And now…some lighter fare!

As promised- here is a little trip through a random collection of photos, and a subsequent peak into what makes me, me! Don’t worry, there will be a point… Hi! This is me a few years back. I don’t think I have changed by more than a few pounds, which I am quickly shedding as I approach 50. So, I would like you to meet my family.

This is my mother. She took care of me at times when I didn’t honestly deserve her love or patience. She has driven me NUTS. She has been my best friend and my biggest challenge. She has been my biggest fan and my best- worst critic. More importantly- she never lets even the worst conversations end without saying’ “I love you with all of my heart. Goodnight.” I pray that I will always hear her voice saying that to me- especially in the tough times.
This is my dad. I wish that I had a litany of wonderful things to say here- unfortunately, our relationship never had the opportunity to grow beyond childhood idolizations. He left us when I was in junior high, and essentially disappeared from my life until I reached out when I was in my late thirties. He passed away in 2008. In some strange way, I always loved him. Even when he made it clear to me (in words and actions) that he no longer wanted to be a part of my life, love still found a way to hang around. 

This is Linda- she is the oldest (taken around 1968ish). She is the long-suffering one among us; there are many family tales of her sacrifice for others. She would take the broken toy so my brother wouldn’t cry after breaking his, for example. She is one of the only people I have seen give until her heart breaks. I don’t have words to describe my love and admiration for this woman. She is one of character, charm, and grace, as well as a whole lot of ‘Steel Magnolia’ whoop-ass, when needed.Meet Ron. This picture is telling- he is now a Mennonite minister and feeds the flocks, as it were. Ron was the sibling that I most revered- tough, quiet, thoughtful, considerate to a fault. As life would have it, we didn’t really connect until recent years. Every time I am with him, I am reminded of what humans are capable of, and the kind of man I want to be. He’s a thinker, an activist, a scholar, and a powerful leader- all of this with palpable humility. Jim- not a day has gone by when I haven’t missed you. Another relationship that bloomed later for me (did I mention that I was a bit of an asshole as a child?), and that taught me the value of cherishing every moment. He was that guy- the one we were all jealous of, yet wanted to be. He could walk into a room and simply light it up. His laugh, his smile, his charm and wit, and is heart were among the best and biggest I have ever known. He was, for the last seven years of his life, my best friend. Jim took his life in 1989. 

Now, let me offer my point.

For many of you, these things offer a glimpse into parts of my life you didn’t know. Every person you see, every day, has a story. It may not be just like mine, but it exists. That story helped to shape the person you behold  in the checkout line, in traffic, at the bank. If you had access to these stories, would you be so quick to attack? Food for thought- the next time you get angry at someone you don’t know (or do know for that matter), try to consider their story. Make up a name for them- try, just try, to humanize them. What is the worst that could happen? Don’t know. What is the best? You might find you have a softer heart for it. Okay, next post will be  the pic flood….