Sal's Reflections

One of life’s great joys are the encouraging words and support of friends. In the last two weeks I have received a plethora of written and verbal messages that buoy my spirit.The coming publication of “The Cross or the Swastika” was the reason for this shower of attention and affection. These moments and acts of kindness are vital reminders of the adage “When one is given so much, much is expected of them. “I am very aware how much human treasure has been placed along the way, and I only hope that all that has been given will foster a generosity of spirit for all I know and meet.

One day my friend Jim Moreland. asked me”What was the first thing you told John when you were teaching him to drive”? The request confused me because for the life of me I could not remember the first thing we discussed. I answered that I did not have the foggiest recollection. Jim responded “You would remember if you were a person of color. The first thing I told my son is that when you are stopped on the road by the police immediately put both hands high on the wheel and keep them there. “Dazed by his answer I asked why?” Because too many kids are shot because they did not heed that advice. “That seemed radical and without warrant to me, but through the years I have come to understand the wisdom of those words.
The situation in Missouri is a powder keg and is indicative of the huge divide that exists between the races. I am not to indict every cop or every kid of color because that type of residual learning gets us nowhere. Rather I realize that we need to have deep open conversations between the races on a host of issues. Each of us can begin by shelving our fears and resistance to dialogue by seeking others who are from different races or cultures.The hostility, hate and mistrust are not the only paths that are open to us.

The experience of writing novels often leads the writer to so live the experience that the characters take on a life of their own. They become persons that appear during the course of the author’s waking moments as well at times during slumber. My characters run the gamut of the human experience and in developing them I have learned much. The most compelling lesson is that despite circumstances there are always choices available. This is reinforced by my life separate from writing. Daily I am aware that some lead quiet lives of desperation and yet they often make positive choices despite their lot. Others choose to change their circumstances while some select the”grin and bear it ‘road”. We are all characters in an individual life story and hopefully, despite the challenges, we hold on to the reality that we always have choices.

Having an absolutely wonderful visit with my publishers Franci and David in Staunton,Virginia.We have covered a great deal of ground regarding the launching of “The Cross or the Swastika.” One important decision was for me to buy copies of “Hitler’s Priest” and forward them to anyone that is trying to get me a speaking engagement. If you are trying to promote my work with any organization such as a Temple,College.School,Community Organization, Church group or book club just ask and I will send you a copy that you can use to influence the possibilities. Just send me your name and address and I will happily send you a signed copy. Again thanks in advance for all of your help.

Years before I became a corporate consultant working in the area of Strategic Planning I did a post doctorate as a therapist in a psychiatric hospital. The death of Robin Williams brought back memories of so many persons I encountered who lived daily with the burden of overwhelming depression. Those who dismiss this illness by labeling them as weak or crazy have no idea how tortured they are. It is my conviction that even to this day we have a backward approach to mental issues. Perhaps the only good that come out of Robin’s death is that it will raise again the need for all of us to grow in understanding of the persons afflicted and the pain and suffering of their loved ones. It is an illness and sideline labeling does nothing to help those who need our compassion and love.

Years ago I attended a performance by Robin Williams at a comedy club in San Francisco. His performance was so incredible that at one point I literally could not breathe. He was a comic genius and in addition a marvelous dramatic actor. It is so ironic that one who could make an audience howl with laughter was in such personal turmoil and pain. Depression is a burden that he and others carried and at time the torment is unbearable. I feel for his family and friends because death in this manner leaves o much emotional debris.. It is not likely that we will see a talent as bright as him again and I am sad that he is gone. The legacy he leaves will last for years and from Mork through Mrs.Doubtfire our sides will still be split by this brilliant star. May his spirit finally rest in peace.

One pause that is worth the time is to identify at least one person in your life that has made a contribution to who you are today.For most of us there will be more than one, but it is touching to have someone tell you that you made a difference at some point of their growth and development. If there is one, especially if you have lost touch, you will be amazed at what joy it will bring to them if you notify them in some way and thank them. I have been truly amazed at some of the correspondence I have received during the past couple of years since I began writing. Think about it for a few minutes, I am sure some names will pop into your head

Now that we are barely weeks away from the publication date of “The Cross or the Swastika” I need the input of all my friends and family regarding creating a “Buzz” for the book. Nothing helps more than word of mouth to spread the opportunities for sales and speaking engagements. Also preordering the book on Amazon and making the book part of any social media site is enormously important. The ultimate goal of this quest is to add one ripple in the lake to confront current bias and hate which unfortunately raise their heads endlessly. The monsters that created the Holocaust depended on ordinary citizens to implement their heinous plans. As ordinary citizens each of us has the opportunity to cast a stone of resistance to these evils in our lives. Again I welcome your help, your ideas and above all your love.

When I was a corporate consultant every three or four months I would ask my clients”What have you learned in the last few months about your business?” This invariably led to insights and strategies that moved the business forward in a positive manner. it is wise to ask yourself a similar question.” What have you learned about yourself and life in the last four months?”There are always changing circumstances, data and new opportunities when we pause and allow ourselves to temporarily move sideways. Maybe everything is going well, but for most of us that peak into the variables may offer more meaning, satisfaction and fulfillment. Learning about ourselves does not need to stop once we finish our formal education it can and should be cradle to grave.

I have two dear friends in New York who are experiencing severe pain because of the crisis in the Middle East.I refrain from using their names because both of their husbands are totally opposed to their friendship. One is an Israeli and the other is a Palestinian. Both have relatives in the region, and have expressed to me their horror at the loss of life on both sides. They both have lived with the beliefs of their individual communities and despite the years of conditioning have moved beyond the positions of their families. They have a burning desire that their children will not have to live in an atmosphere of hatred and violence. Their friendship continues despite the personal risks and their willingness to find mutual ground is one small candle in this bleak history of darkness.