Love Thy Neighbor

"Treat Others the Way YOU Want to be Treated"

I was in high school when Nelson Mandela was released from prison.  Apartheid. Segregation; these are words from another era.  An era that we hear our grandparents and parents speak of.  It's not supposed to be something that I remember seeing on the news, but it is.  Mandela, being such a peaceful man, held no animosity for those who imprisoned him, only love.  

He is quoted as saying that “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”  

People must learn to hate?  That is sickening, but as we all know there are still people who are teaching this by their actions.  I am so thankful that I didn't grow up with that hatred and I am proud to say that my son does not have that hatred.  In fact, I made sure that he grew up in a house where accepting people was the only option.  Everyone was welcome in my home, unless there was an extenuating circumstance (e.g. being a brat) proving otherwise.  Another public issue that Mandela wasn't afraid to address was AIDS, he was personally affected by the epidemic when his son passed away from the disease, this was a man who knew that he wasn't above the issues, but made sure that education and awareness were abundant to those willing to listen and learn.

I also just had a similar conversation with my brother after seeing Dallas Buyers Club over Thanksgiving weekend.  WOW, what a movie.  Outstanding performances!!  Everyone should go out and see this movie.  

After the movie my brother, who is 8 years older than I, were discussing AIDS in the 1980's.  He obviously remembers way more about the emerging of this disease into society then I do.  The first time I remember hearing/seeing the word AIDS was when I was standing in line at the ACME supermarket and on a People Magazine was a headline about Rock Hudson dying.  I asked my mom, who I was with at the time, who Rock Hudson was and what was AIDS?  A normal question for a 10 year old.  I don't remember what my mom's explanation was.  I am honestly not sure if she or anyone who wasn't in "medicine" knew for sure what it was.  I do know that it was essentially considered a death sentence in the 80's; then in 1991 Magic Johnson announced that he was HIV positive.  He has lived for two decades with the disease and is an advocate through The Magic Johnson Foundation, educating people each and everyday, because although HIV can be controlled with medication and a healthy lifestyle, it is important to enlighten people about how important prevention and early detection can be.

In Dallas Buyers Club, one gets a taste of what it was like for gays in the 1980's.  I cannot believe there was a time when people shunned homosexuals with such hatred simply because of who they decided to love or people in general because they didn't have the same skin color.  

I, myself, have so many different types of friends that I can't fathom anyone treating them with anything but respect.  I know not everyone shares that view, my eyes are not covered with rose-colored glasses, but I am so glad that I live in a time where it is becoming more acceptable to be who you are and love who you want.  

Feeling Like a Rockstar

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  Sarah, In the time that I have known you, you have been one of the brightest people I've had the pleasure of meeting. Your can-do attitude, bubbly personality, and ability to care of others even when you need taking care of yourself is what sets you apart in this world. Although I've known you for only a year or so, I idolize you. You have taken care of your son alone, and he has grown up to be an amazing young man. You started the Bee's Knees, which has raised thousands of dollars to help people with Myeloma. You have kept a positive attitude whenever working late nights at D-- or all day on the weekends, which is hard to do when you're bouncing from one job to the next. Although you may not see it, these, and many more, are the things that will allow you to succeed. I know four years is a big commitment, but there will always be people here supporting you, and we can get through this together! I know you said people have been saying "when one door closes, god opens a window," but I think a better saying would be "when God closes one door, He opens a gate." Windows are small and hard to get through (and no one really wants to go through them), but gates open wide, and after you get through college, I know your gate will be fully open, allowing you to take on opportunities you never imagined possible. I am so proud of you, and I truly believe that people who persist, have a passion, and stay humble and compassionate are the ones who get the farthest in life. I have no doubt in my mind that you will succeed in college and beyond!

I received this email in response to a blog that I wrote regarding my decision to go back to school after 17 years.  It was written by one the young ladies that I work with at my part-time job.  

I keep going back to this message not only because I miss the heck out of all of my kids who are away right now, but because I cannot believe that she is writing about me. The first time I read it my eyes filled, I could hardly get through the message because I was so choked up.

This young woman goes to school in up-state NY, she is brilliant, and has such a bright future ahead of her and lets not forget she's completely adorable!! How could someone who I admire so much for being young in this effed-up world that we live in idolize me?!?  

I can admit this is the biggest compliment a person can receive.  It must be what rock stars feels when the audience is singing back to them or wants their autograph or a quick picture with them.  Yes, that is how amazing I felt, no exaggeration.  If we live our lives inspiring just one person in it, haven't we done our jobs?  Inspiring a girl, a teenage girl is an extraordinary feat.  Remember back to when you were a teenager?  

I know that I brag all the time about my friends and how awesome and supportive they are (because it's true!); to know that I have the support of people who are currently in college and learning who they are themselves makes me want this even more.  I am inspiring people who inspire me!!  It's like a warm hug.

I haven't taken my role in these young men and women's lives lightly; each have a significant place in my heart.  Remember when you first read that quote which states that people are placed into your life for a reason, a season or a life-time? I thoroughly believe that this is true.  I only get to work with these young people for a short time because well, my part-time job is a temporary stop on their life's journey, but the wealth, knowledge and support that I attain from them makes my job fulfilling.

“Life is a bowl of cherries. Some cherries are rotten while others are good; its your job to throw out the rotten ones and forget about them while you enjoy eating the ones that are good! There are two kinds of people: those who choose to throw out the good cherries and wallow in all the rotten ones, and those who choose to throw out all the rotten ones and savor all the good ones.” 
― C. JoyBell C.