What is Missing and Why?

              I kept thinking that something was missing.....something was different...something was wrong.  Maybe it was me, I haven't sent out nearly as many emails this year as I have in the past. I was allowing the fear of causing people to turn away out of annoyance of too many emails, to stop me. No one had ever complained. No one had ever asked me to remove them from my list. Not one person had ever said anything, but I still worried. Now I wonder, was that fear part of the reason for what was missing?

           I was also feeling tired, not burned out, but close. So maybe, just maybe I wasn't trying as hard as I have in the past. Maybe, just maybe, my brain was simply too tired to come up with something comprehensive and complete that would make sense and inspire the reader. It wasn't that my heart isn't in it, because it is. As a Survivor, as long as the fight isn't finished, my heart is there...my determination, my desire for a cure will always drive me. But I didn't want to post dribble that would make the fight (at least on my part) into a joke.

            Where I work, we aren't allowed to do any fundraising. I understand the reasons and reasoning. No one can support every single cause out there. It is simply impossible. It is also now impossible to say yes to one and no to another because then the "another" cries discrimination and threatens lawsuits and before you know it there are lawyers and reporters and protestors camped out on the front lawn. So it is easier and safer to say no to all of them. I understand that....but it sure put a hurt on my fundraising as most of the people I know, are those I work with. Every nickel and quarter that they tossed in that cup added up and made a difference. Did the frustration of having that avenue blocked hurt my enthusiasm that badly? Was I giving up?

           A lot of the people who were on my team last year no longer work with me. In fact, so far this year all of the people who were on my team are missing in action. I could go ahead and sign up immediate family my son will help I know. My husband will probably be out of town driving somewhere..but at least that would be someone other than just me. No, I'm not feeling sorry for myself.. I have better more important things to do I simply do not have time for self pity.

       I need to figure out why.....the missing is missing.

    I can blame it on the economy.......because it really stinks. People are still out of work. People do not have the disposable income they once did. The cost of everything keeps going up but paychecks are not following suit.

    People may be having to help relatives or friends more than in the past.

    Health issues and insurance may be part of the problem.

    After reports have gone out on how "charities" are such a big business, people may fear that all the money is going into the pockets of the top dogs of the company and not to the various departments that are always mentioned.

  There could be as many reasons for the missing as there are stars in the sky, grains of sand on the beach, leaves on the Oak trees in my yard. I could guess all night and still not get the right answer.  In the past I have raised money online as well as in person. That hasn't happened but once this year. (Thank you Dennis, I still have a gift for you). I don't know what I can say that would convince anyone to donate. The reasons are the same....research, cause, prevention, treatments, medications all have come about thanks to donations. HOPE house, places where the cancer fighter and family can stay if they must travel for treatment. Look Good Feel Better a program for the cancer fighter to help them with wigs, scarves, hats and makeup tricks..Rider programs that help get the fighter to doctor visits and to get their medications. The online program that offers information and someone to talk with when you have questions. All of these take money..so we work, we find fundraising opportunities and we ask everyone we know.

So, yes...I'm asking...would you consider making a donation to help finish the fight against cancer? Would you help as we work to help survivors celebrate more birthdays? We have all been touched in some way by cancer...lets work to put an end to the battle, put an end to the fear, the worry, the loss of friends and family because of cancer. Together, we can do just that.

http://main.acsevents.org/goto/RebeccaSRevels

We will be having our second annual 5K at Common Grounds in Stanley on May 9th.. message me for more details..

We are still taking orders for Luminaria Bags.. see me, email me, mail a check made out to the ACS and send it to my PO Box 371 Stanley, NC 28164. The bags are $10 each and can be either in honor of or in memory of..
Any and all donations...see me, drop a check in the mail or donate online at the above link.
sign up for a Relay near you..or if you're local join my team..

Thank you for everything you do in the fight against cancer.

Rainy Days, weekends and those fond memories

  Its Friday, I've completed another work week. I have the weekend before me, and I did have lots of plans for that time. Only now of course it is raining. That means no yard work, not unless it decides to stop raining (and it isn't supposed to do that), or unless I don't mind getting wet. Even if it does stop raining the leaves that I haven't raked all fall and winter will not be mulched by the mower as I had hoped. If I do anything, it will be in the flower garden area and with a rake not the mower. I really do want to get started on that if only Ma Nature would cooperate a bit here.

  But, since its raining, and its dark (at this writing it is 8:13pm) I won't be doing any work outside, but I can share some rain stories from here on the Dirt Road..aka the Mud Run during times like this.

   I love summer showers, not so much thunderstorms but those sudden rain storms that appear, dropping rain here but not there, fast and furious or slow and easy. I've driven down the roadways to run in and out of rain or watched it fall on one side of the road and not the other. I've even seen the white lines of the road be the stopping point as the rain fall stops right on the line going no farther.

   As a young person growing up here I remember knowing when the rain was coming. The sky could be this beautiful, crystal clear blue, not a cloud anywhere but the trees gave warning of what was coming. Looking at the trees the area would be darker, the colors of the leaves more intense as they turned over. The air would grow quieter as all the woodland critters took refuge from what was coming. Soon, you could hear it approaching, the rain falling on the leaves on the trees and the dead leaves under them. You had two choices, take shelter, or enjoy the cooling off the rain would bring from the heat of the summer sun.

     Our Grandfather was a collector. He would bring home some of the most interesting, useable stuff. His yard was never cluttered or trashed, there was a place for everything, but he always allowed us to make use of the things he brought home. Like all of those sheets of metal. I have no idea what they were intended to be used for, where they may have came from or what his plans were for them. For us, they made great clubhouses. With careful precision we could stand them up and begin our shelter of the day. Building them as one would a house of cards only bigger and a bit more heavy. Each sheet had a line of holes directly down the center which meant careful layering to prevent leaks. It was a treat to be inside one of the clubhouses when a shower would come up. Listening to the rain as it struck the 'roof', hearing the drumming music that it made was mesmerizing. There was something special about having that privacy, a bit of secrecy even though all we were doing was sitting on the sandy dirt inside, out of the sun.

    Grandfather also built a large open shed behind his workshop. One end was open so he could simply drive his tractor in and out without hassle. At that time there wasn't any worries about anyone bothering his things. We all knew each other on this road then as there were only five families here. Times have changed. I stood many times at that entrance and watched the rain falling, watering the garden, cooling the temperature down a bit.

       One thing I have always loved was to take hikes in the woods on our property. There are several small creeks that run through it, more when there is plenty of rain ( such as now). Behind our house, down at the bottom of the hill there is a small gulch. During the dry times, it is dry. When we've had a rain storm, that gulch becomes its own creek. The land slopes downward, so the rain water starts at the main road and follows the gulch down through the woods until it reaches the pond and then once the pond is full to overflowing the water moves on through the woods, filling the creeks as it goes. If there is enough water I can hear it falling from my back yard.

There have been times when I've been walking only to get caught in a shower. Dad built a covered shelter down at the pond. The tin roof is wonderful to sit under and watch  as the rain falls and strikes the surface of the pond sending ripples outward. Raindrops hitting the surface of water has a totally different sound than anything else. Away from the pond if the rain isn't falling too hard I can take shelter under the trees, listening to the rain as it strikes the leaves. At times, I can feel the rain as it rolls down from leaf to leaf until it falls to where I am standing. I've walked along parts of the Dirt Road where the tree top canopy reaches out and entangles creating a covering that protects those under it from the rain. Once again walking and listening to nature's music. Of course those hard showers that can penetrate the canopy creates the puddles that I loved to wade through then and still do to this day. The feeling of red clay mud between your toes gets in your heart and stays there.

         As a youth, and now as an adult, I love to open the windows and listen to the summer showers falling. There is no better stress relief. Forget your pills, forget those self medications such as alcohol, forget that hot bubble bath- well no, lets not forget that, it works well also--but, the sound of falling rain is magical. Stress and frustration melts away leaving all the good memories in its place. I may not get to work in my yard tomorrow, but I will get to sit on the front porch with a cup of coffee and watch the rain falling. All the while remembering ...  with a smile.

There's No Place For That Here

                               No matter how big this world is-there is no place for hate

  There's no place for that here.

  Where I work there is a good diversity of people. From the various nationalities, ages and more we are quite the mixed bunch. Being so different, there are always going to be problems. We dress differently, we speak differently, we act and live differently.  It is a human thing. We have disagreements, we have those moments when we react and over react to an action or word. We have our own set of likes and dislikes, our beliefs and our ways. A lot is due to how we are brought up, some is social conditioning, some is immaturity, selfishness and petty. And some, is just the opposite in that we are mature, compassionate and real.

  I've worked for this company for a long time. On August first it will be twenty-four years. We've grown over the years so now I don't know every individual like I once did, but I know a lot of them. Most of the people I work with, I only see at work so I honestly know nothing of their home life but what they share. Whether it is in personal conversation or one of the many online social medias.   I May not agree with some lifestyle choices that are shared, but that doesn't stop me from liking the person.  Every one, every single person has value. We all have attributes that make us worthwhile. Knowing that, is part of what makes me so upset over an incident that happened recently.


The position that I have in being Lead Person, means that I am all over the department all day long. I am interacting with each employee at different times. I am making sure that the jobs are running as they should be and giving each person specific instructions as needed. I've learned their different personalities and come to appreciate each one. No, none are perfect. Some will hog machines that are needed in the process of the job. Some will sneak around and slip away with materials that are not theirs in the desire to make their personal job easier even if it makes the other person's more difficult. They will extend a ten minute break into as much as they can get by with. Little things usually totally ignorable until they get too extreme and need intervention to keep the production floor running smoothly.  I have also seen how employees help each other. I've seen them stop a small frame malfunction before it became a major problem. I've seen them jump in to help straighten out a major problem because it wasn't caught in time. I've seen them helping each other with a smile. That's part of why I was so upset recently.

I know, how well I know, that there is a problem with attitudes over illegal immigration. I know that there is a need for change in how it is handled. But I know that hating an entire nationality over the illegal acts of some are not the answer. I know that times have changed, when once people immigrating, no matter where they came from changed to follow this countries laws and ways. Of course, not only that has changed. Our own acts, beliefs and ways have changed so much over time it is difficult to say we do this this way and that that way. This is acceptable and that is not. However that is not what this writing is about.

I know, that we all have bad days. I know that there are going to be those days when our attitude is less than good. For what ever reason, our day is not going well. We aren't happy, we aren't going around whistling a happy tune, we aren't smiling or wishing anyone a good day. We are in a word, miserable and nothing is going to change that. At that time, it is very easy for anything to set us off, for us to take our bad day and bad attitude out on others around us who may be totally innocent. While at some point I remember reading that we should never hold things in, taking out our bad day on others is wrong. Point blank wrong.

There is no place for what happened here.

An employee was having a bad day. I don't know why. I don't know what set them off. When I last spoke with them they were fine or at least appeared fine. At some point that changed, or maybe they had hidden it well when I was there. Nearing the end of the day I was hearing how they had blown a fuse and was shouting racist comments loud enough to be heard. Intended to be heard. This upset many of those in hearing- which was intended. I know these people. As I said, I've seen them in action. They did not deserve what was being dished out. I saw the expression on the faces of those in the area, even those who have been known in the past to have bad days were upset of this.

It won't happen again from this person.

But what about someone else? Someone who doesn't like this nationality or that one? Someone who has a problem with another person's sexual orientation or if they are one who goes clubbing on a regular basis? Someone who may not like Republicans or Democrats, may not like Muslims or Buddhists or Christians. The list goes on and on as to what we may or may not care for. No matter our preferences, and even though we do have the freedom of speech, that does not give us the right to be hateful and racist. We should choose our words carefully and compassionately. Yes, I know that there may be certain categories were we can set care aside such as in acts ---proven acts--- of terrorism, such as suicide bombers and those who murder the innocent. Otherwise we should act in compassion to and for others. Hate and racism is a societal cancer. It destroys us one individual at a time. It does however like a bad virus spread quickly and at times easily among those susceptible to the disease that it is. Think the Klu Klux Klan or even the Black Panthers. Think Westboro Baptist and their hatred. It is not for us to judge nor condemn others. We may not like their choices, but showing and spewing hatred will not do anything but create more hatred and anger.

Many years ago the musical band The Beetles sang a song with the words, "All We Need Is Love", then there was "Imagine" Coca Cola wanted to "Teach the World To Sing" all over the internet you see videos of people doing good things. I hope that thought, that hope, that action goes viral. We do need more people who care enough to spread good, to spread hope, to spread compassion. Because for hatred and racism-- there's no place for that here.

Being Alone Doesn't Need to Mean Lonely

        Its very quiet here. My husband who is a long haul truck driver is out "there" on the road. He's headed from somewhere to some place. I can only hope and pray the weather is good for his drive. My son, left this morning to go to a race in Tennessee. For him, I hope that the rain stops and allows the race to be run. That is a nice, long drive to only miss out on the event. The cats are all curled up around the heater  and the dog is outside alternating between playing in the rain and curled up in her house on the porch. 

 So it is me, and sleeping critters. The only sounds in my house are my typing, the hum of the heater behind me and a radio playing in another part of the house. I can hear the rain falling outside when it gets heavy enough. When the wind picks up a small sapling brushes against the window near me. If it were dark, if I didn't know what it was, that could be an eerie sound that would make me nervous. As it is, I know what it is so I can ignore it.

Its times like this that allow my mind free reign. It is now, when I can allow thoughts and imagination to run wild, creating all manner of deep thinking or crazed ideas to seep through or to come barreling through like stampeding animals bent on getting where they are going in a hurry no matter what may be in front of them.

 With it raining as it has been since early this morning I know the river that is a mile from here has to be coming up. If the rain or other bad weather that is a possibility keeps up, how high will it rise? And what of the areas farther down river? How will they fare? In the area a mile from here, along the way I travel to go to work, the worst it does now is flood one section of the roadway meaning I would have to detour taking longer for my drive. Down river there are homes and businesses that are in danger. We have had a wild and bad winter this past season. It had been predicted, but then they often are. This time however they managed to hit it right and we have suffered. Even if we have not had to endure the amount of snow that others areas have, we are unaccustomed in this area to that drastic of a temperature change. If you are not used to it, it is very difficult to handle. So here it is, mere days away from Spring, and they are forecasting the possibility of a wintery mix. The only thing I did in anticipation of that possibility is getting more gas in my vehicle. I do realize that all of this rain is good for the soil. I'm also very glad that I have yet to rake or cut up the fallen leaves in my yard as they are helping the water to soak into the ground rather than wash away more topsoil. Soon though I hope to get that done and get flowers planted. I'm seriously missing the colors of the flowers.

I love having a yard full of flowers. Last year I was given a large amount of flower bulbs and I'm seeing evidence of them coming up in that corner where they were planted. I was also given a rose bush that I was worried about until I saw that it was leaving out nicely. I do have a lot of work that needs to be done in my yard. I simply have to get a time to do it when it hasn't been raining and stuff is easier to clean up and prepare. The flowers that I plant are the type that draws butterfly and bees. No insecticide goes anywhere near my flowers. I do have roses so I have to find something that will protect my roses and not harm the bees. (any suggestions?) While I am trying to create an area of Perennial flowers, there are some annuals that I have seen the bees flock to so I make sure and purchase seeds and plants of that type just for them. I've had to fence off that area of my yard as my German Shepherd Dog can't decide if she's a carnivore or an herbivore. Last year she not only dug up areas of my gardens, she pulled plants out of the ground to carry them around, literally shaking them to pieces. So now she is fenced out. I have plans on creating an oasis of sorts in that space. Moving in a swing to watch the butterfly, bees and hummingbirds. A birdbath for water, a feeder in the corner for wild birds and pans set up for the butterfly to also get water. With all this water soaking the ground it should be well ready for the upcoming planting. I even look forward to the work that will be involved with helping it turn out well. But what I really look forward to is photographing the results and the visitors.

Speaking of planting. I'm excited about my vegetable garden plans for this year. I have an area of my yard that I have been planting but the sunlight is limited there. Last year the cucumbers did amazing so I know I'll plant them again. But there simply isn't enough sunlight there for my tomatoes. I'm going to plant some in containers and put those inside the oasis area along one of the end fences. I may try to have some container plants along another fence but that is yet to be determined. My son has already tilled up an area down at my folks place that does get enough sunlight so there is probably where the bulk of the planting will go. There is also a fence up for planting green beans and on the other side of that I'll plant okra. My hope is to harvest enough to enjoy and to can for next winter.

I had hoped to get outside and make another video. I have two ideas and stories to share. Both are true, both involve in part the same room in this house. I want however to tell it from the outside and that isn't happening in the rain. I also wanted to get out and photograph some of what is blooming with raindrops on them. Unfortunately the rain never slacked off enough for me to take my cameras out. Reports say that it will still be raining tomorrow, so there is still the possibility of getting those shots. Raindrops always add interest to the shots, but it isn't worth getting soaked and sick over.

I usually don't mind being alone. I can always find something to get into. I can do some cleaning. I can enjoy some television if there is anything worth watching on but their generally isn't. I can play online, I can hike and hunt photography opportunities or I can write. There is peace in being alone. You can calm down and ease any high stress levels from what ever life has tossed at you. Taking long, hot showers or bubble baths, listening to good music of your genre of choice. Sitting down and reading a good book or sitting out in an oasis of flowers watching the butterfly and listening to the hum of the bees working. When weather permits sitting outside on the porch or out in the yard throwing sticks for the dog is relaxing and enjoyable. Especially when the dog shows off.

There are times though that I wouldn't mind an old fashioned card or board game. When the quiet does become too much there are options to change the situation. I can go shopping, money permitting. I can go visiting family, depending on the time of day. I can go to the walking track and chat with those who are also taking advantage of the facility. I can find ways, to help others.

Being alone, doesn't always mean being lonely. It shouldn't be looked at as a bad thing. Being alone offers up an endless multitude of opportunities to be considered and explored. There's no fighting over the remote or if the volume is too loud. You can decide exactly what to watch or hear. There's no fighting over that last brownie. Being alone, doesn't have to be a problem...as long as you  don't allow it to be one. Don't hide away from the world. It doesn't go away, it will be there when you step out of hiding. Don't avoid the world, it doesn't change the situation that you don't care for. Don't set yourself back to the side and watch hoping that the world will notice and draw you forward. Because then you wonder if it was because you are liked and capable, or if the world simply felt sorry for you. Step up, believe..and appreciate every moment..the ones noisy, loud and crowded.. and the quiet ones that give you a time just for yourself.

Why I will always make time for my mammogram

      Well, I have my mammogram scheduled, and rescheduled and then rescheduled once again. The original time was scheduled for me and was in the middle of the day. I called and got it changed to first thing in the morning..like before 8 in the morning. Then they changed our work schedule so I called and got it changed to late in the afternoon. I'll miss less work that way. I was and am determined to have this done. No, I don't enjoy it. No, I don't think it is fun. No, it is not my idea of a good time. No, I do not look forward to this with any excitement. Yes, I will get it done. Yes, I will be uncomfortable and slightly embarrassed as I'm not one to let it all hang out. Yes, I know it is important...trust me I know. Yes, I will be nervous until the results are known.

Why?

Because I am a breast cancer survivor.

Because my cancer was caught by my very first mammogram.

Because should it ever return, I want it to be caught just as early.

In 2008 I went in for my very first mammogram. While I wasn't sure exactly how mammograms were done, I had a good idea from all of the horror stories that I've heard. I followed the instructions that I had been given, then when my name was called I went back to the room...the room with a radiation warning sign outside the door. I walked in and again began following the instructions that I was being given. All of those, stand here, lean this way, put your arm here, somewhere along the lines should have been the "this is going to hurt' warning. But I managed to get through it and then went to get dressed and leave. I was warned that since this was my first I might get a call back being they had nothing with which to compare the images. I did get called back. I was operating on the idea that it was all routine, until she kept going over the same area time and again and only on one side. After being told to get dressed and take a seat in the waiting area because they wanted to do an ultra- sound  I was beginning to get uncomfortable.

 The room for the ultra-sound was cold, I undressed to the waist and put on the little pink paper vest. The technician came in and did the test. She knew what she was looking for but all I could see was something with the appearance of a lunar landscape. Once she was finished she began to pack up and told me to get dressed, they would be in touch.

 All of the tests came back with results that had my doctor scheduling me to see a surgeon. A needle biopsy confirmed the presence of cells that might mean cancer but that a surgical biopsy was needed. The surgical biopsy proved all the maybe's to be definites. I had breast cancer. It was small, the surgeon was amazed that the technicians had seen it. But we knew it was there, time to get rid of it. The surgery was worrisome, as the anesthesia made me nauseous. Afterward though, the surgeon told us that she got it all. Once i had healed up some, then the decision would be made as to treatments. That turned out to be six weeks of radiation. By the end of the six weeks I was nearly crawling. I had no energy, no desire to do much of anything. I did manage some how to not miss any work other than the day of and the day after my cancer surgery. Everything else was set up so that I went in to work early and left early for treatments. When they were finished, I was glad. Now I only had to wait to make sure it was really, truly, completely gone.  And it was. Now, 6 years later I am still cancer free. Healthy, feeling better than I have in a very long time.

Because

I followed my doctor's advice, and had the mammogram, even though it was embarrassing. Even though it was confusing. Even though it is not comfortable. It IS important. I'm thankful that the company I work for covers the entire cost of this test, otherwise there are many I am sure that would not get the test that they need. A test, that does go a long way in helping save lives.

Diffference is a matter of perspective. being purple in a red world

     I wonder about the diagnoses of Attention Deficit Disorder with or without hyperactivity. I wonder, if it truly is a disorder or if its called one because those diagnosed don't fit neatly in the box like all of the other good boys and girls or men and women. Is it a disorder, or is it called one because instructors must work more creatively to keep them focused on the lesson at hand and not everything else in their world? Are those diagnosed learning challenged? Or are they actually highly intelligent, advanced to the point that so called 'normal' studies bore them, making it more difficult to sit still as is expected?

     One of the things I have learned through observation is that people, no matter who they are or what may be diagnosed, pay attention to what interests them. An animated instructor will work better for some. One who doesn't mind showing off their acting skills, their voice characterizations, moving around, speaking in a varied level of loud or softness. One who uses props to emphasize what they are teaching. While public classroom schedules are all pretty well set if it is found that a student preforms better at one subject over another then allow them to work more on the one they prefer as long as they do a minimum of the ones they do not. Break it up in a way, instruct them in a way that is not disruptive to the rest of the class. Find ways to hold their attention while still teaching. Its possible, I've seen it done. Other students may need a more laid back instructor. One that allows them to hear and absorb the lessons more quietly.

  I know, that one with so called Attention Disorder, may not focus fully on a boring classroom lesson, but they can tell you everything else going on around them. They hear the tiny hum of electronics, the buzz of lights, birds outside, people passing, winds blowing papers or other items around. They miss nothing. Those who miss nothing, see what others do not see. Give them something they are interested in and there is no stopping them. They are the discoverers, they are the artists, the adventurers. They can and usually do succeed where others who were thought smarter, better more capable may not. They are outside the box anyway so thinking outside the box is easier for them. 

They must have the right instructors. One who is supposedly trained to instruct those with ADHD are not necessarily the best choice. When you are attempting to teach those outside the box, it is best if you are out there with them...in a sense. One must remain in control at all times, teaching the students also that there are boundaries in everything. Explaining that while the steps one takes to arrive at a solution, if you follow set guidelines as a marker to where you wish to go, getting there is easier.

Now, I'm going to switch gears, or perspective if you will, and look at it from the ADHD person's point of view.

   Imagine that you are a young student, you try to listen, but your mind is going at warp speed and faster. You're thinking about what the teacher just said, what the kids next to you are doing, what is that noise coming from behind you, your legs is shaking making the pencil dance on your desk, oh, look at the photo on the next page of the book, you wonder if that window opens because you're sure the wind would feel good blowing in, you think that it would be much more fun to be outside running across the field but maybe its going to rain as there are clouds over there and something is hitting the window because you can hear the tap tap tap tap tap tap tap tap tap tap tap..what, oh no the teacher just called your name and you have no idea what she said and now...off to the principle's office again to sit in the chair in the waiting area and watch as the secretary answers phones and shuffles papers and why do papers and phones and computer keyboards make so much noise but there is a different clicking made by a keyboard than there is a phone, what is squeaking, oh its the chair but the voices coming through the door are interesting..oh, the poster is different this time it has more blue instead of yellow and the words are different, the globe that was on the table has been moved to the floor and now there are magazines there the ones that have pictures of wild animals and the ones that talk about the town, it must be raining now as the last person who came into the office is all wet and dripping water onto the floor...

 Or, you are sitting at your desk and the instructor walks in dressed as a pirate. You are going to sail the seven seas as Black Beard and learn about life at sea. The problems that pirates caused, those they fought with, the treasures they sought. The problems that sailors dealt with due to being at sea for such long periods. The instructor speaks with a pirate type accent, walks with a limp to imitate a peg leg, pretends that there is a parrot on his shoulder. Scattered about the room are props waiting to be used. A screen is pushed before you allowing a video to be played that explains further.

 The instructor changes subjects to science and nature. On the table are living creatures, tadpoles, pollywogs, young frogs. A caterpillar, a cocoon in a jar, a butterfly in a cage ready to be set free. Lined up you are all lead outside to see examples in the great outdoors. In your hands a list of items to find and challenges to complete.

You're now an adult. You have gone through the rigors of growing up. You've learned through various means how to 'be still' and do what you are supposed to do. That doesn't mean that you like it. You're not happy. You are trapped in a job that you do not like, that pays the bills but that is all. There are no challenges, no fun, nothing that drives you to seek new horizons. You functioning is robotic through the day, but you wander off. You forget things, make mistakes, leave things incomplete. You've found yourself in the bosses office more than once being reprimanded for those very things. All the while you're being lectured on what a good employee should do, you're mentally anywhere else but there.

You're an adult. You ignored those who told you to find a good, steady job and be happy. You ignored the find the dependable job advice and went for what you love. You wanted to be an artist, you paint amazing landscapes and people flock to your exhibits. Exclaiming on how you capture every detail. You're a photographer that finds all the great macro shots, showing other worldly looking things to those who stand awe struck. You're a writer who has just won the Nobel Prize in literature. You're a Doctor who has just discovered a complete cure for a deadly disease. You're excited, you're challenged, you're doing exactly what you want to be doing. You see, feel, hear what most miss because you have so many senses wide open and receiving information coming at you from all directions.

Managing to do things, managing to be somebody..daring to be different even when no one understands. Daring to be purple in a red world. And not caring what anyone else thought because you knew, that being different is not a curse but a blessing in disguise, and no reason to be ashamed and every reason to be excited.

 

Different is as Different Does

                                      a blurred photo of me and part of my family

  I was writing about being different yesterday, in a somewhat vague sort of way.  I thought about that today while I was working and felt that maybe I ought to visit that subject again. There are more reasons that cause one to be or to be considered different than there are stars in the sky. But lets discuss a few anyway.

 

  Socialization--or lack of said socialization. Sadly you hear of more and more cases where children are kept locked away in a house or room. They are left alone, possibly a crumb of food tossed in from time to time, other than that, nothing. They are underweight, under skilled and afraid- if they survive. Then there are those who are not abused, but are not around their peers enough to know how to act in a social setting. They may be a bit clumsy, confused as to how to act, what to say or not say, they may join in the discussions or activity, or they may find a place off to the side to stand and watch the others. You can see the 'want to' expression on their face, but they simply don't know how to join in.

Disease--For a very long time, AIDS caused people to be avoided and shunned. I recently read an article of how Leprosy is still causing the same actions and reactions in India. This are long term conditions that cause people to be afraid. They may not be educated enough to understand how many diseases are spread so they fear them all and do all they can to get rid of the one who is ill. Even when the one who is ill is not contagious, they are still treated as if they were.

Handicaps--There are too many different handicaps to try and list them here. We will just take a few to discuss then I'm sure you will understand. Autism, a development issue. There are high and low functioning autistic individuals. Yet, the very fact they are autistic makes them different. They may be able to function just as well or even better than one who is not autistic, but since it is known, they are treated differently. Sadly, there are individuals who think it fine to ridicule or deride a person with a handicap such as this..forgetting that these are individuals with feelings just like anyone and everyone else. Slower, even minutely, does not make them less.

 Handicaps that one is born with-there are unfortunately times that a medication that the mother takes, or if the mother uses drugs or alcohol when the baby may be born handicapped. There may be malformed or missing limbs. They may not be able to function properly physically. The strong live on in spite of the handicap.

 Handicaps that are life created-accidents unfortunately are a part of life. We get hurt at home, at work, on vacation, in auto accidents to name only a few. There are times that those accidents cause great harm to our body leaving us handicapped. Whether we become confined to a wheelchair, a walker or even a cane, we are changed. We are now different. Limbs may be lost, creating cause to change our lifestyle, another difference.

   Personality--one could have the personality that doesn't fit in the box called normal. They could have a greater, more unique sense of humor, they could be artistic, they could be simply themselves seeing life only as they can see it. They march and dance to the beat of their own drummer. One that no one else can hear leaving them at a loss to understand why someone would act the way they do.

 Maturity-some kids are slower to mature than others. Some people never fully mature in the way that society expects. They find enjoyment and entertainment in the simply things, laughing at the childish, delighting in the offbeat.

  None of the above is anything that hasn't been said many times over. We've all heard it, but how many times have you witnessed someone being cruel to another simply because they are different?  Think about the movie Forest Gump and how he was tormented by others simply because of his differences. Think of all the articles and news reports you've seen where people have been cruel, rude, and uncaring in public places. Think of the reaction that some of those articles have gotten when there was someone involved who cared enough to take a stand for those being mistreated.

Different, is not wrong. Different is not weird. Different is simply- different.

 We do not honestly want to all be the same, a cookie cutter humanity with no humanity. That my friends is machinery- robots, androids, what ever you want to call it. Everyone would be alike, likeing the same things, saying the same words, reading the same books, playing the same games..it would be in a word, boring. We would find ourselves trapped in sameness. Nothing new would be discovered, nothing beautiful would be created. Even those, and sometimes especially those who are different for what ever reason are the ones who find the beautiful and create the new quicker because they aren't trapped within the boundaries of 'normal'. It is also very possible that for the same reasons mentioned, that these people called different, are able to in many ways have more fun.

 I believe that it is important that we realize the pain that we cause when we mistreat others. Even those with handicaps can understand body language and rude, cruel comments. They know when they are being laughed at. How would we feel if we were in their place? How would we feel, if we woke up tomorrow and found ourselves on the receiving end of cruelty? Different is as different does- be different today- be kind to someone. Be different tomorrow- pass it forward, kindness and concern, kindness and compassion, does not diminish, it only grows larger, spreads wider, moves farther when shared.