Choosing Empathy

Certain words represent opposite ends of a continuum. Let me suggest these two: division and empathy. Now let me mention an event: the shooting and killing of a young black man by a policeman in Ferguson, Missouri. Anybody paying attention to the news last week knows the tragic incident has been divisive.

An Epidemic of Kindness from a BIGG Change

Last week I wrote about how the homeless in my city have inspired me. Let me tell you about someone else who has done that.

Not long ago Chris Rosati was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, an illness given much press by the recent ice bucket challenge so many are taking.  It is a devastating illness. Several years ago I watched it ravage a friend’s body and end his life.

Gratitude from the Homeless

Two days ago, my wife and I bought a street newspaper, sold mostly by the homeless. On the front page where I usually see articles about the poor or inadequate housing, was a headline that read “Attitude of Gratitude.” Inside were thirty expressions of  thanksgiving mostly by those who are homeless or homeless until recently. Two things struck me: (1) It is mid-summer and not the “Thanksgiving” season. (2) You don’t expect such expressions from homeless people.

5,500 miles; 15 years

On Monday, we drove four hours for a rendezvous with our daughter and her husband. They offered two possible places for dinner. Having made our choice, we drove about seven minutes to our destination.