Sal's Reflections

No matter how we try often we get stuck in all kinds of routine habits and routines. There is a comfort in these patterns, but there is growth on the other side of the comfort zone. Almost every time I ventured out of my comfort zone my life was invigorated. I have come to realize that stretching is not only good for the body ,but also for the mind and spirit. Take a step out of your comfort zone and explore all of the options that are beyond it..

I often smile when I think of my wonderful friend Jack Murphy who died in 1970 in an auto accident. One night at 3 a.m. I answered the phone and a woman asked to speak to Father Murphy. I asked her if it was an emergency, because he was sleeping. She told me that whenever she had a problem she spoke to her husband, her psychiatrist, her boyfriend or Father Murphy. Tonight she was undecided ,so she put their names in a hat and pulled out the one that had Father Murphy’s name. I asked her to hold the phone, and walked down to Jack’s room. I entered and shook him. I said ‘wake up Jack you won a raffle.”

Like every other human being I have benefitted enormously from the revolutions for equality that have been spawned during my life.
The courage of people of color, women as well as the gay and lesbian communities have enriched me as a person. Their willingness to struggle against rejection, abuse and all forms of monumental hurdles have borne treasures that have enlightened my mind and fiiled my spirit with a better understanding of the wonders of diversity. Their goals are not separate from mine, and as they achieve the fullness of parity we all are more fully human

There is a wealth of evidence that many female members of our armed forces have been the victims of rape. For years this issue has been swept under the rug, and the recourse for this heinous epidemic has been almost non existent. There is nothing more manly than standing against this pattern of abuse ,and the “good old boys club “is more about boys than men. Real men will stand with their sisters in arms ,and support swift justice for our women. The days of rape and the lack of recourse must end immediately.

Most of us have at many moments in our lives had people encourage us. They praised our skills, and raised the bar by telling us that we could even do better. Moments of pain and doubt found them there with a kind word or gesture. They did not ignore our failures, but assured us that better days were coming. Today there will be someone at home.the office or in our network who could use that human response that will enable them to be all the things we wish for them.

In the 2008 election a friend’s eight ear old daughter Anna decided she would throw her support to Hillary Clinton. With her mother she attended a Hillary rally and asked one of the workers if she could meet Hillary. The response was “that will be difficult but tomorrow I can get you on stage to meet Chelsea. The next day she met Chelsea and again Anna asked to meet Hillary. Chelsea said “if your Mother takes you to the rally in Philadelphia on Wednesday I will make sure you meet my mother”Wednesday Anna was on stage and met Hillary after the speech. She inquired “Hillary what can I do to help?” Hillary smiled and shook her hand ,and then turned and started to walk away. Anna ,in a loud voice said” Can’t I have a hug Hillary?” Stopped in her tracks Hillary turned and gave Anna a hug.Persistance is the route to what we want.

Yesterday I walked passed an elementary school where the children were at recess. The joyful sounds of the children at play were wondrous. They were running around ,and the air was filled with the joyous sounds of their endless energy. I thought of the children at the Newtown school the morning before they entered the building, and their sounds of joy and play were certainly similar. The energy and joy of those wonderful children in the next hour were silenced by horror beyond imagination. Their voices no longer can be heard ,stolen by the madness of violence, but their lives must continue through our voices demanding change.

Today is artist Robert Shore’s 89th birthday. He is one of the nations foremost illustrators, as well as a brilliant painter and sculptor.This amazing talent not only possesses genius ,but he is a man of deep and profound humility. We will honor him today at the bakery where he comes and sips his coffee every day without fanfare. Happy Birthday Robert, and thank you for all of the beauty you have brought to this world.

I never once in my life was afraid to go home. Certainly there were moments when some foolish act on my part warranted a scolding. However, I never went to bed with the fright that I or some other member of my family would suffer verbal or physical abuse. There are millions of children and women who every day of their lives live with the horror of violence. There are no safe havens for them ,and they often feel powerless. Those of us who have had the privilege of loving safe environments must do everything we can to protect them. Laws that protect the innocent must be passed and vigorously enforced.

I have had so many mentors in my life that have helped shape my world view, Viktor Frankl was a living legend who taught me about the necessity of dealing openly with the death of my best friend. Jack was 29, and Viktor who had lost so much ,patiently was my rock though the grieving process. He and his work have enabled millions to search for meaning even in the most devastating situations.
Another giant whose impact on me has been great is Aaron (Tim) Beck. Like Viktor, his life’s work has been a beacon for countless persons searching for ways to face the challenges of life. I have been blessed beyond measure to have had the treasure of knowing
and learning from these Giants.