we need to make true equality a reality

Read these words from The Declaration of Independence, signed on July 4, 1776: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

It’s only January right now, so we cannot possibly be celebrating Independence Day yet, but there is never a bad time for this reminder. ALL ARE CREATED EQUAL. ALL. Every single person. There is not one who was created to stand above the rest. We all should have the same rights and nothing less is ever fair.

Hispanics are equal. Asians are equal. African-Americans are equal. Lesbians are equal. Gay men are equal. Transgender persons are equal. People of advanced years are equal. People who practice different religions are equal. People who practice no religion are equal.  All are equal.

Let’s get to work and make true equality a reality. We can begin with the workplace or with marriage or with any number of things where discrimination still exists.

Tyler inspired

"His life May have been short, but his legacy with be forever."  Those words came yesterday from the Purdue University Center for Cancer Research as they announced the sad news that 20-year-old Tyler Trent had lost his battle with a rare form of bone cancer.

 

To say that Tyler inspired is really an understatement.  Instead of feeling sorry for himself, he stayed positive and thought more about helping others.  His story has drawn more attention to cancer research, and that is certainly a good thing.  Last month, Tyler received Disney's Wide World of Sports Spirit Award which is given annually to college football's most inspirational individual or team. 

 

He beat the cancer, but it came back.  That didn't cause him to give up though. You will likely be hearing a lot more about this young man, but his own words best explain his attitude:  "Though I am in hospice care and have to wake up every morning knowing that the day might be my last, I still have a choice to make: to make that day the best it can be. To make the most of whomever comes to visit, texts, tweets or calls me."  His 260 page autobiography, The Upset, became available by pre-order, just days before he passed away.

 

Rest in peace Tyler Trent and thanks for the courage that so inspired us.

Welcome 2019

Welcome to 2019, a brand new year filled with brand new opportunities.  Was the last year a good one for you?  Were there things you wish you had done?  Let's look forward and make this a fantastic year.

 

Not happy with leadership in your community, your state, the nation?  Remember to get involved.  Vote.  Volunteer for candidates that you believe in.  All of us can join together and make a difference.

 

There are so many areas besides politics where we can make a difference.  Donate money if you are able.  Donate your time and your talents too.  Make well thought out decisions in all that you do.  Be kind and caring to others.  2019 is just a few hours old, but it has potential.  Let's make it fantastic!

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.