What’s Going On
Integrity
My grandson will be going away to college in the Fall. In addition to loving him dearly, I have great respect and admiration for this young man. He’s a good student, a disciplined athlete, and a talented artist. He’s mild mannered, gracious and demonstrates his love for his momma in his actions and demeanor.
I want to give him a token to take with him to school. A talisman that will serve as a touchpoint to home. Leaving home is such a time of wonder. The world presents us with opportunities we may never have thought about. We must make decisions that can have life altering consequences.
We are tempted to do things we would never do if we had to come home that night and face our parents. This period of transition is full of peaks and pits. It’s a time when our values are tested.
I’ve been revisiting the writings of Coach John Wooden. At the moment, I’m enamored of Life Wisdom – Quotes from Coach John Wooden: Winning With Principle
If you can think of an alternative I might bestow upon him at this exciting period that will be easy to engage with, please share it with me.
“Stories are how we remember; we tend to forget lists and bullet points.”
—Robert McKee, Storynomics Author, Speaker
VOTE
As a child, my parents modeled the behavior they thought important. Attending church on Sundays was not optional. Volunteering was a constant. My mom volunteered at the Red Cross and would take me along. I learned to edit film repairing damaged Red Cross Water Safety films. The behavior that made the biggest impression on me was voting.
Right up until my mom died she voted in every election. She had fallen and broken her wrist. She couldn’t drive and the polling place was too far for her to walk. She asked me over and over again would I be there to take her to vote. When we got to the poll she held onto my arm and shuffled from the car across the street and up the long sidewalk into the poll.
There was a long winding line inside and she was quite content to wait. People were so impressed by this little lady with cast who smiled and said she was happy to wait that they insisted she be allowed to cut in the line.
She asked that I accompany her to fill out her ballot and the poll workers graciously allowed me to stay with her. She shuffled along, hanging on my arm, and cast her vote.
As we were leaving she said, “I really appreciate your doing this for me. But you and I both know I would have crawled here if necessary.
I’ve voted in every election, local, state, and national, since 1972. It seems illogical not to vote. Most of the time I’ve voted against someone versus for a candidate. But the lesser of two evils is sometimes the choice.
Marie and I walked up to our polling place at 6:10 this morning. There were a couple of cars in the parking lot and we were thinking we’d probably be one of the first ten to vote. Turned out we were number one and number two.
I was surprised, frequently, we’ve been waiting in line for them to open the doors.
Today’s election is to choose a replacement for Donald McEachin, who passed away right after the election back in the Fall.
Mid-term elections frequently have lower turnout than Presidential elections. And special elections like today, are equally difficult to inspire participation.
I believe everyone is a leader. There’s always someone watching. I’m asking you to lead. When given the opportunity to vote please do so. Our republic works best when we’re all engaged.
I hear people complain they think the system is broken. They don’t like any of the candidates. They think the process is corrupt. And most frequently, my vote doesn’t count.
There may be some truth in all of those statements depending on how your districts are configured.
Not voting however is not the solution.
Francis Bacon said, “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good (people) to do nothing.
Don’t give up.
People shed blood so we could vote.
Don’t let them have died in vain.
The least we can do to participate in the wellbeing of our nation is VOTE!
And then look for other ways to lead.
Remember someone is always watching.
I’d Love to Hear from You
Any ideas on a going away gift for my grandson would be appreciated.
Til next time,
Gayle Turner
Executive Producer