Sal's Reflections

Yesterday in doing a webinar for Nurse leaders across the country I was struck by what mammoth challenges they face. After listening to their individual hurdles I explored with them the power and value of encouragement both given and received. We all can make a difference in helping others by being all that they can be by our words and actions. Knowing someone cares and is there for you allows continued dedication to any and all challenges. Also true on the receiving sign because it is not a sign of weakness to need the support and help of others. Today I will follow up with the message to the participants and encourage them to support each other in the important work they do every day.

My new friend Perry makes me aware that every day we have the opportunity to bring sunshine or rain into the lives of others. He sits in the Corner bakery and his smile and happy greeting almost startle most of the customers waiting on line for their wake up coffee. It may not seem like much but in a way he is helping jump start the day with a friendly moment. His approach has already enabled me to reinforce my belief that from the second I wake up their are choices that effect not only me but every person I will encounter. In that spirit I wish all I know and those I will run into today a day filled with smiles and at least a few moments of joy.

Readers Digest always featured a section called”My Unforgettable Person”, a topic which was always quite interesting. One of those persons for me was John Curran. Today marks the first anniversary of his death but for me his presence remains. From the first moment I met him to the day he died John brightened the life of everyone who was touched by his presence. When John came into a room he owned it as well as everyone in the room. His Irish wit and boyish charm plus his bril…liant mind and amazing ability to connect with others was infectious. John was the ambassador of good will that made you feel good about life and yourself. I never spent one moment with John when I did not realize what a treasure he was. For over a decade he refused to let cancer control his zest for life and all of his family and circle of friends learned by watching him to embrace each day as a gift. He will never truly be gone for me and at some point today I will raise a glass in living memory to a man that has made life special for so many of us.

It has been a year since my dear friend Sid Lehmann died and I smile when I remember the first time I met him. Our town Yardley decided to abandon their relationship with Morrisvlle and build their own sewage plant. The problem with that was it would be on the Delaware river and six hundred yards from our gorgeous neighborhood. Most of the people who heard this startling news were upset but thought they were powerless. At the municipal meeting I sat next to a man who after ut…tering a few expletives turned to me and said “no way”. I agreed and we decided to stand and promise the group that there was “no way” they were going to build the plant. We had no idea at the time how we would achieve this, For one solid year Sid and I organized the entire neighborhood and even successfully elected Sid to the local governing board. He was the first Democrat elected in Yardley since the Civil War The plant was never built and went down to a resounding defeat..I remember today his lion heart, brilliant mind and realize that his dedication to lead on causes that matter is my model and responsibility.

Gave a webinar to nursing faculty across the country which is part of a Leadership program.This was one of the follow ups to the week long program held in DC in June. The main thrust of the webinar was to explore how the content of the program was playing out in the real world. The feedback from each person in their own words largely centered on the confidence that the program provided, and they now believed that they could be successful. One individual in particular shared the fact that she was frightened before the program believing that she did not have the skills to successfully be a leader for her faculty. It was heartwarming to hear these testimonies and a reminder that our feelings need not determine our behavior. Confidence comes from new learning, support and the realization that each of us in some shape or form can be a leader.

I have friends who scoff at Facebook and think it is filled with meaningless pieces of information and a ton of selfies.However I am of a different opinion. Facebook in many ways reflects the totality of life. There are moments when I smile at the content and others when the story or photo tugs at my heart. There are joyful photos and pictures of war torn places and the ravaging effects of global cruelty. It is also a way to at least get a glimpse into the lives of so many friends and loved ones.So unabashedly I will write today and everyday and check in periodically to keep informed and share the lives of all of you.

We are all touched by war in one way or another and it is well to honor all those who served and serve today. My Godfather’s brother was killed at Anzio ,my cousin was wounded at Normandy and my uncle and Father I law fought in the Pacific for almost four years. My cousin and so many friends were involved in Vietnam and a chaplain friend was killed there. In Westfield I buried three young men so like all of you I have been touched directly and know that the price of liberty has come at a great price. I admire and praise all who have given so much to preserve a way of life.

Marvelous two days in North Carolina and last night’s presentation was enthusiastically received. Appealed to the audience to review the books and to if possible provide access to alumni groups so I have the opportunity to speak to college students. Two persons with connections to a College or a University asked for my card and will pitch it to their connections. Also had a message from a California synagogue and will speak there in May. Off to South Carolina for R and R with my dear friends Jan and Joe.

Marvelous two days in North Carolina and last night’s presentation was enthusiastically received. Appealed to the audience to review the books and to if possible provide access to alumni groups so I have the opportunity to speak to college students. Two persons with connections to a College or a University asked for my card and will pitch it to their connections. Also had a message from a California synagogue and will speak there in May. Off to South Carolina for R and R with my dear friends Jan and Joe.

Here in North Carolina for two appearances.excited to be back on the road.I spoke here two years ago and was most graciously received. New and expanded message that will include:sections on Viktor Frankl. ,Hitler,Pius Xll,the Jews experience in Christian History and the current status between Jews and Christians.