Seth Owen is doing good things

When I first heard about Seth Owen, a gay teen who left home rather than deal with parents who were forcing him to participate in anti-gay conversion therapy, I just had to write something.  That was last summer and although Seth had been accepted into Georgetown University, he didn't know how he would pay for it and how he would even pay for food and housing.

I wrote here about a teacher who believed in him and started an internet fundraiser to cover his tuition and expenses.  It was wildly successful.  Enough money was raised to cover expenses and then the school decided to give Seth a full scholarship, so now he had money to spare.

Seth Owen showed everyone what a great guy he is when he announced that, with the extra money, he was setting up a scholarship program to help LGBTQ youth.  Then Ellen DeGeneres stepped into the picture and invited Seth on to her television program where she gave him $25,000 for his new program, called Unbroken Horizons Scholarship Fund.  You can donate to a fundraiser for that program HERE.

 

Owen also began interning at the office of Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy's (D-FL) last month and will be working with her office for the remainder of his spring semester.

life-changing somethings

When the star of a tv show is introduced to the live studio audience, everybody goes crazy. It's expected. You're happy and excited to see a favorite performer come out on stage. When Lisa Jarmon was sitting in the audience of "The Ellen Show" eight years ago she did more than go crazy. Her energy was so great that the star herself noticed and had Lisa come down on stage.

If you have never watched Ellen DeGeneres on her daily talk show, let me tell you it is a regular feature to highlight regular folks and to give them incredible gifts. Lisa Jarmon was given an incredible gift. That first show though was just the beginning. In the years that followed, Lisa Jarmon appeared a number of times and received some hefty checks, a brand new car, and custom-built house. "When Ellen gives you something, she gives you life-changing somethings," said Lisa. How true that is!

I adore Ellen DeGeneres. She brings so much kindness and joy to our world. I agree with her about Lisa too. It was such a happy time seeing her positive perspective. We just heard some very sad news though. Lisa Jarmon has lost her battle with breast cancer.  I'm going to look for some videos of her appearances.  Thank you Ellen for all you continue to do, and thanks for bringing Lisa Jarmon our way.  The inspiring enthusiasm she had was such a great tonic for us all.  

A tireless advocate is gone

I was stunned and shocked to learn last night that Jeff Adachi had passed away.  Back on August 15, 2017 I wrote about him here, and I really should have mentioned him more often because he was what this blog is all about - a true giver.

I will always remember the first time I met him.  It was at a bus shelter on Polk Street in San Francisco.  He was running for Public Defender for the first time and was explaining why he wanted to hold that office.  There was a passion in his voice and it was immediately obvious to me that he cared about other people.  He was elected and for the past sixteen years has been a fighter for those who most needed a voice.

I'll remember his annual participation in San Francisco's LGBT Pride Celebration too and the fun he had atop various floats.

Of course I will remember his screen credits too, especially his films The Slanted Screen, You Don't Know Jack: The Jack Soo Story, and America Needs a Racial Facial.  Two years ago, a documentary called Defender followed a racially charged case that Adachi tried.

 

There are so many things I could write about Jeff Adachi as an attorney, especially his 33 years in the Public Defender's Office and his five terms running that office.  The phrase that comes to mind though is tireless advocate.  Even the guilty deserve their day in court and with Adachi you knew you had competent representation.

 

Condolences to his wife and daughter and to the people of San Francisco who have lost a great man.  Thank you Jeff for making a difference.

Thinking of those who have gone before

I miss my mom.  It's been nearly six years since she passed away, but I still miss her a lot.  I think of her on the anniversaries of her death and birth and also at Christmas, Easter, and even Valentine's Day.  I always got a Valentine from her!  Always.

 

Mom isn't the only one I think of.  I think of my dad, and he has been gone a lot longer.  I think of Nana and Grandpa, of Aunt Dee, of dear friends who died recently or others who have long been deceased.  Someone told be I had a serious problem, but that isn't the case.  It is normal to remember those who have gone before and to carry them in our hearts. 

In Harvey Fierstein's Torch Song Trilogy, the character Arnold says to his mother that he misses his partner who was murdered. His mother replies "Give yourself time Arnold.  It gets better.  But Arnold it never goes away.  You can work longer hours, adopt a son, fight with me, whatever.  It'll still be there.  It becomes a part of you.  Like learning to wear a ring or eyeglasses.  You get used to it and that's good.  It's good because it makes sure you don't forget.  You don't want to forget him do you?

 

Never forget the wonderful folks you meet during life's journey.  Memories are precious and are an important part of life itself.

Still blogging after all these years

Every morning, after a shower and brisk walk (or sometimes run), I sit down and blog about kindness.  My words are ones that I usually formulate during my walk.  Sometimes I think of things to say for the next several days, which helps when I have those occasional days where my mind seems to go blank.  Next, I write this blog - it's NOT about me.  It is about all of us and how we can make a difference in this world.  I hope you enjoy reading these words, as much as I enjoy writing them.

I have written about my personal heroes and people and organizations I greatly admire.  Toam Lam is one of those folks I will never tire of writing about.  Colin Kaepernick too.  I love telling about neighborhood people who do good deeds.  I love retelling the stories of folks like Harvey Milk, Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa and so many others.  I can go on and on too about Katharine Jefferts Schori, Dan Choi, Stuart Gafney, David Chiu, Zoe Dunning, and on and on. 

 

It has been my great honor also to share the story of Lillian Weber who made a huge impact on so many people when she sewed an amazing 1,234 dresses for the organization Little Dresses for Africa, working on past her 100th birthday. The story of Dan McKernan and Barn Sanctuary which he created and runs, is another tale I am so happy to tell.

 

Eleven years ago I had no idea I would be doing this for so long.  There are a lot more things to say though and so, I shall continue.  I hope you will continue to read, and I hope you will also share any comments and suggestions here from time to time.  Without you, there really would be no point in doing this!