What Time Will You Take For Change? October 21, 2008

The ending of this historic election is FINALLY in sight. The race is too close to call, yet Barack Obama has the advantage, one that I hope and pray will increase in the next two weeks.

My involvement in Obama’s election is small. I’ve made some calls and made a financial contribution. Although in the scheme of things my input is pitifully small, but when you add my “little bit” with millions of others’ “little bit” we end up with a lot. At last count, Obama raised over $150 million in September alone. There are over 3.1 million donors, and the average donation was about $86 per person. Who said a little doesn’t matter. I believe that one of McCain’s errors (he has many, but one at a time!) was he underestimated what the poor and middle class could do for Obama. He didn’t need the money of the lobbyists, he just needed us, making a difference. The top donors are students and seniors. I’m now closer to a senior than an student, and I salute the diversity of involvement in this movement. My heart swells with love, pride, humility and gratitude. What a historic time we live in!

When I made some calls for the campaign, and added them with the other commited volunteers calling, walking, canvasing, driving, we are making a difference. Each one of us has experienced wonderful opportunities in making a difference in our communities.

Regardless of the outcome of the election, the same needs will still exist in our world, and the solutions remain with us. I challenge all those that contributed with fiances and/or time, continue with the idea of change by giving of ourselves. Only you know what your capacity for service is, but know that anything is better than nothing.

Together, lets make changes that will take us well into the next century. It’s for our children and grandchildren, and NOW isn’t too soon to begin.

Namaste

When its Time to Say Goodbye October 13, 2008

My family had another death in the family; my mother’s oldest sibling. Aunt Dorothy was the eldest of the 12 siblings and had a tremendous love for her family, immediate and extended.

Her death was a shock to the family although she had been in poor health for a number of years. As much as her passing was a blessing to her, it was a tremendous blow to her four children, 26 grandchildren, and a number of great-grandchildren. She was the foundation of her family.

The day of her death started as it normally did, until she began having chest pain. She told her daughter, her primary caregiver, that “something was wrong”. She began to struggle and became combative as the discomfort intensified. One of her grandsons was summoned, and arrive quickly. As a police officer, he was trained to work under pressure and immediately began to perform CPR. He knew it wasn’t working and she was slipping away. As she laid on the floor she said, “Tell everyone goodbye and that I love them.” That being said, she crossed over.

What I found interesting about the recounting of the story was how calm and peaceful Aunt Dorothy became as the end quickly approached. You know what you know, when you know it. And she knew here time was up.

I hope that when my end nears, I too will be able to say ”I love you”, because that is all we have, and all we can take with us. A lifetime is summed up in those three words. It doesn’t matter how much money you’ve accumulated; how many toys you have; the size of your house; your address; or what you drove. Only the love is real and that is the only thing we take with us.

Peace and blessings to all of you!

Namaste’