Tonight, I decided to take a walk and enjoy the warm, Spring air. Not only did I need to get out of my wreck of an apartment, but my doctor's voice continually echoed in my mind reminding me that it was imperative that I participate in some form of exercise or the consequences could be dire (Ooooo!). But that is not the reminder I speak of because I, frankly, don't care much for doctors or their pronouncements - maybe that's a topic for another time. :)
The night air was warm and the breeze gentle as I started out. I was not alone in my decision to take advantage of this opportunity, as many were out and about. People walking their dogs, couples holding hands and laughing, and families on their porches, chatting quietly. What an absolutely beautiful evening!
About a third of the way into my walk, it began to rain. Gently, at first. The breeze blew more fully and the rain came harder. For a short time, I wondered: "Should I turn back or continue. I determined that in either turning back or continuing on, I was sure to get soaked. So, I continued on and the rain began to abate, alternating from wet to not quite so wet.
As I rounded the corner for my return trip, a brisk breeze made its presence known and it carried with it a scent of earth, of wood, and of life. I stopped and breathed it in. A fragrance more intoxicating and invigorating than any man-made scent could ever hope to be. As it filled my lungs, I breathed even more deeply and felt its essence flow through me; waves of warmth and a tingling sensation ran through me. I saw the trees with new buds, ready to burst open. It filled my memory of days long past, when all that ever mattered was a walk in the woods, climbing a tree, or a few moments by a lake. A lazy stroll on a sunny day with no particular destination in mind.
My reminder on this Easter Saturday was how new life springs forth even after the most dogged and persistent winter. So many people wondered if this past Winter would ever end. And now, on this evening, the reminder that all things have their time. The scent that breeze carried was that of Mother Earth and a Creator's Love and the knowledge that one should always look to those things which are ever before us and remember to appreciate each day for its unique beauty. To coin a phrase: "To everything there is a Season..." Be thankful for the things and people that are here today. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
The Most Egregious of Double Standards
This a reprint of I post I generated back in 2008. Unfortunately, it is still a timely topic.
Since I work with people with Developmental Disabilities, I take great exception to those who would deride or demean them. I believe it is the product of a life lived in ignorance and shows a considerable lack of compassion for others.
To those who would disagree, I would tell you that a person with a Developmental Disability did not choose his/her lot in life, just as those who are not disabled did not chose their skin color, national origin, religion, etc. at birth.
Some people have made choices in lifestyle which are in direct conflict with social and/or religious standards. Yet still, you DEMAND acceptance from society. You deem it to be your right under a free and democratic society.
People with Developmental Disabilities deserve nothing less than you! Which brings me to the use of the epithet RETARD. I hear this insult bandied about with impunity. It's in our public places, on our airwaves (shock jocks), and in other forms of entertainment.
In a society in which one cannot use derogatory language to describe any group without incurring the wrath of any number of civil liberties organizations, people CAN AND DO use the word retard to describe a person or a thing that hey deem is defective or stupid.
Generally, Developmental Disabilities result from a number of situations, including genetic conditions, traumatic brain injury (due to car collisions, sports injuries, etc), social deprivation, or lack of love and attention. Most are the result of uncontrollable circimstances (Car collisions being a primary cause of Developmental Disabilites in children - from inappropriately installed child safety seats).
It's AMAZING (not to mention outrageous)! The very same people who take umbrage at the use of any term which is denigrating or demeaning to them, their lifestyle, their religious affiliations, race, or national origin, think nothing of tossing out this word which insults people whose only "crime" is that they may learn more slowly (the word hypocrite jumps to mind here - don't use demeaning/denigrating language to pigeonhole me, but I can do the same to a very helpless and vulnerable population).
If you are a person who has had occasion to use this unfortunate slander (Retard), please reconsider and stop using it and encourage others to do the same. There is a whole population of people out there who will be thankful, as will those of us who know the joys of associating with and serving them.
One other thing to consider. "There but for the grace of God (or whatever Deity you worship) go I." If a member of your family ever experienced a disabling injury (and I hope that never happens), you would hope for patience, compassion, understanding, and empathy from society for that person who means the world to you. Please don't deny the same for those who already live that reality.
Since I work with people with Developmental Disabilities, I take great exception to those who would deride or demean them. I believe it is the product of a life lived in ignorance and shows a considerable lack of compassion for others.
To those who would disagree, I would tell you that a person with a Developmental Disability did not choose his/her lot in life, just as those who are not disabled did not chose their skin color, national origin, religion, etc. at birth.
Some people have made choices in lifestyle which are in direct conflict with social and/or religious standards. Yet still, you DEMAND acceptance from society. You deem it to be your right under a free and democratic society.
People with Developmental Disabilities deserve nothing less than you! Which brings me to the use of the epithet RETARD. I hear this insult bandied about with impunity. It's in our public places, on our airwaves (shock jocks), and in other forms of entertainment.
In a society in which one cannot use derogatory language to describe any group without incurring the wrath of any number of civil liberties organizations, people CAN AND DO use the word retard to describe a person or a thing that hey deem is defective or stupid.
Generally, Developmental Disabilities result from a number of situations, including genetic conditions, traumatic brain injury (due to car collisions, sports injuries, etc), social deprivation, or lack of love and attention. Most are the result of uncontrollable circimstances (Car collisions being a primary cause of Developmental Disabilites in children - from inappropriately installed child safety seats).
It's AMAZING (not to mention outrageous)! The very same people who take umbrage at the use of any term which is denigrating or demeaning to them, their lifestyle, their religious affiliations, race, or national origin, think nothing of tossing out this word which insults people whose only "crime" is that they may learn more slowly (the word hypocrite jumps to mind here - don't use demeaning/denigrating language to pigeonhole me, but I can do the same to a very helpless and vulnerable population).
If you are a person who has had occasion to use this unfortunate slander (Retard), please reconsider and stop using it and encourage others to do the same. There is a whole population of people out there who will be thankful, as will those of us who know the joys of associating with and serving them.
One other thing to consider. "There but for the grace of God (or whatever Deity you worship) go I." If a member of your family ever experienced a disabling injury (and I hope that never happens), you would hope for patience, compassion, understanding, and empathy from society for that person who means the world to you. Please don't deny the same for those who already live that reality.
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