something is not particularly easy or pleasant. There may be a lot of things we can say that about, but if we try, we just might be able to make picnics everyday. Seriously.

Over the weekend, I was in the park with friends and neighbors doing all of the traditional things - listening to music, chatting with each other, playing games, and of course eating delicious burgers, hot dogs, salads, and cookies. It was a picnic indeed!

"When things are a bit tense, when life is not going at its best, when the potential for disaster is just around the corner, when your enemies are all around you - and even staring you down! - that's when God lays out the red-checkered picnic cloth and says, "Oooo, this is a nice place. Let's hang out here together for a while. . .just you and me." That's what David Brazzeal says in Pray Like a Gourmet: Creative Ways to Feed Your Soul (a very good read, by the way). Brazzeal is giving us his idea of what Psalm 23 is all about. Yes, God spreads a picnic for us - if we let him.

Not a lot of money in your pocket? Health not what you would like it to be? You don't know a lot of people? So many excuses we allow to turn us in the negative direction, and it is certainly true that every day is not as pleasant as the next, but why give up? When I look back at yesterday, I realize how simple it was. We didn't eat fancy food. We didn't have live entertainment. We didn't spend a lot of money on sports equipment. We could probably have scaled back and had an even more simple get-together, and still have had a lot of fun. Life is a picnic, if we allow it to be.

Cora and Dan

A few months ago I wrote here about this incredible place in Chelsea, Michigan called Barn Sanctuary which the human pictured here, Dan McKernan, founded to  rescue, rehabilitate, and care for farm animal refugees.  I've been following their adventures, and am finally getting back here to say some more.

If you love animals, the stories on their website and their facebook page, will warm your heart.  Dan is a saint and seems to enjoy every single minute he spends with these lovely creatures.  He's not alone - his dad and a few others comprise the staff and then there are volunteers that help as well.  Oh and donations keep the place running.  I'm sure you can imagine that a LOT of money is needed, so if you are able, help them out.

Check out their blog too and https://www.barnsanctuary.org/blog/ and learn all kinds of things, including how to go vegan.  If the picture here of Cora and her beautiful cow eyes doesn't get you, I'm sure other stories from their website will melt your heart. 

I wish they were closer, I'd be there in a second!  Volunteer support is essential to the animals at Barn Sanctuary, and information is available concerning that as well as just about anything you might want to know, on their website.  For frequent updates, follow them on facebook too at https://www.facebook.com/thebarnsanctuary/

In Remembrance

Two years ago on this date, a very dear friend of mine passed away.  During his forty-two years of life, he made friends wherever he went, traveling to 43 countries and 47 US states, he was a man rich in faith, in ideas, and in compassion for others.  I hope the entire world will remember him with love, as I most certainly will remember him.

Great women and men live and die every day, doing marvelous deeds and making a difference in our world.  So many of them are never acknowledged.  That's not why they care - why they give back so much, but it would be nice if they could be remembered.

In Ecclesiasticus (called Sirach in some Bibles) it speaks of our ancestors in chapter 44 and says of them "Some of them have left behind a name, so that others declare their praise.  But of others there is no memory; they have perished as though they had never existed; they have become as though they had never been born, they and their children after them. But these also were godly men, whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten; Their offspring will continue for ever, and their glory will never be blotted out.  Their bodies are buried in peace, but their name lives on generation after generation."

Say the names of those we know.  Say Wilson, Teddy, Bill, Mary, Fay, Richard Jonathan, Eddie, Cindy, and Brian.  Say the names of the others too.  Think about all who have made a difference.  Hold in your mind the good memories of all who worked for good.  Of the ones we don't know and have never heard about, be aware that good women and man are always among us, and their hard work helped make a better world.

Pause for a moment today and help me remember my friend, and I will remember yours.  Please feel free to add names and positive memories in the comments section below.

Help in the midst of disaster

There have been so many natural disasters in the past week, and yesterday afternoon, another huge one - a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Central Mexico, just south of the city of Puebla.  Mexico City was hard hit,  The shaking was reported to have lasted about one minute - a very long time for an earthquake.  Over two hundred people died, and that number is expected to rise.  Watching the images on tv, I saw a very dire scene, but I also saw heroes.

Emergency workers were out in force and doing what they do so well.  They chose professions where they can help others and are heroes every day.  Joining them though were friends, neighbors, everyday folks who just pitched in.  Pictures of people digging through rubble and then finding survivors is so heartwarming. 

Almost immediately [people all over began putting together assistance for the Mexican people too.  Donations started pouring in and people volunteered to go there and help with the search and rescue and with rebuilding.

We will hear hundreds of stories of heroes in the days ahead, and let that encourage us.  Yes there is bad news, but there are also caring, loving people who give help in the midst of disaster.  Let's all be helpers.

Inspired by Ellen

Reading this daily, as I hope many of you do, you are already aware of my great admiration for Ellen DeGeneres.  She doesn't just talk about being kind, she IS kind, and she makes a difference every single day.  I'm sure she doesn't want me to talk about her as much as I do, but it's all true.

Ellen has helped out so many individuals and organizations on her daily talk show.  Sometimes it's hard for me to make it through her program without breaking into tears.  She not only gives away money and merchandise, but she brings needed attention to various causes.

We're not just talking about a brief segment on a television program though.  Ellen is a giver wherever she is and has supported  The Trevor Project, PETA, Habitat For Humanity, Project Cuddle, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Farm Sanctuary, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  Also It Gets Better Project, Love Our Children USA, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Artists Against Racism, Clothes Off Our Back, Stand Up To Cancer, Heifer International, and many others.

I'm not here to tell you to watch the Ellen DeGeneres program, but it's become a habit of mine (there's a lot of great entertainment on there too) and Ellen certainly is an inspiration.  As I mentioned before, it was her request that we all be kind to one another, that sparked me to writing my other blog about kindness.  She makes the word a better place and we all can be glad indeed that Ellen DeGeneres came our way!

More on Ellen

Ellen DeGeneres has been mentioned here in this space more often than any other person.  This blog is about making a difference in this world - about giving back, and there is no better example than Ellen.  I first applauded her courage in coming out, and I continue to be grateful for trailblazing efforts that have helped the lgbtq community.  At the same time I am grateful for her generosity and her great love and kindness.

Those of you who watch Ellen's television program, now in it's 15th season, know that she closes each program by saying  "Be kind to one another."  That was the inspiration for a second blog I write seven days a week, (HERE) all about kindness.

Yesterday, Ellen had me in tears once again as she introduced us to TunDe and Chris and shared their story of how they had changed each other's lives not once, but twice.  A huge gift was waiting for them both, and you could just see the joy!

"I have to say, It's a little strange to actually get an award for being nice and generous and kind which is what we're all supposed to do with one another," said Ellen in January of last year when she received the People's Choice Award for favorite humanitarian.  "That's the point of being a human." You can say that again!  Of course Ellen is actually superhuman!

Hand In Hand

The fury of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma has devastated much of our country, and watching the images on television and on social media is heartbreaking.  People have lost their lives, and so many who survived have lost loved ones and have lost their homes and their possessions.  The good news is that so many are willing to help.  Neighbor helping neighbor is such a wonderful image to see, especially when each is without property.  Seeing other join together is pretty wonderful too.  I'm seeing folks all over the country get involved.  How wonderful!

As I wrote here after Harvey, there are numerous organizations where you can donate money.  Some of my favorites are The Humane Society of the United States, American Red Cross, Episcopal Relief & Development, Lutheran Disaster Response, and AmeriCares.  Of course giving directly to local organizations in Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and other effected areas works too.  Be sure you are giving to legitimate agencies though - ones that are actually getting the funds to where they are needed.

Tonight there will be a huge fundraising effort on television.  Remember those tv telethons from years back?  Well this is going to be a good old fashioned telethon with celebrities and folks taking your contributions via telephone.  It begins at 8pm EDT and will be seen on numerous networks and on the internet.  With live performances from New York, Nashville, and Los Angeles, this is going to be a powerful program.  Called Hand in Hand, the telethon will be broadcast and then played again at 8pm for the west coast.  Telephone lines will be open all night.  I urge you to tune in and if able, to donate.

Hand in hand we can get through this.  Hand in hand we can make a difference and bring a brighter day for those who have lost so much.

More 9/11 Heroes

While it is important to always keep in our minds the horrible events that occurred sixteen years ago on this date, and to remember the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives after terrorists flew airplanes into the Pentagon and the World Trade Center and took over an additional plane that crashed in Pennsylvania, it is important that remember the others that day too. More than 6,000 people were injured.  The entire country was in a panic.  Even folks in others countries were effected by the events of that dark day and the worst terrorist attack in our country's history.

We have heard of the heroes of course, but it amazes me that I keep hearing of more and more heroes.  People pitching in and doing what they could to help - tragedy brings folks together.  Many of those who sprung into action and saved lives, did not survive themselves.  One of them was Welles Crowther, the man in the red bandana.  The passengers aboard the fourth aircraft, United Flight 93, overpowered their hijackers and brought the plane down, killing overyone onboard but saving countless lives at the intended target, believed to have been the US Capitol.  There was also Mychal Judge, a Franciscan friar who became the first certified fatality.

There are far more people who made a difference on that date than we could ever tell you about here.  If you do an internet search for "9/11 heroes" you will find numerous stories, or you can look up the people I already mentioned.   

Every year since that day, folks have gathered all across the country to remember.  It isn't the horror and the hate we want to remember, but rather all of those innocent people who were killed or injured, and all of those wonderful heroes.  Just the other day I heard from a man who was in the Pentagon at the time.  He was way over on the other side and was safe, but he recalls the many employees who kept running back inside to make sure everyone was safe.  Let us be thankful for our heroes.  Let us be thankful for those who make a difference in this world.

Firsts

Women make up more than half of the world's population, yet all too often they are still treated like second class citizens.  Many amazing accomplishments over the years have been by women and TIME is recognizing that with a list.  Specifically, it's a list of women who have been first at something, and the fortysix people listed include a mixture of liberals and conservatives, young and old, as well as different races and ethnicities.

Now I don't have anything to do with TIME magazine, and I am not writing this to promote them, but I did want you to look at who they selected.  Their complete list and a bit about each is HERE.  Most of the names I immediately recognized, but I must admit to not knowing a lot about some of them. The list includes Katharine Jefferts Schori, Nikki Haley, Barbara Walters, Madeleine Albright, Ellen DeGeneres, and Janet Yellen.  Also Rita Moreno, Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, Michelle Phan, Kellyanne Conway, and Rachel Maddow.  I like the diversity of jobs too - everything from a bishop to a comedian to a governor and some news reporters.

I have had the great honor of meeting some of these women and I'd sure love to meet more of them.  In case you haven't figured this out yet, I am quite a fan of people who make a positive difference in our world.  This isn't a perfect list by my standards - I might not have included a few who are there, and I can think of other great women who were the first to do various things.  What about you?  Can you think of some living women who were first at something that should be remembered in a list like this? 

Please hold off on any criticism about not mentioning men.  It seems to me that men are always getting recognized.  It's about time we did the same for women!

Introducing Keith Nguyen

Like many folks, I probably spend way too much time on facebook, but sometimes it pays off.  I just read a post from a guy in Texas named Keith Nguyen who is another Hurricane Harvey hero, and I'd like you to know all about him. 

With all the folks in need in the Houston area due to wind damage and flooding, there have been a lot of folks springing into action, and as I mentioned the other day, there are a LOT of heroes.  Keith is a unique hero though in that he doesn't seem to want any credit.  He has posted on his facebook page about donations and where they might be made and he told the story of his father Phe Nguyen and uncle Binh Nguyen, who own a restaurant, Sake Sushi Bar and Lounge in Port Arthur, TX that prepared a remarkable amount of food and served the first responders who have been out in the elements.

The picture here is part of the assembly-line process of preparing just some of the food that went out to those in need.  Keith posted on his facebook page that the restaurant staff and volunteers helped create over 1000 meals for victims, first responders, and other volunteers.  Wow!  That's not all though.  They did more.  I don't have all the details (my primary source of information has been Keith's facebook page, but I made a few phone calls to get verification).  I'd like to shake this guys hand though, because he writes that he'd love for his dad and uncle to be recognized and the staff and volunteers, but seems to shrug off any praise of his actions.

Reading posts on Keith Nguyen's facebook page, I see him offering kind words about a number of other individuals and organizations who have been making a difference.  He's correct.  Many have been helping, but when things return to normal, as they eventually will, I know a lot of people will be glad that Keith Nguyen came their way!

We called her Mother

The subject of films, books, and numerous articles, the woman born as Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, certainly made a difference in this world.  We called her Mother and in the Roman Catholic Church, she is now called a saint, but what Teresa of Calcutta did during her lifetime, is nothing short of amazing.

At the young age of 18 she went off to join a religious community.  Mother Teresa would spend the rest of her life teaching, ministering, and doing works of charity.  Interestingly, she was a citizen of several different countries during her lifetime, and was fluent in at least five languages: Bengali, Albanian, Serbian, English and Hindi.  She once said, "By blood, I am Albanian. By citizenship, an Indian. By faith, I am a Catholic nun. As to my calling, I belong to the world. As to my heart, I belong entirely to the Heart of Jesus."

 

Her deeds over the years were so many, that it would be impossible to list them all.  Mother Teresa was the most admired woman in the entire world according to poll after poll.  She was respected even by those who profess no faith at all.  There was sometimes controversy, especially for her anti-abortion position, but she encouraged people to think.

 

Following her death on this date in 1997, Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan called her "a rare and unique individual who lived long for higher purposes. Her life-long devotion to the care of the poor, the sick, and the disadvantaged was one of the highest examples of service to our humanity."  Mother Teresa was indeed someone who made a difference.

This Labor Day

Many folks these days don't get the significance of today's holiday. It isn't about that last summer picnic or the day before school begins (where I live school actually started way back in July anyway) and it isn't about sales at the mall and your favorite department stores. Today is about the worker and about the unions that have made our laborers strong. .

In past years I would go on this day to support my sister and brother workers on an informational picket line or at a business where workers were on strike.  I've also been part of special Labor Day marches and spent time with those who are out of work or underemployed.

It is because of organized labor unions that we generally have reasonable working hours, better wages, and safer working conditions. We can also be thankful for the health benefits most of us enjoy because of our labor unions.  Think of that today as you go about your activities.  

Labor Day is often called the unofficial end of summer, but instead of an end, let's think of it as a beginning - a start of better working conditions for us all. 

Blood cancer awareness

Have you heard of lymphoma (both Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s), myeloma, leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative neoplasms?  My mom had leukemia.  That's probably the one with which you are most familiar.  These are all blood cancers, and this month is dedicated to spreading information about them.

Blood Cancer Awareness Month is also a good time for me to remind you that this is personal for me.  I walk each year in the San Francisco Light the Night Walk, which benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  There are walks in many other cities, and one way you can make a difference is to signup and walk, sponsor a walker, or both.  (If you would like to sponsor me, just click HERE).

The general public doesn't know nearly enough.  For example, are you aware that blood cancers affect people of all ages?  It's true.  Recently the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society commissioned a survey and they found that nearly nine out of ten adults (86%) are surprised that there are no means for preventing or screening for most blood cancers.  Also, more than four in five adults (82%) are surprised that more than a third of blood cancer patients still do not survive five years after their diagnosis.  This is the kind of information that needs to be shared more freely.

The Light the Night Walk raises funds and also shares information.  Someday there will be no such thing as cancer.  Someday.  Wouldn't it be great if someday was today?  Get involved.  Together we can make it happen.

Harvey's Heroes

Amidst all the sad and horrible scenes of destruction we are seeing in Texas and Louisiana, left by Hurricane Harvey, we are also seeing so many heartwarming pictures as well, with countless heroes springing into action.  It always amazes me how tragedy can bind people together working for a common good.

Harvey is being called the worst disaster in Texas history, and full recovery is expected to take many years.  So far there are 50 confirmed deaths, numerous injuries, and property damage around $190 billion.  Many of the homeowners were not insured.  But as gloomy as the picture is, so many people are digging into their pockets and donating money to help folks they have never met.  I'm hearing stories of neighbor helping neighbor clean out their water-damaged properties.

The Humane Society of the United States, Catholic Charities USA, American Red Cross, Lutheran Disaster Response, United States Equestrian Federation, Episcopal Relief & Development, and AmeriCares, are just some of the organizations providing help to the victims of the storm.  Any one of these is a good place to donate if you want to help.  Some of these organizations also coordinate volunteers who want to go there (and other disaster sites) to help in the various ways needed such as public health, cleanup, and construction.

As time goes by, we are seeing more and more heroes.  I urge you to join them in whatever way you can.  Our country is strong and these people will rebuild, especially when we all pull together!

Stand with Texas

Now is not the time to argue about what Texas has done politically or they lifestyles of certain cities or what is liked or not liked about the Lone Star State.  When people are in trouble, the thing to do is to come to their aid.  Texas, and the Houston are in particular, is most certainly in trouble and they can use our help!

Right now they are still in the rescue phase.  Thousands have been trapped by the rising waters.  Relief is also important.  Shelters are in place and more may be needed.  Once everyone is safe and accounted for it will be easier to determine what additional assistance is going to be needed.  Then comes recovery and rebuilding.  Because of the severity of the damage, this could take a long time.  One thing that will determine how fast Houston comes back, is how many stand with her.  The more hands and the more money, the easier and faster the recovery.

The news keeps changing, so it is difficult for me to say with accuracy just how things are right now, but one thing is certain.  Texas can use our help.  Pray for them.  Donate for them.  Volunteer for them.  In other words, do something, if you are able.

Many organizations are working to help victims of Hurricane Harvey and I would suggest that you use a reputable group such as the American Red Cross, Team Rubicon, Catholic Charities USA, and Trusted World to make a donation. The Greater Houston Community Foundation is also taking donations.

The wrath of Harvey

Over the weekend the Gulf Coast felt the wrath of Hurricane Harvey, the first major hurricane to make landfall in the United States since Wilma in 2005 (which ended a record 12-year period with no hurricanes of Category 3 intensity).  Fortunately the winds did not cause the extreme damage that they might have, but the rain has been another matter.

There is intense flooding in Texas, especially in the Houston area.  I'm sure many of you have been watching on television and via social media.  The conditions have been heartbreaking.  While it is good to see how folks come together there with neighbor helping neighbor, Texas is going to need a lot more help.

What we are hearing right now is that money is of the most use.  Various organizations are setup to receive donations, and if you are able, I urge you to give.  I've seen a lot of negative comments on the internet about people thinking about the situation in Texas and offering prayers.  Some have said that "thoughts and prayers are useless."  I disagree.  There is never a bad time to think good thoughts about those in need and there is certainly never a bad time to pray.

Harvey made landfall with wind gusts up to 132 mph, causing property damage and knocking out power, but then came the rain.  Texas got the worst of it, but the storm still poses a threat to Louisiana.  As horrible as it has all been, the stories of heroes have certainly been beacons of hope!

The sun ain't gonna shine

As everyone already knows, the moon will photobomb the sun for a while today, and will cause the sky to darken completely within a 70-mile-wide band that begins in Oregon and extends southeast across the country to South Carolina, with Nashville being the major city to experience the event, the.first total solar eclipse in the US since 1979.  If you are not within that area, you still may experience a dramatic partial eclipse, or you can simply watch on television.

 

Over the weekend, I read a lot about this spectacular happening and watched video, including Frank Reynolds' coverage of the last one.  (Reynolds, by the way, was an outstanding newsman, and someone I can say made a huge difference in our world).  I found it interesting that we will experience another total eclipse in just seven years, whereas the last one was thirty-eight years ago.  Oh and I learned that eclipses don't all last the same amount of time.  For this one, much of the country will experience the eclipse for about an hour and a half, but the peak of the eclipse will last only for about two minutes and 40 seconds.
 

Of course none of this has anything to do with making a difference in the world.  I thought some of you might be interest, but it really is off-subject.  Please forgive me.  I'm sure there are a lot of cool stories related to this, and some might include actual heroes - people who really do make a difference.  Maybe you would like to share one in the comments section below.  Meanwhile, I hear my radio playing "the sun ain't gonna shine anymore" and "Total eclipse of the heart."  Let's make this a great day!

Jeff Adachi is a hero

Jeff Adachi is a hero. He is indeed making a difference in this world. There. I said it upfront in case you don't want to read this all the way through, but I can tell you more.

Adachi, the elected Public Defender for San Francisco County, oversees an office with over 150 staff, including 100 lawyers. He's not just the manager though. You will just as likely see him in the courtroom, fighting for his client. I just read that he has tried over 100 jury trials. He does what every attorney should do, but what so many don't. He looks out for those he represents. 

 

There's also Jeff Adachi the film maker. Check out The Slanted Screen, You Don't Know Jack: The Jack Soo Story, and America Needs a Racial Facial to find out what I mean.  This would especially be a good week to check out that last one, an eight minute film about race in this country.  (The other ones are noteworthy too, dealing with the underrepresentation of Asian actors in the US film industry).

Adachi is an annual participant in the LGBT Pride Parade in San Francisco and a huge group from his office usually accompanies him.  You'll also see him on the evening news, speaking out whenever there is a local injustice, and raising his voice to see that justice prevails.

I could easily go on and on about how this man has made a difference in the lives of many, as an attorney, a film producer, and an activist, but trust me - Jeff Adachi is a hero.  Our world could use more folks like him!

Disgusted by the hatred

This was not a weekend to be proud of.  On Friday night, things began with a large group of white men carrying torches though the University of Virginia  campus in what they called a “pro-white” demonstration, protesting plans to remove a statue of the Confederate General Robert E. Lee. It quickly spiraled into violence Saturday morning and at least three lives were lost.  Many voiced opinions over the weekend, but none have condemned the hatred as strongly as Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe.

On Saturday morning, Governor McAuliffe declared a State of Emergency saying in part "It is now clear that public safety cannot be safeguarded without additional powers, and that the mostly out-of-state protesters have come to Virginia to endanger our citizens and property. I am disgusted by the hatred, bigotry and violence these protesters have brought to our state over the past 24 hours. The actions I have taken are intended to assist local government and restore public safety."

On social media there were some who made jokes.  Seriously.  How can hatred and prejudice be funny?  Some leaders made statements, but didn't condemn the hate and the violence.  There were Confederate and Nazi flags and salutes and there were even supportive messages from the Ku Klux Klan.  Terry McAuliffe was quick to condemn all of the violence and hatred.  "You pretend that you are patriots, but you are anything but a patriot," McAuliffe said, with Charlottesville's mayor and police chief beside him.  "We are stronger than you," he added, speaking to white nationalists.  "You have made our commonwealth stronger. You will not succeed. There is no place for you here."

The Democratic Governor would be heard from several times over the weekend.  There were counter protests as well.  There was a lot of anti-hate comments on social media, but will that translate into action?  It is clear that a huge racism problem exists.  Will the haters be driven away though or will everyone just forget about it in a day or so?  Governor McAuliffe said he was "disgusted by the hatred."  Shouldn't we all be disgusted?

"You are not patriots," Governor McAuliffe said at his press conference. "You came here today to hurt people and that is not patriotic.  My message is clear.  We are stronger than you. You will not succeed. There is no place for you here and there is no place for you in America."  Governor McAuliffe should inspire us all - there should never be a place for hatred in America.

A trip to Barn Sanctuary

Animals are such wonderful creatures. I've always enjoyed the visits I have made to farms and to the woods where all kinds of animals exist in a nice peaceful setting.  I've written here before about the importance of treating all animals with decency and respect, but I want to mention the Barn Sanctuary, which I just heard about.

Now generally I like to have a lot of information about any organization I write about, but I just couldn't wait.  I saw a tv news report and immediately said "What a great idea!"  It seems that in Chelsea, Michigan there is now a place that provides shelter to cows, horses, turkeys, pigs, chickens, ducks, sheep, and goats who have been rescued from cases of abuse, abandonment, and from natural disasters.  I watched videos and pictures on their facebook page, and my heart melted.

As I said, I don't know a lot about them, but I intend to find out more.  They do have a website at https://www.barnsanctuary.org/ that does a great job of telling their story and how we can all get involved.   I'd love to take a trip there, and they will soon be open to the public.  Until then, be kind to all animals.  They deserve our love and respect just as much as humans do.

Gentle on my mind

The incredible singer, songwriter, musician, tv host, and actor, Glen Campbell died yesterday morning at memory care facility in Nashville.  We will remember him for "Gentle on My Mind," "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," "Wichita Lineman," "Galveston," "Rhinestone Cowboy," "Southern Nights," and many other hit songs.  We will of course remember "The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour" on television, along with his many other tv appearances and his film roles in "True Grit" and "Norwood."  To say that Glen Campbell brought joy to people for many years, would be an understatement. 

Campbell is forever been known for his final years as well.  It was inn June of 2011 that he announced that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.  At a time when most people would want privacy, especially celebrities, Campbell let the world have a glimpse of this disease and how it was effecting him.  We also heard reports from friends and family members and listened to him perform one more time.  Campbell's courage in revealing his illness brought more attention to Alzheimer's.

Please go to http://alz.org/ to learn more about the disease and what is being done.  This is an organization that Glen Campbell supported.  A donation in his honor would certainly be appropriate.

All day yesterday, tributes came from performers and others who had worked with Campbell over the years or who had been touched by his talent.  Please feel free to add your own memories in the comments section below.  Also, donations can be made to the Glen Campbell Memorial Fund, by clicking HERE.  Forever he will be gentle on my mind.

An unlikely combination of heroes

Rare is the day when I say something political here.  That's not the purpose of this blog after all.  We're here to talk about heroes and about making a difference.  How I wish there were more people in elected office who were true heroes, who were making a difference, but that's another matter.  Something happened last night in the US Senate that I simply must mention here.

Back when Barack Obama was President, the Affordable Care Act was passed and went into effect, controlling health care costs, creating expand access to coverage, and improving health care quality, among other things.  The law, often referred to as ObamaCare, is not perfect, but it does something important that had not been done before - it allows for health coverage for so many who would otherwise be without.  The current administration wants to do away with this law, which would result in millions of people losing their coverage.

Now I happen to think that everyone should be able to have basic health care and the battle in Washington, DC these past seven months has really exasperated me.  Last night in the US Senate, three Republicans, joined with the Democrats, and voted no on the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, saving millions of Americans from the disaster of no health care.

Voting along party lines has become all too common, despite what constituents may say.  Sometimes I'm sure we must wonder if politicians are even able to think.  Last night though, two women and a man, voted in the opposite way of their 97 colleagues.  Three senators might indeed have been an unlikely combination of heroes, but their demonstration of bravery and integrity made a difference.  I'd certainly love to see more behavior like this!

In equal service

The whole idea of exclusion is a foreign concept to me, so when President Donald Trump announced yesterday that the US military will not allow transgender individuals to serve “in any capacity,” I immediately began shaking my head.  The military had excluded gays from service, even though many secretly served.  Other countries had gay men and women in their military and it just didn't make sense that we should say no, so I marched and protested with others, and I know this blog is NOT about me, but it is about justice and equality and it just is not right to exclude.

We finally won and gay men and women are now able to openly serve in the armed forces.  The earth did not stop rotating.  There were no ill effects.  Under President Barack Obama, a new policy allowing transgender service members to openly serve finally gave our military the equality that had been lacking.

Then came yesterday's announcement.

Now I cannot tell you how many transgender servicemembers there are, but the number is in the thousands.  I have seen no evidence that their service on the whole has been anything less than positive.  There are even some outstanding examples.  Although the White House said this is a military decision, I must disagree.  This is a political decision and it is a decision based in prejudice.  "Let's treat the other person differently."  NO!  That's not what America is about.

Why are so many people concerned about the gender identity of others?  What business is it of anyone?  Seriously.  Think about it long and hard.  How does the gender of another person effect you?  Even if you have a problem with someone else transitioning (which is really none of your business), at the end of the day only one thing is important here.  We are talking about human beings and every single human being deserves to be treated equally and fairly. 

Retired US Army Lieutenant General Mark Hertling called President Trump's military ban on transgender troops "mean to people who have volunteered to serve their country."  I agree.  There is just no other way to describe it, but sadly there are those who are in agreement with the ban.  When did we become such a mean nation.  Let's get back to kindness and fairness and back to "liberty and justice for all."

Good cop Good cop

The other day, Stanley Roberts, a reporter at San Francisco tv station KRON4, told the story of two San Jose, CA police officers who did a wonderful kind act.  In the course of their day, they came upon an elderly man who according to Roberts was "distraught and visibly upset...nearly in tears."  After patiently questioning him, they found he had just lost a son and that earlier in the year, another son had passed away.  Pretty bad, huh?  To make matters worse, this poor old man could not afford to make the trip to his son's funeral. 

Now you might expect that these police officers would at this point, have wished the gentleman well and been on their way, but as Stanley Roberts tells the story, they went way beyond what might be expected.  Immediately they made reservations for the man to fly to the funeral, paying for his round-trip fare and also paying for his ride to the airport.  They apparently didn't even make mention of this deed.  It was someone else who spilled the beans, and the story continues now to be retold.

So many police officers go way beyond their job requirements.  The San Francisco police recently tweeted about two of their officers who rescued a Canadian Goose who had been spooked after stepping into traffic.  It was another heartwarming story about two cops.  I could fill page after page with such stories, because there really are a lot of good cops, despite the negative reports we too often hear.

Now, I'm not saying all cops are perfect and that there is never any abuse of power.  Sadly that simply isn't the case.  Let's hear more about those good cops though.  I know there are a LOT of powerful stories and I invite you to share ones that you know of, in the comments section below. 

Circle the Wagons

It was a few years back when a California woman received her cancer diagnosis and she was determined to beat it.  Early treatment was successful, but earlier this year the cancer returned and this time it had the upper hand.  Doctors were not optimistic. 

As this year began, a southern California man had a scary situation.  He suffered a brain hemorrhage and then was in a coma.  This vibrant young man lay helpless in a hospital bed with an unknown future.  Friends and family members came and were by his side.

Both of these stories are true.  In both cases a cry went out to circle the wagons - to unite for the common cause of helping a beloved person return to health.  People not only gathered in person but hundreds sent messages and posted on social media.  People cared.  As it became obvious that the woman would die, the love and the prayers continued to flow.  She passed away a few days ago, and her husband has already commented how helpful all of the prayers and concern have been.

The young man has a happier ending to his story.  Actually, it isn't an ending but a new beginning.  He was just discharged but now faces a lot of rehabilitation.  He was on the brink of death and for weeks he didn't walk or talk, but now he's on the mend.  A great encouragement along the way has been all the folks who came to visit and all the prayers.  Over 400 people kept tabs on him via facebook.  Wow!  He and his mother have said how grateful they are for all the concern, in fact at his discharge he wrote "Thanks for the thoughts, love, support and prayers."

When we circle the wagons, we can do incredible things.  Just our presence can be pretty wonderful to folks who need us.  Of course we don't have to wait for a crisis.  How wonderful it is to be there for others even when all is going well.

Let's keep walking

Over the weekend, the 30th annual AIDS Walk San Francisco, a 10k fundraising walk to fight the epidemic will take place with money raised benefitting Project Inform, Project Open Hand, a pilot program on HIV and aging at San Francisco General Hospital Ward 86, and more than 40 Bay Area AIDS service organizations.  It's a huge deal and one where you find lots of heroes.

The very first AIDS Walk was back on July 28, 1985 in Los Angeles where $673,000.was raised.  The next year was the first AIDS Walk in New York City and over 4,500 walkers raised $710,000.  It was 1987 when I got involved with the first event in San Francisco.  Now there are AIDS Walks in cities large and small, all raising funds for HIV/AIDS organizations in their area.

If I look for examples of people making a difference, here it is!  Volunteers doing all sorts of things, the walkers of course, and all of the sponsors and donors.  I've mentioned this year-after-year, because it's important, and I'll continue talking about it until there's a cure.  If you want to walk, you can still participate in the San Francisco event this Sunday morning.  If you would like to donate, I'd be thrilled to have you as a sponsor!  You can sponsor me HERE and also click the links to find out how to walk.  If you are in another area, find out about AIDS Walk near where you live and get involved!

I'm sometimes amazed that folks are less and less aware of AIDS than when these walks first began.  We need to share information.  Let's stay involved.  Let's end any suffering and any stigma.  Let's keep walking.

some summertime notes

First time here?  Well you are certainly welcome!  Usually I write here about those folks in our world who are making things better - the heroes in our lives - the people who make a difference.  Sometimes I write about how we can all follow their lead.  Every single one of us can make a difference you know.  Today, I have a few notes to share.

Apparently folks do read this.  Last week I wrote about a local bus driver and later in the week I received a lovely email from the superintendent for the transit system which read in part "We are all very saddened that her had to leave so abruptly, but it will be a good move for her. I appreciate your kind words and I’m certain that it will mean a lot to her to know that she made such an impact."  Well it meant a lot to me to hear these kind words.

Oh and speaking of kindness, I also write a blog about kindness and you can find that seven days a week at http://ofbeingkind.blogspot.com/ - feel free to leave some kind words there for me.  Oh you can do the same here as well.  Right below, there is a space for your comments.

Some of the people I have written about, I keep on hearing more from various sources.  I especially like hearing stories about Chieh Huang.  This guy is making a huge difference (he's the CEO of boxed.com) and I know we are going to keep hearing great things about him.  I'm sure some of you have heroes in your life.  Let me hear about them.  Seriously.  Let's tell the whole world about the wonderful things some people do.  I hope to hear from you soon.