Sal's Reflections

There are many who believe that we have reached parity in our society regarding women’s rights. However there is a mountain of data that indicates that there are many social and economic disparities. We can play with statistics, but the reality is that women in many cases suffer under traditions and practices that penalize them and as recent as a few days ago ridiculous statements are made about pay equality. How absurd is it to believe that “if a woman makes a comparative salary “she will not be able to find a husband”? It is not male bashing to seek and demand that our mothers,sisters,wives and all other females in our lives receive the same fair treatment as men.

It is natural to focus on the violence that occurred at the Boston Marathon last year but I was struck by the wondrous response of so many to the explosions. First responders without hesitation rushed to the site without hesitation despite the probability that there would be other explosive devices. Total strangers performed incredible acts of bravery and compassion. Massive injuries threatened the lives of many victims but all who were brought to trauma centers survived massive wounds and injuries. The heinous act of two cowards paled compared to the community responses by the citizens of Boston. In the end the murderous intent born out of hatred was met by a city the was able and willing to show the ability of courage and love to overcome any tragedy. We cannot ever forget the victims and the ongoing challenges that face so many whose lives were shattered, but when the race is run next week we will realize that “Boston Strong” is more than a slogan it is a living testament to the power of love and community.

In the 1930’s the Nazi’s created disturbances in neighboring countries by having locals create situations where it appeared that German citizens were being abused. This was all part of a plan to invade on the pretext that Hitler wanted peace but needed to protect Germans who were being abused. The British and the rest of the world allowed the bully to take land in the hope that it would satiate his appetite and prevent war. It failed and I fear we are seeing the same tragedy today in the Ukraine. The Russians are using the Nazi approach in the Ukraine and Putin is saying he wants peace but must protect Russian citizens living abroad. If the world stands up and confronts this war may be avoided, but to give in to this blatant attempt to steal a sovereign nation war may truly follow.

There is something invigorating about all of the signs of new growth in nature after such a harsh winter. The longer days filled with sunshine enhance our lives and the new beginning never seems to grow old. Some of our friends and loved ones may be in the depths of emotional winter and every day seems more difficult than the day before. Each of us can be a momentary Spring for those in pain by our loving presence and concern. There are life situations that can not be solved by a magic wand but I have never seen one that can not benefit by the loving presence of someone who cares about us.

It never seems to end that hatred and endless acts of violence continue because again yesterday three innocent lives were taken just because they were Jewish. It is nothing new for Jews to be made the target of hate simply because of their origins. Hosts of reasons,all false,are brought to justify these acts, but in the end the reasons are simple and as ugly yesterday as they were on Kristallnacht in 1938.The anniversary to remember those that perished at the hands of the Nazi’s is held every year in April. It is a solemn duty to remember those that suffered but there is an additional responsibility;to resist bias of every kind that continues to harm anyone of our brothers and sisters.

I am off to Branson and Des Moines for presentations this week but before I go I have a confession to make. I have always viewed myself as a white haired Italian American man but the internet tests have shed new light on who I am. The first shock came when I took the character test for Downton abbey and was informed that I am the Dowager. Needless to say this wrecked havoc on my wardrobe and walking ability. Further tests have shown me to be pink,a banana with the emotional age of 34 that wishes to live in California. At this pace in a short period of time my identity will be beyond recognition.

There are days when writing is most easy and enjoyable. Plot lines flow,characters develop with ease and dialogue truly resembles the ordinary way people express themselves. However, there are other days when the writing is painful,slow and nothing seems to work. In a way this is what happens in life.There are days ,months and even years when everything works out and there is a rhythm that makes each day somewhat easy. In the midst of these periods it can be taken for granted that this is the norm, but we remember that there are times when our lives resemble the Biblical character Job. Both periods happen for almost all of us, and it is well to enjoy the great times and to stay tough and get off the deck and pick ourselves up when the storm clouds arrive.

There are some historical crimes that must never be forgotten, and it  is not revenge or hatred that must keep them alive in our memories. The inhumanity perpetrated against people because of their color, religion  race or other diverse reasons are reminders that humans are capable of hideous crimes as well as lofty achievements. The ripples of murder, torture and a host of unimaginable events still occur ,and as recent as yesterday we were made aware of the torture performed by our government in the last decade. As people and citizens we,not the government, must never forget the evils that may occur when good people are silent.

It is estimated that we have approximately sixty thousand thoughts in a one day period.Many are random, but for some there are strong patterns which influence  behavior. If the thoughts are mostly negative then to some degree they will influence the choices we make . One way to balance this is to learn to substitute some positive thoughts at the times when we are most susceptible to having control of the patterns. Before we go to sleep,, and when we wake it is worthwhile to gently meditate on some positive thoughts about the coming day.

Seventy one years ago today John Curran was born and he is no longer in our  physical presence. That fact has left a huge hole in the members of his family and all who were privileged to know him. That engaging smile and wit that lit up a room are singularly missed ,and that is the price that one must pay when a loved one dies. However there are the zillion memories that make me smile every time the thought of what he still means to me fills my mind and heart, There is no denying that death brings pain in its wake, but someone like John leaves an indelible presence that makes knowing and loving him despite the grief so worthwhile.