Changes

Changes are coming.  Tonight we say goodbye to 2018.  Tomorrow begins a brand new month and a brand new year.  There is always a difference when a new year begins.  Hopefully the differences will be good ones. 

 

One change will be right here.  When I began this over ten years ago, I wrote about people making a difference and ways we all can give back, and I posted something every single day.  I became extremely busy and dropped weekend posts though and sometimes there are significant things to say on a Saturday or Sunday, so no more days off.  This is again seven days a week.

 

I write another blog and do that every day, so it should be really easy to do one right after the other every morning.  That other one is short each day and it is about kindness.  I don't plan on any changes there.

 

Oh course change in our life is not always planned.  Sometimes there are surprises.  Let us do our best though in 2019 to have good things and to do good for others.  Let's plan to truly make a difference in this world.  Oh and since I am now writing this every day, I hope you will be reading.  I hope you will tell your friends too!

Christmas greetings

On this eleventh time together for Christmas, I'm not going to repeat the many things I have said here in Christmases past, but I do want to send warm wishes to you all and again thank you for reading this blog.

 

Today is the occasion when folks give out presents more than any other day.  You have given me a wonderful present by reading my words here and occasionally even leaving comments.  Your participation urges me to be a better person and so I want to thank you for that as well.

 

It warms my heart to hear the positive stories about people giving back and making a difference.  How wonderful that our world has so many givers.  May we always want to give and to help others and may the spirit of this wonderful season last us through the entire year!

92 Years Ago

It was 92 years ago on this date that Mom was born.  She left us five years ago but not until she had given my sister and I a lifetime of wonderful memories.  She was kind and honest and such a good role model.  This blog would not exist if it weren't for her.  I remember reading some of my posts to her and getting her approval.

 

Last night, I was thinking about her and how I would love to see her smile once again.  Since I cannot, it would be so nice if I could at least visit her final resting place.  I tweeted that and a stranger who happens to live in that area, said he would go and visit!  Imagine that.

 

During this holiday season, we gather together with families and friends.  Cherish those moments.  Tell people you love them.  Don't have regrets later on.  Be kind and loving and accept the love of others.  Oh and your mom, let her know what she means to you.  If she has passed already, take a moment and think about her and all she gave you.  Held your special friends in your thoughts as well.

Hero of the day

You probably noticed there is no picture today.  I am also posting later than usual.  That's because I am not doing this from my usual space.  Helping out today is someone who is letting me use her tablet.  She is my hero of the day!

 

Do you have a hero of the day?  Is there someone who makes a difference in your life?  Tell us about them in the comments below.  I'm hearing about a lot of heroes during this festive time of year.  How great it would be to keep that spirit going 365 days!  I know I said some of this yesterday, and I don't mean to be repeating, but it's important.

 

I also want to mention another hero who passed away yesterday.  William Newsom, a retired California appellate court justice and father of Lt Gov Gavin Newsom, died at the age of 84. He was a steadfast believer in rehabilitation for felons and served in several capacities in the criminal justice system.  Our condolences to the entire Newsom family.

Mr Wilson made a difference

By now you have heard about the great kindness of Bob Wilson.  In the past few days, the story have been reported on network radio and television, in major newspapers, and on the internet.  I need to say something here too because this is just the kind of thing I started this blog to talk about.  Mr Wilson warmed my heart and warmed many others as well.

 

If you haven't heard, the city of Paradise, 10 miles east of Chico and 85 miles north of Sacramento in California's Sierra Nevada foothills, was almost entirely wiped out last month by an enormous fire that also claimed much of the area, including adjacent Concow.  As the city of 27,000 residents lay in ruins, people started reaching out to them.  I've heard a number of stories about people lending a hand.  When I heard about businessman Bob Wilson though, I was amazed. 

 

Here's the incredible story:  Wilson wrote a check for $1,000 for every single student and teacher at Paradise High School, as well as the entire administration and staff.  He even included the school bus drivers.  On Tuesday, which happened to be Giving Tuesday, he went to Paradise and delivered the checks himself.  Needless to say, he did a lot of good.

 

Not everyone has money in that amount.  We frequently want to do great things, but think we lack the resources.  All of us can do something though.  Sometimes it means giving up a little time and doing so hard work.  Sometimes it means skipping that afternoon coffee and pastry and giving the money to someone who needs it more.  Sometimes it means dipping deep into our pocket.  Mr Wilson did an incredible thing this week.  Mr Wilson made a difference.

Give today

Today is Giving Tuesday. It happens each year on the Tuesday right after Thanksgiving, which is today. Many organizations rely on this day for a huge chunk of their income, so we're talking big time giving here folks. I know that money doesn't grow on trees, but there are so many worthy charities out their that can use a hand, and I hope that some of you can oblige.

We have a wonderful sense of gratitude each year on Thanksgiving Day and then we turn to corporate greed on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Supposedly we are buying gifts for others, but how many of us really are and how many of us are spending money we cannot even afford? Besides money though, we can give of our time and we can share the information with others.

 

You would be amazed how much good you can do!  It doesn't have to be huge amounts either because your donations are added to those of others and together the collection can be quite impressive.  Not sure who is most deserving?  Check out the Giving Tuesday website at https://www.givingtuesday.org/ and see the many ways you can get involved.

 

Don't think you cannot afford to participate.  Giving Tuesday is not for rich people, it is for all people.  As I said, there are a lot of ways to participate and donating money does not have to mean donating large sums.  The important thing is involvement.  Join me, won't you?

Clothing the world

When you think of the basic needs of life, shelter and food immediately come to mind.  There is a third very important need too, and that is clothing.  Some of us have WAY more than we need, while others can hardly cover themselves.  There are shelters for the homeless and meal programs too, but we don't hear as much about the clothing.

 

Years ago I belonged to a church that had a large barrel into which members of the parish would dump their clean unneeded clothing.  It was pretty simply.  You emptied your closets of things you no longer needed or wanted and brought them to the barrel.  We visitors came to the church they searched through the barrel for things that might work for them.  Of course there was no charge.  Some places with sufficient space have more elaborate programs where clothes are sorted and placed on tables, shelves, and racks and in addition to receiving donations from members, they also do clothing drives, seeking to increase their inventory with donations from around the neighborhood.

 

I recently heard about some wonderful organizations that are also helping to clothe the world.  One is called World Clothesline and I invite you to visit their website to find out more about them http://www.worldclothesline.com/ - you can buy some really nice things, which also helps them to reach more people. They match every item sold with a new item for someone in need.

 

Stores operated by The Society of St Vincent De Paul, Goodwill, Out Of the Closet, and others sell clothes at very reduced prices.  Often they will have brand new, never before worn clothing.  They rely on donations too.

 

So here is the word I have used over and over - donation.  These clothing programs work because people donate.  So it comes down to all of us.  We have the power to cloth the world.  We simply have to do something.  Oh donations can come in many forms.  We can give our own clothes or collect clothes from others.  We can donate money to help pay for necessary supplies or to buy new clothes.  We can also donate our time to help make these programs run.  So let's all pitch in - we can clothe the world - we can change the world!

We can end hunger

We are just weeks away from the annual feast in the United States, where most folks eat too much and where the refrigerator is filled with leftovers at the end of the day. On Thanksgiving, families gather together, and friends do too, and the day brings out a lot of generosity, especially when it comes to food. Good things for sure. If we did that year round though, I really think we could actually end hunger.

For roughly a month every year, there is a big push to collect canned goods for those in need. Certainly a good thing. Some places do this all the time, but give it more attention around Thanksgiving. In addition, there are many places that serve free Thanksgiving meals to those who can't afford it. Aren't those folks just as hungry right now though? Did anyone be serve free meals in honor of Halloween last month?  How about Veterans Day next week?  There are needy hungry people all the time, not just on Thanksgiving.

I'm not trying to put down the good work that is being done, but I am suggesting that we might stretch it to cover more territory. Are there any hot meal programs in your community? Do they cover each day of the week? I heard once of a small town in upstate New York, where four churches were within two blocks of each other, and together they decided to do meals each Monday through Thursday rotating through each of their churches. The remaining local church heard about this and joined in taking on Fridays. A local synagogue stepped up and agreed to do Sunday meals since the other faith communities were otherwise busy that day. All that remained was Saturdays and the local community center gave the use of their kitchen to a youth organization, who served meals then. Together, several different groups came together and filled a need.

Working together can be a big deal. Perhaps you are the one who can get the ball rolling. I'm proud to know several different people who have organized various food programs, and I can tell you, they do make a difference!

Eiffel Tower Principle

If you have ever been to Paris, you know that the Eiffel Tower is visible just about everywhere, with one exception.  You cannot see the Eiffel Tower when you get inside it.  In our world there are many problems, but the best way to deal with them and to effect change, is just like the famous landmark.  You have to get inside.

 

Okay so I know that wasn't the best analogy, but my point is that for the past couple of years there has been a lot of moaning about the US Federal government.  I hear ya.  Things certainly need to be better.  Always complaining though and never doing anything, does not bring about positive change.  What does?  Getting involved!  We need to get inside the workings of our local, state, and federal governments, and we need to be involved.  One huge way to do this is to VOTE.

 

Making sure people are heard, you might want to do more than cast your own personal vote.  Take a few minutes to call, text, or email your friends and urge them to get out and vote too.  If you are able, offer to take people out to the polls.  After Election Day, continue to be involved too.  Attend meetings, make phone calls, write letters - get inside all that is going on in your community and help make the decisions.  It will feel good when you see progressive changes, and you WILL see them if you are there.

The necessities of life

We talk about the necessities of life, food, clothing, and shelter and there is a lot of discussion about people being homeless or hungry, but we don't say as much about clothing. If we are really going to change the world, we need to wipe out homelessness, hunger, and lack of clothing - all three.

There is no easy solution of course. If there were, the problem would have been solved long ago. Large cities do have shelters and that might ease the problem, but it doesn't solve it. There are more food and hot meal programs in larger cities too. What about something to wear? Although there are clothing drives, that doesn't seem to be addressed as much. I've lived in places where there were clothing donation bins in public places and civic organizations and churches often have occasional collections.

What do people donate though? Let me tell you this - a shirt full of holes or a dress with the zipper missing isn't much use to a homeless person. They usually don't have access to sewing supplies and equipment. Donating shoes that are worn out or pants so thread bare that you can read the newspaper through them, doesn't do a lot of good. If you have old shoes and clothes that are ugly and worn out, throw them away! If you want to donate clothes but don't really have anything that is appropriate, consider making a purchase at a low-cost store and donating them. You might also consider volunteering for an organization that supplies clothing to those in need. While the need for clothes in this organizations is obvious, they are often in need of folks to help them collect and distribute.

There are also a number of organizations across the country that deal with clothing for those who are in need. Goodwill is a good place to start. There is also http://www.clothingdonations.org/

Brought to you by the letter G

Today's blog entry is brought to you by the letter G (as in good).  There is good all around us.  More and more people are doing good things!  Since that's what we write about here, it's really pretty exciting - we have so much more to talk about!

Along the way we always like hearing from you.  Tell us about the good in your lives.  Tell us what you think of all this good.  Share your stories of good in our world. 

I certainly don't know about all the people out there making a difference, so help me out and bring us your stories too! Tell us about some of those especially inspiring good people that you know.  We really need to share this good!

I could use a hand

When I first started writing this blog ten years ago, I lived in a major city and was involved in numerous community activities.  I was also a media person and had access to a lot of daily information.  I posted here initially every single day instead of just on weekdays.  These days I live in a smaller town, away from a lot of the things I write about and often don't hear about things in a timely manner.  Although I have no intention of stopping this blog, it has become a bit more difficult and I sure could use a hand!

 

Who is making a difference in this world besides all the major names we hear about in the national media?  How are the heroes who are giving back?  What stories am I missing?  Is there a hero in YOUR life?  Making our world a better place is something very important to me and I want to continue telling about folks who do that and offer suggestions about how we all can make a difference, but I am not the ultimate authority.  There is so much to say that just isn't occurring to me, so can you help?

 

Right below these posts every day is a comments section and you are always welcome to write something there, but right now I am especially asking for a word or two about the stories I am missing.  Take a moment and tell me some stories.  I am very interested in knowing about those hometown heroes who are doing good things and helping to make our world better, so let me know a little bit about them.  Thanks so much, and thanks for reading!

Live for something greater

Just what does it mean to live for something greater?  Think about it for a moment.  Are we talking about great accomplishments?  Are we talking about a greater power?  Are we talking about a set of values?  What do you think?

 

I write a lot about hometown heroes and to me, those are the folks who live for something greater.  It might not have been something they thought about or planned, but by their actions or by their words, they made a difference and it was something that endures.

 

Do you want you live to be infancy, school, work, retirement, and then death with no great milestones along the way?  Well most of us don't.  It's human nature to do new things and along the way to become more and more popular and to have more and more friends.  Although we know we cannot live forever, many of us want something we do or say to last beyond our time on this earth.  That's what motivates them to do great things.

 

The motivations can be many.  There need not be just one answer to my above questions.  How about if we all strive to live for something greater!

Adapt a shelter animal

Looking for an animal to add to your household?  Consider adopting a shelter animal.  I have written here a number of times about pet adoption, but you really cannot say enough.  It is one of those win-win situations - there are many advantages.  Click HERE for some general information from the Humane Society.

A word or two about shelters (which some refer to as the "pound," short for impoundment).  Animal shelters provide a safe and caring environment until the animal is either reclaimed by its owner or adopted by a new owner.  While we often hear about shelters euthanizing animals (and this does indeed happen in many public shelters when animals are not adopted with a certain time period), most private shelters are run as no-kill shelters.

Animals deserve love and affection though.  Just because they are not going to be euthanized, does not mean they should continue in a shelter.  Yes, they generally are well feed and provided for, but animals deserve more than that.  They deserve love and attention.  In return, they usually GIVE love and attention to their care-givers.

Ask your co-workers.  Talk to your friends.  Do a little reading.  I'm certain that everything you hear about adopting a shelter animal will say the same thing.  It will warm your heart and it will warm theirs too!

speaking with your wallet

As an expression of protest or disfavor with products, services, policies, or organizations, boycotts can accomplish a lot.  Usually the things I write about here are positive ones - suggestions about doing various things that will make a difference.  Sometimes though, simply NOT doing something can make a difference.  Not eating in a certain restaurant or not shopping in certain stores or not buying certain products can speak volumes.

 

A personal boycott might not do much, especially if nobody realizes you are boycotting.  There is always more strength in numbers and it is more helpful when you let it be known that you are protesting a particular policy or program or whatever your reason for the boycott might be.

 

For a long time I refused to go to a certain restaurant where I had been treated very badly.  On principle I of course should not go back there unless there is some kind of apology and amendment of policy, but by personal boycott wasn't making them change - they didn't even know I was boycotting.  When I finally realized this, it became clear that I also needed to communicate the problem that had occurred and to involve others.

 

If I disagree with the actions a company takes, whether they are small or huge, it makes no sense for me to give them my money.  It makes no sense for anyone to give them their money!  This is when we should be speaking with our wallets.  If an organization is anti-gay or anti-women or if it is racist or if it bullies or any number of other things that I disagree with, I boycott.  I urge you to be informed and to let your wallets do the talking too!

Working Together to Prevent Suicide

We hear about the death of a favorite performer and then hear that they died at their own hand.  A friend or relative dies suddenly and there are whispers that he took his life, but shh don't talk about it.  Well we need to talk about it and that is what today is about.

An estimated one million people per year die by suicide or about one person in 10,000.  Suicide rates in the United States have risen nearly 30 percent since 1999 according to the Centers For Disease Control.  The CDC also says that nearly 45,000 people in the US died by suicide in 2016. (Numbers for last year are incomplete).

Every September, the month is used to focus on prevention and awareness and World Suicide Prevention Day is a special awareness day observed on September 10th every year.  It should not just be when a friend or famous person dies.  We need to remember that it can happen any time to any person.  Think about those numbers.  We can get them lower, but we need to focus on it and we need to care about it.  Human beings can do anything.  This year's theme, "Working Together to Prevent Suicide," really says it all.  We need to work together.

 

Putting an end to hate and bullying is a great place to start.  Openly talking about our feelings is important too.  Nobody should ever feel like they are alone.  Reach out.  Be present.  Get involved.  Talk to professionals.  Find out other ways to help from The Trevor Project at https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ and take note of the National Suicide Prevention Hotline HERE.

Hooray for Colin

Yesterday Nike announced that they will make Colin Kaepernick the face of their "Just Do It" 30th anniversary campaign and while I joined in the cheering of many, there were also the crazies who once again felt the need to tear down Mr Kaepernick.  I don't get it.  The man is a hero - I have said that before right here. 

 

For those who still think that Colin Kaepernick dislikes this country, it's flag, or the military, let me share with you once again his own words:  "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color." He went on saying "To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."

 

There have already been protests against Nike and against Colin and folks showing pictures of coffins and cemeteries saying "This is what a real hero looks like."  Seriously?  Some think you have to be dead to be a hero?  Folks there is no cookie-cutter type hero out there.  How wonderful it is that they don't all have to be the same!  A hero though is someone who makes a difference for the better, and that certainly is the case for Colin Kaepernick.  To quote Jason Chu's song Marvels,  "We become heroes because of what makes us human."

 

When I see pictures of Colin looking into the face of his mother Teresa, I see love.  When I see Colin kneeling on the sidelines, I see love.  When I see Colin on stage speaking to children, I see love.  This is not a man who hates his country.  This is a man who loves his country that he wants to make it better.  He has already done so much.  Listen to him my friends.  Cheer him on and join him. 

Do what you can

My sister loves playing and watching tennis and so naturally she was a big fan of Arthur Ashe.  Somehow his name came up talking to her the other day and I began thinking about how he was not only a tennis great, but a great inspiration in so many ways.  I hope he will always be remembered. 

 

It's been over twenty five years since he died from AIDS-related pneumonia, but his accomplishments on the tennis court, his memorable statements, his civil rights activism, and his heart disease and AIDS advocacy stand as a huge monument to a great man who made a great difference. His three-volume book titled A Hard Road to Glory: A History of the African-American Athlete, is a very interesting read and his memoir Days of Grace takes a wonderful look at just who Arthur Ashe was.

 

So much of his life is inspiring, but if I had to take just one thing, I would look to some very wise words he once said. "Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can."

The Gospel According to Herb Caen

Herb Caen, the late newspaper columnist (who wrote for The San Francisco Chronicle and earlier for The San Francisco Examiner) was one of those people who made a difference in this world, mostly through his writing. When I picked up the morning paper, I went immediately to his daily column. A while back I reprinted here a column of his from back in April of 1991. This morning I thought I would share it again.  This is one you might even  want to share with friends.

Scene: The Heavenly Real Estate Office. The Landlord is cheerily rounding up a covey of blazing comets that have skittered under Queen Casseopera's Chair. His business agent, Gabriel, enters, his Golden Trumpet in one hand and more reports from the tiny planet Earth in the other.
 

Landlord: (to the Comets) Come out from under there, you little scamps, before you set the whole galaxy on fire.

Gabriel: Excuse me sir. Another batch of prayergrams from your most devout Christians.

Landlord: (waving a hand) Whatever they want, Gabriel. Now where did those freaky devils get to?

Gabriel: Yes sir, they want you to evict ten percent of your tenants down there. (Raising his Golden Trumpet) I've never attempted a partial eviction. Shall I try?

Landlord: (looking up) What ten percent, Gabriel?

Gabriel: The gays, sir. Your devout Christians say they've done their utmost to keep them out of their schools, their offices, their churches, and their lives, but with little success. So their prayergrams ask you to remove them from the face of your Earth.

Landlord: To me Gabriel, that doesn't sound very Christian. I thought they were supposed to love their neighbors.

Gabriel: Oh they do sir, if their neighbors are of the same color, economic bracket, and sexual orientation.

Landlord: But what harm do these gay people do?

Gabriel: I'm afraid you're not seeing the big picture, sir. Gays simply don't fit into your grand design. You know, two by two, male and female? Generation after generation? The fact of the matter is that gays simply don't procreate.

Landlord: I thought there was enough procreation down there already.


Gabriel: And they commit unspeakable acts.

Landlord: Murder? Torture? Paving over my mountain meadows?

Gabriel: Unspeakable sexual acts, sir.

Landlord: Ah, you mean they express their love for each other in different ways.

Gabriel: (annoyed) Really sir! If these people were automobiles, they'd be recalled in a nonce. They're clearly defective.

Landlord: (frowning) Defective, Gabriel?

Gabriel: Exactly sir. Some essential part if missing; some vital drive is malfunctioning. Bungled wiring – a loose screw...who knows?


Landlord: But clearly they're examples of shoddy workmanship?

Gabriel: Oh definitely sir. And they certainly don't deserve to clutter up your little blue-green jewel of a planet a minute longer. (Raising his Golden Trumpet again) Shall I evict them now?

Landlord: (slowly) And who made these imperfect products, Gabriel?

Gabriel: Why you did of course, but. . .(he lowers his trumpet in sudden consternation) Good You sir. I didn't mean to blaspheme. You will forgive them then?

Landlord: (smiling) A wise philosopher said long ago Gabriel that if I made sinners, it is not I who should forgive them, but they who should forgive me.

Gabriel: Well, I'm sure the gays will be glad to hear of your tolerance and generosity, sir.

Landlord: The gays? I was talking about my most devout Christians.

The suddenness of death

John McCain passed away of Saturday, the day after I wrote about him here.  For many it seemed sudden, even though he had just announced he was discontinuing cancer treatment.  Senator McCain touched many people and will surely be missed.  Funerals will be held both in Arizona and at National Cathedral in Washington, DC.

The gentleman pictured here, Ly Thao Nyia Yi, also lost his life on Saturday.  Mr Ly, as he was known, was certainly not as famous as Senator McCain, but everyone who met him will remember his friendly smile at various Farmer's Markets, especially the one in San Francisco's Castro District.  He operated Nyia Yi Farms in Stockton, which grows dozens of varieties of vegetables, including heirloom tomatoes and many Asian vegetables and herbs.

 

Mr Ly had just been at a farmer's market in San Mateo, CA and was on his way to pickup his wife who had been selling their vegetables at another farmer's market, when a big-rig overturned in the collision with his box truck.  Mr Ly never made it to his wife.  The suddenness of death took this man from his family and from the hundreds of customers who appreciated his quality vegetables as much as they appreciated his kindness and warm smile.  A GoFundMe page has been setup to help with the unexpected expenses the family now must face.  You can donate to it HERE.

Hero McCain

Since 1987, this man, John Sidney McCain III, has been serving in the United States Senate representing the state of Arizona.  Senator McCain would describe himself as conservative and traditional, and I have found myself disagreeing with him more often than not, but this blog has never been about me.  It's about making a difference, and in that regard, Senator McCain could easily be our posterperson.

 

The Senator, who was diagnosed with brain cancer last year, has made the decision to discontinue medical treatment, according to a statement released by his family early this morning.  It's not really a surprise.  It's the same kind of integrity that has become his hallmark.

 

It is well known that he was a pilot in the United States Navy and a prisoner of war in Vietnam.  It's also pretty well known that he was an unsuccessful candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in 2000 and then an unsuccessful Republican nominee for President in 2008.  It's a little thing though that first caught my attention:  his birthday.  McCain was born on August 29th (1936), the day after my own birthday (different year of course).  Next week, as he turns 82, I hope you will consider sending warm wishes to this many who has dedicated his entire life to the service of his country.

 

John McCain served in the military, in the House, and in the Senate.  He has fought glioblastoma aggressively and surpassed expectations for his survival.  We hope he can enjoy the rest of his days in comfort and in peace.

Thank you Dr Gu

Seeing Eugene Gu, MD take a knee in the hallway of the hospital where he works is an image you may not have seen.  He posted this on twitter.  You might not know about his research on fetal tissue transplants and you may never of his tweets about justice and equality, but Dr Gu is making a difference and someday his name will be a household word.

 

I could write here about his time at Duke University School of Medicine or at Stanford University or about his hospital work, and I could tell you about his early days growing up in San Francisco, but this isn't meant to be a biography, I will mention though that his twitter page says he is a "surgeon-scientist hoping to cure heart and kidney diseases in babies."  Certainly a good thing.

 

What really makes Dr Gu stand out though for me is his willingness to do the right thing.  He tweets about fighting  white supremacy and about putting an end to hate.  He speaks out about those things that many remain silent about, even when it costs him his job.  Joining Colin Kaepernick and the dozens of football players and other athletes, he has taken a knee to make a statement of support and hopefully to make a difference.

The other day he tweeted "#MeToo cannot be invalidated.  But like all movements, it must grow and evolve.  Not all men are evil, not all women are saints, and due process is extremely important in all situations."  I agree.  It seems I find myself agree with pretty much all this leader is saying.

 

So thank you Dr Gu for taking a knee, for caring about our country, and for truly making a difference!

One person can make a difference

Several years ago, when I wrote my very first entry here, I spoke of changing the world; of giving back to society; of making a difference.  The theme of this blog has remained the same throughout and I trace it all back to my childhood when John F Kennedy was the US President.  Kennedy challenged us to dream.  He challenged us to make a difference.

It has been more than fifty years since his words were spoken, but they carry the same encouragement now, as then. On January 20, 1961 at his inauguration at the US Capital, Kennedy said the line most often quoted: "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country." The President was challenging every single American to contribute in some way to the public good - to make a difference. We still can answer that call!

I don't remember if it was Jacqueline Kennedy or John Kennedy who said this (it has been attributed to both, although Caroline Kennedy credits her father with the words in her forward to the anniversary edition of Profiles In Courage). "One person can make a difference and everyone should try." Indeed. Everyone.

 

I know this blog is NOT about me, and I don't know of my success here, but every day, through my blogs and activism, I want to do something that benefits someone else.  I hope you will join me.

Barn for the pigs

Have you been following the adventures of Little Dude at Barn Sanctuary?  Remember this incredible guy named Daniel McKernan who founded a place where animals can live safe and free?  I've written about them a few times here and now there is exciting new news.

 

They are building a pig barn!  Besides Little Dude (who I'm told actually thinks he's a cow), there are four other pigs,  June, Jasper, Adam, and Penny, and the hope is to be able to rescue more pigs.  Building a barn though takes money, and that's where we all can help.  They have setup a GoFundMe campaign, and you can donate by clicking HERE.

 

The place Daniel has created warms my heart.  Besides the pigs, Barn Sanctuary provides shelter to cows, sheep, goats, horses, chickens, turkeys, ducks, and rabbits who have been rescued from cases of abuse, abandonment, and natural disasters.  Looking at the videos of their work and the pictures from their website, you can't help but want to be involved!

 

I hope many of you will donate to this fundraiser for the new pic barn and also learn more about Barn Sanctuary.  If you visit their website at https://www.barnsanctuary.org/ you will find much more information, and you'll see that they even have t-shirts available.

Bus driver with kindness

Being a bus driver for a city's public transportation system can be a thankless job.  You have to deal with fare evaders, bad weather, traffic slowdowns, unruly passengers, and all kinds of things that can take away your sunny attitude, but nothing would get in the way of a local driver in Kingman, AZ who drove her last shift this weekend.  A family emergency caused her to resign from her position, resulting in a lot of tears and hugs as she said goodbye.

My policy here has always been to not identify any private person who has not previously received press coverage, and so I am respecting the privacy of this woman, but let me tell you - she is loved and will be missed!  She always greeted passengers with a smile, but there was so much more.  She had the patience of a saint.  A couple of her regular passengers are over 90 years old, and so patience really comes in handy!  She was always quick to give complete and accurate information to a newcomer or visitor.  She made you feel like you were part of the family.

I'd be wrong if I didn't acknowledge that several Kingman Area Regional Transit are above average - maybe they treat their employees right and the drivers pass that on to the passengers.  Whatever the cause, this particular driver is extra-special.  The City of Kingman might not want to know that she broke a few rules (nothing that would compromise safety) - things like waiting an extra few minutes for someone she saw running for the bus or letting someone out at a corner that wasn't actually a designated stop.  She was always thinking of the passenger.  She wasn't just the driver of their bus, she became their friend.  It's not often I get to say this about a bus driver, but this kind and caring woman truly made a difference!

To do good and to distribute

From the book Hebrews in The Bible:  "To do good and to distribute, forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." What exactly does that mean?  Well, the message is for us to not forget to do good and to share what we have because God is pleased with these kinds of sacrifices.  Actually the word "sacrifices" might not even be the best translation.  We might better say that God is pleased with those kinds of offerings.

 

Doing good and sharing - such a simple thing, huh? This pleases God and let me tell you it pleases a lot of others too. What though should we share?  How should we do good?  Of course there is not just one answer and it will likely be different for every one of us.  That's what makes it so wonderful. 

I have a coworker who brings fruit every day and she always offers me some.  It's part of who she is.  I have something and I will offer part of it to others.  It's like when you go to someone's house and they offer you a beverage or perhaps even a snack. You came to see them - nothing more, but in their charity and in their hospitality, they offer to share more than just themselves.

 

Think about this today. What does doing good mean in your life? How do you share what you have? (One really helpful kind of sharing is if you give us some feedback in the comments section below).

Updating a few things

Just a month ago I wrote here about Seth Owen, an openly gay high school student who left his parent's house after they required him to participate in their church activities, which included an anti-gay counseling.  One of Seth's teachers, Jane Martin, had set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for Seth's college tuition.  Jane had set a goal of $20, 000 but as of today, they have raised $127,521 and the fund continues to grow.  We'll keep you posted, but this is indeed a happy ending.  You can still donate to this (in any amount) by going to https://www.gofundme.com/hoyaseth

I have written here a few times about Barn Sanctuary and their founder Dan McKernan.  Since I last wrote, they have opened their doors to visitors.  Right now, tours are on Saturdays only and run about 75 minutes.  Reservations are required.  Barn Sanctuary has made a huge difference in the lives of a number of animals and I can't wait to finally find time to go visit there myself.  If you haven't read my previous blog entries, you might want to go right to the source and check out their website at https://www.barnsanctuary.org/

 

While I write another blog (about kindness) every single day, this one is only Monday through Friday.  Recently I was looking back and noticed some missing entries.  It seems many have been deleted in the past few years.  There is no way to retrieve them since I didn't back them up with any other source.  Going forward, I am keeping a digital copy of all my blogs, just in case any should be erased again.

 

Thanks for checking out my words in this place.  Please feel free to tell your friends and also to leave comments.

Help me up the stairs

If you enter San Francisco City Hall and walk toward the center, you find yourself under the dome and in the glorious rotunda. You also find yourself at the bottom of a huge staircase (only part of which is pictured here). Imagine for a moment that due to age or injury, even two or three steps up can be a challenge. Now think about what it would be like to climb this grand staircase.  Of course there are many huge staircases - you might even have one in your own home. 

Now I do want to point out that in this particular building there are numerous ramps and a number of elevators as well. Folks with ability challenges can still get around. What if you wanted to go up and only via this staircase? How about when you are in a building where there are no ramps or elevators? The issue doesn't have to be a real set of stairs either - there are numerous figurative challenges that can slow us down. Imagine wanting very much to do a certain task, but have all sorts of blocks in your way. Oh my!

Almost every one of us has come upon a situation where we need a hand. As much as I enjoy being independent, there is nothing wrong with asking for help. What I want to express this morning is that nobody should ever have to ask. Think if you will about how wonderful it is when someone aids you without you having to request that aid. Think about how caring that is. How wonderful it would be if we ALL cared about each other, that we would help them up the stairs, they minute we realized that they would benefit from our assistance. The world is so much better when we all willingly help each other out!

Looking for something?

Yes, there are missing entries from this blog - a LOT of them as a matter of fact.  Sorry.  I wish they were still accessible, but sadly a large number of them were accidentally deleted.  We began this blog back in 2009 and wrote 3,511 posts.  Of those, less than a thousand remain available to be read.  Oh my!

I wish I had backed up the entries I posted and it would be nice if I had even kept a hard copy file, but I did not.  If you are looking for something, especially if it is prior to 2018, it is hit and miss. 

Fortunately a few that are especially dear to me remain, like what I wrote on the evening my mother passed away and several other posts about her.  There are also some where I quote others that I am happy to see have survived because they have been quoted and important information has been passed on.

To all of you who read this, especially those of you who have been around for over nine years since my very first entry, thank you!  I appreciate your reading this blog posts and I do hope you will continue with us.  Please feel free to share you comments anytime, and again my apologies for all the missing posts.

Thousands of heroes

Our story begins with a student from Florida named Seth Owens.  You may have already heard some of this - the media has reported about Seth for a number of days now.  Seth has been an excellent student.  According to those who know him, he has been excellent at just about everything.  Oh and he is also gay.

Seth's mom and dad were not too happy when they learned they had a gay son. Conversion therapy was part of their plan. Seth’s parents also told him that he had to continue attending their conservative church which outwardly attacked him and his sexual orientation or he'd need to leave home.  Seth left home.

Seth had already been admitted to Georgetown University, but how was he going to pay for it now?  In fact, how was he going to pay for anything?  Where was he going to sleep?  What was he going to eat? 

Let me remind you, Seth was not a lazy person.  Seth didn't commit a crime.  Seth wasn't a bad student with poor grades.  The only thing that changed Seth's circumstances, was his sexual orientation and his honesty about it.  Now his dream of going to college just might not happen, except for an incredible teach who brought all of this to the attention of thousands.

Jane Martin had taught Seth biology and mentored him throughout his high school years. She even invited him to be the ring bearer at her recent wedding. Now Jane was doing one more incredible thing. She setup an online fundraiser for raise money for Seth's tuition.  Jane donated and hundreds of other folks did too.  Most of the contributions came from strangers.  Money continues to come in.  Thousands have given.  If you would like to join them (any amount helps) go to https://www.gofundme.com/hoyaseth

 

It warms my heart to see so many heroes.  It warms my heart that there are so many people out there who care and who are making a difference!  Seth will be going to college, and I am certain we will be hearing so much more from him!

Today's real meaning

The scene is repeated over and over at National Cemeteries all across the country.  Soldiers move from grave to grave, pausing to place an American flag at the final resting place of these men and women we honor today.  This holiday, Memorial Day is the day for remembering the men and women who died while serving. It is not about the barbeques or the sidewalk sales or the trips to the beach or the baseball games, as nice as any of those things are.  It isn't even a day for honoring all veterans.  (We have a separate holiday for that in November). There seems to always be a bit of confusion, and I have written here about this a number of times. Today is quite specific though. It is for remembering the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces.

Memorial Day wasn't the original name. It was called Decoration Day back when Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote a poem by that name back in 1882. It was also once called Remembrance Day in some places.

 

Band concerts and parades a typical ways to celebrate.  Religious services praying for those who died in service generally happen on this day as well, and of course visits to cemetaries.  Even if you include a baseball game, a picnic, or a visit to the beach, take some time today to also remember all those who served in our military and who didn't make it home alive.  It is their memory we honor today.

Spreading out the love

Sunday is Mothers Day in the US and some other parts of the world. I'll be thinking of my mom, as I do just about every day, and I hope you will be thinking about yours, whether she is living or deceased.

Some folks don't have good relationships with their mothers, but if that is the case, take a moment to think of her anyway. Is there anything you can do to improve the relationship? It seems that Mothers Day would be an excellent day to begin.

I'm sure there will be huge crowds at restaurants on Sunday, especially at the ones doing something for the moms. Cards, and gifts, and sometimes even breakfast in bed - all kinds of attention. How wonderful, huh? What has always bothered me though is when all the attention is focused on one day. The same is true for birthdays, anniversaries, and many other occasions. There will be lots of celebrating on that one day, and the rest of the time a person might be virtually ignored. Wouldn't it be nice if Mom got a little more attention at other times of the year.

I have a friend who lives far from her mother and they only see each other a few times a year, but every single Saturday there is a telephone conversation. They both set aside time on that one day to connect with each other.

Spreading out the love throughout the year is a good goal to have not only for our mothers, but for other relatives and friends as well. Make regular lunch dates, or phone time, or share activities at random times all through your life!

Toan's TruthDare

There have been at least a dozen times that I have written here about Toan Lam, and I suspect there will be many more.  Over the years I have been fortunate to met many incredible people, but I would have to say that Toan is that the top of that list. 

 

Last year he launched the TruthDare podcast, a series of intimate conversations with some really intriguing people.  It's upbeat and full of some great stories.  I urge you to check it out at http://truthdaretalk.com/

 

You probably also know Toan from Go Inspire Go where he recently wrote a love letter to himself (click HERE to be filled with this inspiration) and where you can also read about community heroes and see so many amazing stories.  Toan is an expert and finding those special people who do amazing things.  I suppose that's because he is pretty amazing himself!

 

He came to this country from Vietnam, as a toddler and grew up in a crowded trailer.  Certainly his early years were not easy years for his family, but nothing stops him.  Whether a walk on the beach or through empty streets at dawn or a visit to an antique shop, Toan can see beauty and he expresses it so well for everyone to see it too.  I know my life is fuller because Toan Lam came my way!

 

If this is your first time hearing about him, by all means find out more.  You can look back to things I have written here, and much easier, you can go to http://goinspirego.com/

Stephen Hawking made us think

"In a world that is in chaos politically, socially and environmentally, how can the human race sustain another 100 years?"  Stephen Hawking asked us that question twelve years ago.  He followed up by saying "I don't know the answer. That is why I asked the question, to get people to think about it, and to be aware of the dangers we now face."

That is one of the things I will always remember about this remarkable man - he made us think.  He did it despite the obstacles that were present in his own life.  In 1963 he was given two years to live, when he contracted motor neurone disease.  Not only did he prove the doctors wrong, but he went on proving things for the next fifty five years.  His discoveries, his books, and certainly his awards, would be too numerous to list here, but we can certainly say his life was full.

I wonder how many people went into science because of him.  "It surprises me how disinterested we are today about things like physics, space, the universe and philosophy of our existence, our purpose, our final destination," Hawking said.  "Its a crazy world out there. Be curious."  He certainly inspired me.

The famous theoretical physicist who appeared on The Simpsons and The Big Bang Theory, passed away early this morning.  All day long I expect that people will be singing his praises.  I've said before that heroes are not all the same, and Stephen Hawking most certainly was not what you might expect, but he was a hero.  Now, he's with the stars.

Heroes at the Games

The XXIII Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea have come to a close.  Did you watch?  Were you impressed?  Inspired?  Did you see any heroes at the Games?

What I think is a hero and what you think is a hero, might not be the same thing, but folks do tend to look up to sports figures for a variety of reasons.  Over the years I have certainly been impressed by the great skill of the participants.  Not just anybody wins a medal after all.  At this Olympics though it wasn't just about the competition.  I was impressed by a number of people for other reasons.

Openly gay Olympic athletes is something new and being the first can take courage.  Network television captured a celebratory kiss between an athlete and his boyfriend - yes, HIS boyfriend.  There was a lot of talk about that moment because it wasn't the usual Olympic moment, but there wasn't a lot of negative talk.  Perhaps a sign that the world is becoming more progressive.  Someday being a gay Olympian will be no big deal.

There were other participants who stood up and spoke the truth.  We take note of that.  Good only comes when good people stand up and make a difference.  You don't need to earn a medal for that.  Sometimes you just have to be your true self.

More? Yup!

Despite the natural disasters, the political disappointments, the mass shootings, the worry about nuclear war, and so many other distressing things last year, there was also a lot of good, as I have been saying.  Not enough good?  Well we can work on that.  It is in our hands, after all.

The human chain was helpful a number of times this year.  In Panama City Beach in Florida, ten people were hit by powerful rip currents and before firefighters or police were onscene, a number of beach-goers joined together and stretched from the sand to the swimmers in peril, and rescued them.  I saw similar heroism after some of the hurricanes last year.

It didn't make the news, but I was invited to a holiday party a week before Christmas, by a woman who provided most of the food, entertainment, and gifts for everyone (actually multiple gifts for most).  There was also a young woman in Greenock, Scotland that you might have heard about.  She threw an even bigger party which included Christmas dinner (a three-course meal) for sixty total strangers!  She had gifts for everyone too.  Of course good news is a bit more common during the holidays, but if you look back at the mentions from the past three days, you will see a number of positive events from throughout the year.

There are many more example too.  I'll try to tell you about more of those positive, uplifting stories that happen, and I invite you to tip me off whenever you hear of something.  My old friend Wes Nisker used to say at the end of his reports on the radio, "If you don't like the news .  .  . go out and make some of your own."  Indeed.  If you want to see a better world, make a difference.  Be a hero!

2017 in the news

As I pointed out the past two mornings, good things did indeed happen in 2017, despite all the bad we remember.  Just about every time I turned on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, I saw a heartwarming story, and Ellen herself continued showing us the way of kindness.

I also discovered Barn Sanctuary, Dan McKernan's incredible organization that  rescues, rehabilitates, and cares for farm animal refugees.  I love watching the updates from them and seeing the animals in a loving and caring environment. 

Marriage equality became a reality for folks in Taiwan when that nation became the first Asian country to legalize marriage for same-sex couples.  Five additional governments around the world did the same: Slovenia, Germany, Malta, Austria and Australia.

Some people have seemingly moved past gender identity bias because in 2017 Danica Roem became the first trans woman to be elected in the United States.  Another huge win for equality as she won a seat in Virginia’s House of Delegates.

My friend Toan Lam didn't disappoint us at all as once again he gave us a year full of uplifting news stories.  His GoInspireGo is truly the place to go whenever you think there is too much negativity in the news.  He shows us the heroes - the folks who make a difference.

Of course all of you probably encountered some positive things in the years just ended too.  You are always welcome to share stories with us in the comments section below.  Happy New Year everyone!  Stay positive, and don't let the bad news get you down.