Anyone with half a heart, brain or soul should feel about the same, Vic. A good friend gave me a book several years ago “The Warmth of Other Suns”. It would be a good addition for your ongoing education. My friend is the founder of the McDonald’s Black Operator Association, and many years ago I was welcomed with open arms into their loving, inspiring fold. Another good friend of mine, now passed on, once said to one of my “Brothers from another Mother”, “The reason I love you is because you don’t think Im better than you”. This was a profound statement coming from a 5 foot tall Jew (Ed Ruby) to a 6’4 black man (Lindsay-you met at my retirement) with a little Pagan (me) sidekick. Ed may be gone but his memory and our adventures with Lindsay live on. Lindsay and I remain as close as siblings.
Do not be so hard on yourself. We are a combination of our society and small personal Worlds. We were very fortunate to have a father that would not tolerate discrimination on any level. You may not have seen as much evidence of this, having moved from S California to a small town, at an early age. But I have many memories of our Dad standing up to bigots on behalf of friends, and no doubt strangers.
Ps, I too have a deeper appreciation for life and all the joys it brings. After all, I beat the Covid Monster, have the most precious Great Grand Daughter and a house filed with family. Yes, Mike’s candle is flickering, and I do my best to dwell on the good moments and memories in our 40 plus years of marriage, while trying to cop with an unbelievable sadness and anger. As our Dad always said “We all have our cross to bear”.
A huge day for introspection. To dust we shall return, indeed, knowing we are made to have a short wick on earth, I look forward to reading how this Lenten journey will shape your heart as you bring Christ into 2021. I’m putting on my seatbelt.
Good words, Vic. As for your book group, might I recommend James McBride's novel, "The Good Lord Bird." Should be in keeping with your theme, and won't make you any less enraged, but at least you'll get a lot of laughs out of it. It's quite a remarkable achievement.
Anyone with half a heart, brain or soul should feel about the same, Vic. A good friend gave me a book several years ago “The Warmth of Other Suns”. It would be a good addition for your ongoing education. My friend is the founder of the McDonald’s Black Operator Association, and many years ago I was welcomed with open arms into their loving, inspiring fold. Another good friend of mine, now passed on, once said to one of my “Brothers from another Mother”, “The reason I love you is because you don’t think Im better than you”. This was a profound statement coming from a 5 foot tall Jew (Ed Ruby) to a 6’4 black man (Lindsay-you met at my retirement) with a little Pagan (me) sidekick. Ed may be gone but his memory and our adventures with Lindsay live on. Lindsay and I remain as close as siblings.
Do not be so hard on yourself. We are a combination of our society and small personal Worlds. We were very fortunate to have a father that would not tolerate discrimination on any level. You may not have seen as much evidence of this, having moved from S California to a small town, at an early age. But I have many memories of our Dad standing up to bigots on behalf of friends, and no doubt strangers.
Ps, I too have a deeper appreciation for life and all the joys it brings. After all, I beat the Covid Monster, have the most precious Great Grand Daughter and a house filed with family. Yes, Mike’s candle is flickering, and I do my best to dwell on the good moments and memories in our 40 plus years of marriage, while trying to cop with an unbelievable sadness and anger. As our Dad always said “We all have our cross to bear”.
A huge day for introspection. To dust we shall return, indeed, knowing we are made to have a short wick on earth, I look forward to reading how this Lenten journey will shape your heart as you bring Christ into 2021. I’m putting on my seatbelt.
Love It. And Loved seeing you all last week in Portlandia too.
Good words, Vic. As for your book group, might I recommend James McBride's novel, "The Good Lord Bird." Should be in keeping with your theme, and won't make you any less enraged, but at least you'll get a lot of laughs out of it. It's quite a remarkable achievement.