Sal's Reflections

In preparing for my move to Washington D.C. I have touched many items from my past.One that was still impactful was a notebook from my time with Viktor Frankl in Vienna. In it were lessons learned that still to this day have enormous influence over much of my life. As I scanned the pages I realized once again the whole question of meaning in one’s life. It does not have to be some great and noble cause that drives our thoughts and decisions. It can be caring for our children, or providing for another, or in some small way making the world a better place. The pages now turned yellow because of age are timeless reminders of all he taught me and they created the deep realization that I must pass on all those gems to others.

Starting the process of moving to Washington D.C. I am aware that the process is connected to my entire life. As I pack items it seems that many if not all have a story.Photos of loved ones and friends bring back hordes of different times and places. Many make me smile, while others are reminders of those who have passed physically from this life. There are even treasures that have not appeared since the last move and pledges that they will never be in the shadows again. It is a tedious time, but in a sense it is a marvelous chance to once again experience all that has already happened as I prepare for the next stage.

Retirement is in my humble opinion an outdated word as far as the original meaning of the word. What does the word mean in today’s world?, sitting around reading the paper or merely walking the dog waiting for the next meal. I believe it is the opportunity of a lifetime. Once a person ends a formal working relationship at a certain age if they have enough nickels to survive they have reached the point of opportunity. This is the ultimate promotion when there are new and often exciting opportunities to explore and commit to new ventures that before were not possible . Raise up the dreams and dust them off because that day that you always talked about is here. . This is not merely the opportunity to watch TV or review the Social Security benefits. Learn something new,volunteer,go to Venice and explore a host of other possibles that have been on your mind and in the wish list for years. Forget the “I am too old ” mantra that accompanies all of the dreams. This is your time.Carpe Diem.

Yesterday I signed a lease for an apartment in Washington D.C.and will begin a new venture in July. Steady known experiences provide a great deal of benefits but so does change. The challenges of a new place, new surroundings and the opportunity to grow in knowledge and experience are also wonderful. There is no limit to the wonders of life and the temporary discomforts that change offers are a small price to pay for the treasures that lie beyond the discomfort.

So many times we may feel that the opportunity to make some positive changes have passed us by. We think I am too old. or it’s too late and so we miss the opportunities that might be right in front of us. Life can be rather frenetic and the endless normal tasks of daily life lead little time for reflection. However, we owe it to ourselves to pause and consider some piece of life that we would like to learn or change. It may be a small change, but stop for a second and realize that you deserve it, and it is within your reach.
See it, say it, feel it and then do it.

While I was in Europe my dear friend Chet Mount passed away. Few people in this world suffered as many losses as Chet and his wife Jeanne. Three wonderful children struck early in life with handicapping conditions that led to their deaths as adolescents. Despite this overwhelming series of losses the Mounts were a magnet for people of every age. Their home was a place where you went to adsorb the wonder of a family that daily coped with such difficulties and yet somehow through their love made life better for all who were privileged to know them. The Mounts were and still are a foundation for me and I treasure all of the memories that they have shared with me. I loved Chet and Jeanne then ,now and forever. May Jeanne, Chip and Peg and all of the family and friends be filled with the wonderful memories of this great man.

I will be in Munich and Rome for the rest of the month and without my laptop.However,I will periodically blog by visiting the local Internet cafes

When I was a child the environment that was prevalent in my city had many overt prejudices. There were certain groups that certainly were marginalized. Racial slurs were commonly heard, and many made no attempts to hide their beliefs. I heard these, but was counseled on many occasions by my Mother that these were wrong and all people deserved to be respected. I don’t know where she learned this value but it was at the core of who she was. There were times when she would state this openly to others in my neighborhood without fanfare or personal judgment about their character. Her memory and convictions about the worth of every person has been an anchor for me throughout my life.