Comments for A Single Bluebird

Comment on Profiling by marcea0k

marcea0k — Sun, 19 May 2013 05:09:49 +0000

By their definition those who use terror as a weapon want our fear to change our habits and our society. Profiling as described in the post that was shared by Callen is strictly based on physical appearance. Too many equate Arabic as Muslim, when there are as many faith traditions in the Arabic region as we have in the US. I agree with the previous comment that fear too often sweeps away all reason, but we can recognize when our minds are spiraling in fear and calm ourselves. As the Dalai Lama pointed out in his recent visit to Madison, all religious traditions have ethical values in common. And whether someone was raised reading a Bible, a Quran, the Torah, or Buddhist Sutras (to name only four faith traditions) people should not be declared “murderers” (either potential or probable) based on the actions of individuals or groups twisting words in an ancient text to suit their own ambitions. Those who trade in terror do so based on their mistaken notion of what Americans say, do or believe. If we then turn and do the same to others, then we become what we fear, purveyors of terror – psychologically speaking.

Comment on On Mother’s Day by Callen Harty

Callen Harty — Sun, 19 May 2013 04:26:15 +0000

Marcea, thank you for your thoughtful words.

Comment on On Mother’s Day by marcea0k

marcea0k — Sun, 19 May 2013 04:21:31 +0000

Callen, my Mother has received an diagnosis of probable Alzheimer’s disease, because the doctors do not talk in certainty. Yet Dad suspected her condition before he died and her children are now quite certain. Yes, my Mother is not the person she once was, she is easily anxious in any unfamiliar setting, probably because she doesn’t remember getting there. She repeats herself unceasingly, but I have used my acting training to try to keep my responses fresh no matter how many times she asks me how my day was, or repeats the same story from her past that I’ve heard four times in the past hour. I have learned that music is the last memory that diminishes for many Alzheimer’s sufferers so I add Harry Belafonte, and Barbershop Quartets to my computer to play for her when I visit.

And yet the loosing of her that I fear is no longer her death, but the moment when I am lost to her…when she looks at me and doesn’t know me. I have visualized that moment in hopes of surrendering to it when it comes. She may not know me as her first born when that time comes, and I may not see in her the woman who nursed me, not just as an infant, but as a registered nurse when I was sick with flu or pneumonia, but I will remember it is my turn to nurse her. I will remember that Harry Belefonte’s music makes her happy and where she saw him in concert. When she is stuck in her childhood home (that I never saw) I will improvise based on the stories she has related. When she is stuck in her early adulthood I will play the role of one of her nursing school pals and ask her about the guy she met at Great Lakes Naval Base (my dad). I have made a vow to myself that I will never say “don’t you remember me Mom?” I will take whatever comes, because I have no other option, and I know it. Loosing my Dad five years ago this July has given me a greater understanding of grief and the strength that is found in it’s wake. You will have that strength too, you’ve already survived so much and you have others who will support you through whatever comes.

Comment on Profiling by Darlene Harbick

Darlene Harbick — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:32:50 +0000

I’m all for profiling, as long as it’s based on actions rather than race or gender or religion. If a person buys a plane ticet at the last minute, using cash, that’s suspicious. If a person drops a package and keeps going, that’s suspicious. Pick any group by race or gender or religion and you can find plenty of instances of murder perpetrated, but few thinking people believe that’s justification for any suspicion. Trouble is, too many people today seem to be hard wired for fear and don’t stop to reason things out before pointing fingers.

Comment on To My “Christian” Friends by Mamavalveeta03

Mamavalveeta03 — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 14:28:40 +0000

“Might crucify him again”? I have NO doubts that we would. And I’m a Christian. You point out some deep truths, but I’m glad that you don’t lump everyone in one pot. Thanks for a thought provoking article, Callen!

Comment on To My “Christian” Friends by Sam Burns

Sam Burns — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:40:25 +0000

Callen,
Thank you for expressing your views on this issue. I have long struggled with the hypocrisy of those claiming themselves Christians. I share your heartfelt emotions and hope this helps people take a look at who they claim to be, and what their actions really prove.

Comment on The “N” Word by marcea0k

marcea0k — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:53:22 +0000

If only we could taste the words in our mouth before they are set loose. If words of hate tasted as vile as bile (which lets face it…it is), would anyone continue to bring that word into their mouth? And if words of kindness tasted like our favorite candy would we not savor and indulge in offering kindness for the sweetness it brought to us…as well as to the one we shared it with? Your words seem like the freshest, juiciest, just picked apple….clean, crisp and so good!

Comment on Spring by marcea0k

marcea0k — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 02:31:18 +0000

I have never seen a green heron. But I did see my first Yellow-Rumped Warbler this weekend as it migrated north.

Comment on No More Hurting People by marcea0k

marcea0k — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 02:07:44 +0000

Martin’s simple message was glorious. Thank you for paying it forward for him, and may we all do the same.

Comment on No More Hurting People by Jess Anderson

Jess Anderson — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 02:51:14 +0000

Perfect in all regards, Callen. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.