Thankful 2010

I wrote this to share with my Hospice coworkers. However, there are some points which I'd like to share with everyone:

At this time I ask each of us to realize that we are in the unique position to recognize what we have to be thankful for. For we see people who are often in the most pain, suffering, doubt and despair they have ever known in their entire life.

And we are not those people. Rather, we are in the unique and wonderful position where we may be able to help ease their pain with a loving touch, a heart-felt word or a willing shoulder to lend for a while.

We will, all too frequently, become stressed, worried and sick because of the many small things which continue to flow into and out of our life. At this time, it would be so much better if we could turn our faces and our hearts to realize the many wonderful things which also flow, all too briefly, into our life.

For those who worry about whether the turkey will be done on time, cooked correctly and please everyone; please be grateful that we have food and friends to share it with.

For those who worry about traffic, crowds and weather delays; please be grateful that we have family and friends; wonderful people to be with and to share our love. When your family walks through your door, please remember to tell them how much you love them.

For those who are afraid of the future and the painful or hard things which may be in it; please be grateful that right now, right here, we have gentle things, good people and powerful love to share.

For myself, in addition to all these things, I am grateful that this year I have come to this place in my life. I have found good work to do. I have found you; good people who also do this work, even when it is sometimes very hard. I have learned more about myself and my place in this universe.

And I am thankful.

If you're not part of the solution...

   Today I will ascribe to the philosophy that, "If all you choose to do is complain, I choose not to listen." If you see a problem, work towards a real solution. Endlessly "bitching," whining, complaining and ranting only contribute to the illness, re-injure our mind and spirit and distract and discourage us from practicing better ways to be.
   Instead, let us focus our minds and energy on solutions, our "collective potential" and positive living. Let us sing a song of praise, celebrate real accomplishments and set our sights on worthy goals!

Barbara Jo Mears - My Mother in Law and Friend

A year ago, my Mother in Law, Barbara, died. She had been in a great deal of pain for several years and her passing was truly a release. It changed my life. My wife and I didn't create an obituary for her at the time. Since the year has passed, we decided to write a memorial statement for her. This is what I sent to the local newspaper:

Barbara Jo Mears

March 5, 1945 – November 2, 2009

            It’s very hard to accept that it’s been a year since Barbara left us. Beloved mother, mother-in-law and grandmother; friend, confidant, leader, listener and a most gentle soul; Barbara was able to see the very best in people, even when they didn’t see it in themselves. She kept a special place in her heart for all animals, especially the many pets which shared her life.

            Barbara was a “sixth-generation Nevadan” and she loved Reno. Her family members were civic-minded citizens and leaders in the community. More important, they took care of each other, as well as friends, neighbors and people in need. She taught her daughter the importance of caring and to treasure the people in your life.

            Barbara worked in many different companies in Reno. Most of her friends were people she worked with, side-by-side, every day. Even when she was no longer able to work, those same friends did their best to look out for her, look after her and help care for her.

            Barbara loved life. She loved to learn and she loved to experience all that life had to share. Our greatest regret is that the pain that intruded into her last years kept Barbara from participating in the many events, experiences and activities which she enjoyed so much. We are grateful that Barbara no longer knows pain. She is free, comfortable and at peace.

            Barbara, we miss you. We cherish your memory and we celebrate your life.

And now....

The political system has had it's exultation and now it's time to clean up the mess. What the nation needs, what the citizens deserve, is NOT compromise. Rather, what we demand is intelligent and cooperative plans and programs to meet the nation's needs, now, and even better plans to foresee and plan for the nation's needs tomorrow.

We need action, not reaction. We need to clean up and strengthen our political, economic, military and social systems right here, right now. There is no point to claiming that we're a "world leader" when the rest of the world does not want to go where we are leading! Once we have rebuilt, recreated and resumed a successful and unified national identity, based on fact, not fear, based on hope, not hate, then and only then will we have the right to show others how good things can be.

We need leaders, at every level and in every institution, who can embrace, support and join with this type of program. We need leaders who recognize that they are beholding to the citizens, not the other way around. We NEED leaders who remember that they are public servants, not separated and disconnected elitists, unaffected by the pains and burdens of the American citizen.

If those leaders exist, it is time for them to show themselves. It is time for them to step forward. It is time...because this is the only time we have.