Step Five (And Six)

Now, to the best of your ability, go do the right thing.  Yes, people will argue with you endlessly about what exactly “the right thing” is, and that’s okay, but when it’s time for you to act, you’re going to have to be the one to do it, and you’re the one that’s going to have to live with what you do.  Remember that, and do your best to be your best.

(And my son asked me to add that it’s okay to hope, just don’t let hope become a form of denial.  He’s right too.  It’s not only okay to hope, it’s good to hope!  A ten percent chance of success, even a one percent chance, is still better than no chance at all, and if that’s your best option, better that you take it than just give up.  Just take those chances with your eyes open and as much as possible, a serene heart.  Remember, the Valkyrie don’t just pick from the winning side.)

Maybe An Even Better Start Than I First Thought

Yesterday I shared my “resolution” for the new year.  What I didn’t share yesterday (because it would have spoiled the punchline), was that one of the first things I did upon making that resolution was to stop by a diner for a spicy pepper omelet because that seemed the most enjoyable way for me to spend the hour that I had before it was time to pick up L’s Mother.  Upon finishing my meal I couldn’t help but notice that my server’s name was “Hope”.

So now I can honestly say I’ve had some hope in my life for the new year, and I have my resolution to thank for that.

(Yeah, I know . . . that was a long walk for that one, but it’s no joke that hope has been in short supply for a lot of people lately, so I’ll take what I can get.)

I’m Still Hopeful Though, Son, So . . . There’s That

Okay . . . I lied on Monday when I said what I was about to say applied to nobody I was currently in contact with.  I didn’t do so purposefully, but not long after I had posted that I realized I had lied nevertheless . . . as soon as I looked at myself in the mirror.

Yeah . . .

“Currently”

I want to say up front that what I’m about to say applies to nobody I am currently in contact with, but sometimes the only thing you can do is look at somebody and hope against hope that they don’t mess up their children too much.

A Rare Glimpse Into My Personal Correspondences

(I was going to post this yesterday, but then a bit of news broke that gave me pause.  After giving it some thought, I decided that I still stand by what I’m about to post, but I’m also going to acknowledge what I read in the news.)

The following is an only slightly edited for clarity excerpt from one of my personal correspondences regarding recent events:

This may sound uncharacteristically hopeful of me, but I truly believe all we have to do is survive long enough for their [i.e., the up and coming generations] influence to be more strongly felt because the information IS out there, they KNOW that AND they know how to get it.  Granted, there’s still a lot that could go wrong between now and then, but we both grew up in the shadow of the Apocalypse, and I’ve seen the skies darker than this . . . a LOT darker [though The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists‘ Science and Security Board disagrees], and I am not afraid.

With that said though, if you see me running, I suggest you don’t waste time asking me why because I’m going to be trying to outrun a blast radius.

And I’m Ashamed To Admit That It Took Me THIS Long To Realize This

(This is the tabled post I referenced earlier this week.)

In the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing, a friend of mine, hit closer to home by the event than I, expressed his wish that he could say something intelligent, empathic, or eloquent in response, but all he had was rage and despair for humanity.

So this is being done on his behalf, with deep appreciation for the inspiration from all those I’ve heard say something similar to what I’m about to say, but didn’t quite say it the way I felt needed to be said:

In times like these, it helps to consider the numbers involved.  While exact details remain sketchy at this time, it is safe to say that only one or two, or at most a few, are responsible for the many victims.  I think it’s also safe to say that the perpetrators want us to feel rage and despair, which is reason enough alone to not give them what they want.  Even more important than that, the victims need sympathy and support, and that should be the priority.

And it is.

The actions of the few, having hurt the many, has to led to millions outpouring their sympathy and support, as is the norm in cases like these days.

Let me say that again:  “As is the norm.”

It’s the norm.

Just think about that.  It’s the norm, and it’s a norm that’s been demonstrated time and time again with the arrival of the Information Age!

For one moment, let us ignore the attempt at disruptive noises made by the few when most are quiet.  Let us ignore the attempts to shock just so a few can vainly attempt to fill the silence, within and without, that they can not abide.  When people are brought together by tragedy, any tragedy, for one moment it becomes clear that those who perpetrate horrible acts are the aberrations of humanity, not the norm.

The equation is simple:  A few may hurt many, yes.  But in return, uncounted millions respond with sympathy, support, and grace once they are made aware of what has happened.  People don’t always instantly realize what the right thing to do is.  Once they do, though, millions upon millions do it, momentarily drowning out the noise of the aberrations.

That’s not blind hope in humanity or Pollyanna faith in the power of love.  Those are the numbers.  Those are the facts, demonstrated time and time again.