Sal's Reflections

As a young man I was attracted to the beautiful themes spoken by Christ in the sermon on the Mount. The Beatitudes were so profound that they became my beacon on how to lead a meaningful life. I never had any illusion that I could lead them perfectly but they were my guide posts.The institutional church has lost sight of those profound words and the scandals have blurred their true meaning . Church officials in many areas of the world placed the welfare of the institution ahead of the lives of children. Bishops ,cardinals and even popes swept under the rugs acts of depravity that harmed countless innocent children.Removed from the day to day lives of believers they coupled their crimes with deaf ears to the ongoing needs of the flock. Women were largely ignored and powerless ,and to this day have no real influence in the policies of the church.In light of these realities the beauty of the Beatitudes is still my harbor of safety. I am not sure that the institutional church has the courage to once again assume the leadership to model those profound guides.

Today is my writing group meeting and it is a weekly source of energy and inspiration. Everyone in the group has in their lifetime met significant challenges and overcome them with courage,humor and determination. The human spirit is unleashed in their writing, and I leave each session with more than feedback about my current attempts.It is amazing what encouragement can bring forth when each member senses the genuine interest rom the rest of the members. Each week is an opportunity to grow as writers and persons, and the atmosphere contributes to risk taking and a willingness to develop . The group is testament to the reality that we can learn many things in this world when we are privileged to be in a caring community environment.

We have survived and thrived for over two hundred years because this is a nation of laws.There have been moments when the Constitution bends but fortunately the wisdom of our forbearers gets us through dark days. We are in a period ,especially after yesterday ,when our system is being duly tested.For it to weather and thrive it will require all concerned to put country before party. For those of us who are involved, but not legally, it would serve us well to be respectful to each other.Putting labels or calling each other names will have no benefit. I hope that the process may proceed with order,dignity and that the outcome will insure that the country move forward in a peaceful manner.

I received a short note from a person that read “On the Corner” and wanted to write a review but found the task challenging.I understand that it is often the search for the perfect words to write one so I will suggest a simple formula.One could use the following as a template

“I found the book tie with a Chick Filet Menu”
On the Corner” was almost as long as “Gone with the Wind”
“Book touched my heart and I loved the characters”
“”Gave it to a friend and she no longer speaks to me”
“My three year old found it moving and carries it with his blanket.”

When I ended my organizational consulting years ago I believed that I wanted more leisure time.I had for quite a period flown thousands of miles a year and hoped for weeks of down time .I thought of rounds of golf,time to read,long afternoon naps and a total lack of pressing responsibilities.This idyllic view lasted about four weeks and I was bored silly,The little voice in my head began to mutter the immortal words of Yogi Berra:It ain’t over till it’s over”.Since then I first went into the art business,have written five books and renewed my opportunities for personal and business coaching.I am as busy today as I was when I had international clients and am loving the challenges that are on my plate.
Retirement can be the ultimate promotion when you listen to the voice that has been quiet for awhile.It is never too late to have new challenges and meaning.

I always fancied myself as a terrific walker.Through the years many people have mentioned that it is difficult to keep up with my heartbreak speed.Well apparently those days are gone because yesterday while getting my ten thousand steps in people were whizzing past me.The old competitive spirit became alive and I found myself quickening my pace. Finally ahead there was an older man creeping along and I at sound barrier went past him with an air of competitive accomplishment. No sooner than this gold medal performance occurred that I broke into self laughter.The old competitive athletic Sal never quite leaves the stage and laughing at myself is always a good way to handle silly parts of our past that never really disappear.

I saw Spike Lee’s movie Black Klansman yesterday and it is a powerful reminder that racism is still alive and well. Many of us thought that we were going to live in a post racist period but that belief was naïve. It is not unpatriotic to discuss the fact that racism has been a shameful thread that has run through the history of our wonderful democratic experiment. If you have never worked in a community of color it is easy to miss the daily racial issues that still prevail. Many dismiss these realities by stating that they have never done anything to harm a person of color. This is true ,but it misses the point. Racism in so many ways is inbred in even the most vital institutions that are the fabric of our world. It is in industry, schools and every layer of society. For some, the hatred is visible as we have seen in places like Charlottesville while a great deal of it is subliminal.
There is no simple cure for the cancer of bias but each of us can model some behavior that reaches out to signal the beauty of diversity.

Dear S.J.We were both nervous at the beginning of the lunch but after almost three hoursI knew that this was the beginning of reconciliation.To paraphrase your book,I want to thank you for giving me my father back.There are still issues  but I believe that  my being gay no longer prevents him from loving me.

I loved your book. After reading it I have reconnected with some of my closest friends from New York.They were thrilled that I called and hopefully I will be able to attend my high school reunion this fall.