No I did not fall off the face of the earth

​Blog for November 2, 2020
 
November 2, 2020
 
WOW! More than two-and-a-half-years since my last blog! How on earth did we end up here, in a crazy 2020 that finds all of us at least mildly changed from 2017? One way or another, we’ve made it through and find ourselves rediscovering who we are, what we’re made of, and what we plan on doing in response to knowing more about ourselves.
 
Some of us have enjoyed success and celebrations. Others have suffered hardship, and some have endured pain and loss—as I have: Suddenly, tragically, I lost my beloved elder son, Marc—a very esteemed professor and successful scholar—who suffered with mental illness. A large hole has been left in my heart and in our whole family. . . .  But—dammit-all—I’ve survived! . . .  May we all successfully struggle through these difficult times—together.
 
HOW
 
By following a simple credo:

“I AM MY BROTHERS’ KEEPER.”
 
I managed to keep my focus on helping others rather than wallowing in self-paralyzing grief. That’s the gist of my message today—GIVE, AND YOU’LL “MAKE IT THROUGH!!!” And when I say “give,” I DON’T mean just to family members!
 
GIVE—TO THE WORLD

• the poor
• the disadvantaged
• fight racism
• support animal welfare
• become part of the solution to the growing climate crisis

 
And I’m not talking about money!!!
 
GIVE—OF YOURSELF

• your time
• your caring
• your skills

 
HOW

• work—face-to-face—ON THE FRONT LINES—for a socially progressive cause
• support—worthy petitions on social media
• discuss—“GETTING FROM ME TO ME”—in daily conversation

​“Giving” constitutes the first of my four strategies for living a fulfilling life. . . .  I’m back again, still hanging on,      
 still hanging in! . . .  And yes, I do my best to practice what I preach!!!
 
Until next time, a few days from now,
 
Peace and love,
 
JR