REFLECTIONS ON LIFE –December 2017

REFLECTIONS ON HOME IN COLUMBIA

The pond waters behind and beside our home have frozen over.  About two weeks before the freeze those waters had turned a deep black from the many fallen leaves deteriorated and settled on the bottom of the ponds.  One morning after that blackening and before the freeze, I spotted a lone male mallard gliding across the dark waters of our ponds.  There was not another single sign of life to be found in or around those ponds which a few weeks earlier were teaming with life. Then in a couple of days, a female joined him, and together they surveyed the waters, across and back, across and back, in absolute silence and surrounded by absolute stillness.  They exuded peace, and I found it impossible in their presence not to experience that same peace, in spite of the tumultuous world in which we are now living.  To me, that is one of the most important messages to remember.  Yes.  We are living in tumultuous times.  That does not mean that we cannot have a peaceful heart and soul in the midst of it all.

Now that the ponds’ waters have frozen, the ducks can no longer swim through.  The reflections in the ice take on a fractured image not present prior to the freeze.  The ice has some visible formations on its surface caused by the winds blowing the water. A recent light dusting of snow left a covering on the ice so faint that each flake could be distinguished. Then the morning there was a fresh full cover of snow, just a half inch or so.

Recently, a friend visiting us in our home after sunset after the dark began moving in, said “I want to see your bedroom and the two windows the view from which you describe in your Reflections.”  We walked upstairs to the room, and, although the advancing dark prevented her getting a clear view from the two windows, she said she grasped the gist of it.  I love my and Lloyd’s time looking out of those windows so much.  Have I per chance mentioned that before? It gives me great joy to know that others are vicariously experiencing some of that pleasure and insight.

Yes.  We are alive during a tumultuous time.  In the midst of it all, we can have peace and love in our hearts and souls, and we can spread it around

 

May we experience deep peace and love in 2018.

REFLECTIONS ON ZACH

During my 20 years serving as a delegate in the Maryland legislature, I sent out a constituent update at the end of each week of the thirteen-week session.  When we learned during winter break that Zach’s brain cancer had returned, I was receiving so many concerned inquiries about him that I began to include a weekly update on how he was doing.  Sometimes I would include one or two of his incredibly upbeat tweets.  Right after he succumbed and departed from this earth, after a couple of years taking emotional care of so many around him, including me, I decided to send out a compilation of a few hundred of his many, many Tweets.  I have now decided to resend them in this December 2017 Reflections on Life.

In the previous section on Home in Columbia, I wrote about the possibility of all of us living a life of love and peace in the midst of the current tumult on our planet earth. As you read Zach’s Tweets below, keep in mind what he was living in the midst of.  He remains my greatest teacher in life.

Zach's tweets

Sunshine blue skies* Blood comics were rock bottom today and the doctors didn't expect me to get out of bed. I worked out and went to a friend's' * I had a slight fever this morning. Maybe I am mortal.* "Just had an allergic reaction to a blood platelet transfusion. Too serious ^#hives #swelling #oxygen mask"*"Just heard that the word Zaching is now on Urban Dictionary" * "Waiting for my procedure to have a catheter placed in my neck without anesthesia."* "Just had an operation and I never took off my Nikes," * "Had a good time at the UMD Men's basketball banquet tonight. It was great to see all the guys one last time. #blessed * "Eighteen and living the dream."*"No voice today, karaoke with the boys got too serious last night" * "Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out" (John Wooden -one of Zach's favorite coaches and authors)* "I think my chemo's scared of me #justsaying" * "Calling it a night. Back to the grind tomorrow.. starting round 3 of chemo, #bringit Pain is temporary #truth * Not sure how I feel about being 19. #Idontlikechange *The First 10. Birthday wishes I got on FB were from people in Greece. It was May 1st in Greece before it was May 1st here. #crazy #cheating * 19 incredible years of #livingthedream #blessed Saw a streaker and a fight tonight, what more can you ask for out of an Orioles' game. *Stand by me * The nurses take so much blood from me ever^yday, I don't know how I haven't deflated yet, #impressive * The nurses are giving me a ton of Benadryl to knock me out before the transfusion. They're in awe that I'm not passing out.

#superman *More blood transfusion = more waiting #getmeouttahere * Good morning everyone. It's going to be another good Preparing all sorts of speeches*Finally got that base tan on m bald head yesterday. #crucial * I get all sons of messages from strangers telling me that they're proud of me and what I'm doing. I can't help but smile. #emotions* I'm going to be honest... I think I'm superman #FACT* Time is so precious.

#takenothingforgranted* I know what is within me. even if you can't see it yet.* Writing a speech as I sit outside in the sun. #beautiful * Look me in the eyes, it's okay if you're scared. So am I. #classic * My hair's departing words to me: "distance can only strengthen our relationship". I'm missing you bud. #bald In the middle of an incredible conversation with @KingHugel about heaven. #deep #beautiful * Happy mother's day Mom. You're the greatest, even if I claim to be * Be who you were born to be. #legendary * The other day l was introduced as a "cancer victim". 1 corrected him and said that I consider the cancer itself to be the victim. * Heading to DC to surprise a young man (Joshua Dupuis) at his pizza party.: He's getting brain surgery tomorrow and considers me a hero. #humbled * Among the greatest feelings in the world. Waking up in your own bed for the first time in a while:* Gonna he a good day. Already pounded out 112 pushups. #getstartedearly * Just finished my 30 days of radiation treatment. #emotional  *Slept through the night for the first time in a month. #grateful #radiationproblems * Fathers

Day to my best friend  @johnlederer. You do so much for me, and have made me who I am, #grateful * Woman at radiation saw the scars on my head, then proceded to inform me about "Zacking". I just went along with it. #tootunny * I just want to inspire one person as much as the kids fighting cancer at Hopkins have inspired me. #cantbedone * The first thing my social worker said to me was "I'm so sorry that you have

to go through this. "Don't be sorry for me, I'm #Iivingthedream * Can't sleep and my mind

is running wild. #goodstuff * Nurse kept me up all night. She was doing tests to see if l'm

crazy. Somehow I passed * Had an incredible conversation with Grandma today.

#emotions * Finished the fifth and final round of chemo #itsover • #grateful #emotions  '#blessed *Chemo: round five. I'm still alive * Hanging out with some crazy little kids. #cousins #vacation Had an incredible lunch with @KingHugel and my grandma today. #memories * Just got a call from the. Huffington Post. They want to feature me in "the greatest person of the week". #again #crazy Waking up at home. #itsthelittlethings *
Cancer cannot touch my heart, it cannot touch my mind, and it cannot touch my soul. Those three things will live forever. #JimmyV #truehero Heading to breakfast with grandma. #goodstart^. Just another opportunity to prove myself worthy of this life. #blessed #livingthedream * Nike and Livestrong dropped Lance Armstrong. #crazy * Had

a beautiful lunch with Grandma, then got to go visit Millie Bailey. #goodday * Great
report at the doctors .#thankful * Here we go! #surgery #pumped * Cancer cannot touch

my mind, it cannot touch my heart. and it cannot touch my soul" #JimmyV * Hearing
Christmas music on the radio. #goodstuff #tistheseason * I'm thankful for sooo much, ^#livingthedream * Already thinking/dreaming about the food tomorrow. I always enjoy my lunches with Grandma. #greatconversations * Gave it my all at therapy today. #gettingbettereveryday #improvements * Heading to the Comcast Center to give a Coaches vs Cancer Speech * Had a seizure on Thursday. #recovering * Home from the hospital #grateful * Had a great conversation with @browntown7 about heaven. #beautiful * No time for doubt #believe * It's been a great year full of opportunities. #beatcancer* At PT everybody stares at me because I yell when I'm doing the exercises. And the therapists tell their patients to #gohard like him." * A careful man I must always be A little fellow follows me, I know I dare not go astray, For fear he'll go the self same way. * I always have the best conversations with Grandma. #blessed * great day #school #therapy #family^. #blessed*

I want the world to be a better place because I was here. #truth * Just went to mass with mom. #blessed * Just shoveled the whole driveway. #therapv * Have to prove some doctors wrong. #enjoyeverychallenge * Relearning how to walk for the third time. #opportunities #grateful * Even on my mom's worst days when she's sick. she's #beautiful * Just had a legendary conversation with Grandma and my cousin. #blessed* One of my doctors told me. that I would never walk normally again. Today at therapy. I was pretty close. #driven #grateful "I'm so fast that last night I was going to bed, hit the switch, and was in the bed before the room was dark."

When I woke up the first thing I said to myself: We beat Duke! #blessed @alexlen25 and I shared an emotional moment in the lockerroom tonight. I love you big guy. * I predict cancer's dismemberment, I'm gonna whoop him so bad he'll wonder where October and November went. #arrogance * Beautiful day. We're all #blessed * ^IZaching' with @ZLeds at the  Terpthon!!! * Inspiration to many. Loved by all @ZLeds #FTK #terpthon13  Mom loaned her hair to me for a picture * We are all _'leant to shine like children do. * Keep practicing that smile. #loveyourself * Life is tough...But it's worth it. * Loving life. #everyday * Cancer is the challenger, and doesn't hold a prayer. He's beginning to get nervous as Lederer won't break the stare. * Good MRI this morning. Decided to Change it up and listen to the Temptations in my MRI today. #changes * Were going to beat this. * At

graduation for @write_aLEDERER. #proud * Had a great time at the und of the year basketball manager dinner * After a lot of struggling, got dressed by myself this morning. #proud *

Happy mother's day to my mother. I couldn't make it a day with out you #blessed #grateful

I have the greatest conversations with Grandma #blessed * Had a great time at the: Race for Hope in DC. #weregoingtobeatthis #inspiring Great day with

Dad. #livingthedream #blessed*

You must train your mind and your body will follow. #beatcancer* Going sailing with the family. #livingthedram * Going to see "42" with Grandma * Great day of physical therapy. #gettingbettereveryday^. Watching the #ravens game with mom arid dad. #livingthedream * Great day. #sailing #family #friends #livingthedream

REFLECTIONS ON BALTIMORE, MY HOME TOWN

Editorial

”The Finalists”                                       The Baltimore Sun    December 11,2017

This year’s contenders for The Sun’s Maryland of the Year award include an anti-violence activist, two attorneys, two artists and one of Baltimore’s top doc

For the two artists:

Sonja Sohn and Devin Allen

“After all the negative attention Baltimore has received since the 2015 riots, we recognize two artists who were able this year to grapple with the city’s seemingly intractable problems without losing sight of its beauty and spirit. Sonja Sohn, who is best known for her role on “The Wire,” directed the HBO documentary “Baltimore Rising,” which offers both an unflinching look at the social conditions that led to the unrest and a hopeful portrait of the young leaders who are dedicating their lives to changing them.  Devin Allen, the amateur photographer whose image of an African American man running from advancing police officers during the riots made the cover of Time magazine, published the book “A Beautiful Ghetto.” A title and a work that force readers to acknowledge the humanity of communities that are too often ignored.”

Born and bred in Baltimore, I am so proud of and grateful to Sonja and Devin.  Thank you for your courage.

The Baltimore Sun                                            December 28, 2017

“City reaches 343 homicides, highest per capita rate ever”

2017 total boosted by two fatal shootings Tuesday and another Wednesday”

…”The most homicides to occur in a year was 353 in 1993, but the city had some 100,000 more residents then.”

Some of my girl friends when I was attending high school in Baltimore in the late 1950’s lived in one of the neighborhoods cited in this article – Waverly.   My Aunt Doris lived on Poplar Grove Street.  My Mom lived near Monastery Avenue and attended mass there when she was in her 70’s. Her close friend, Father Richard Frechette whose current work among the poorest of the poor in Haiti was assigned to that church where they befriended each other. I have spent much time of my life in these three locations and experienced no violence.  Today’s young people don’t have that choice.                                 

REFLECTIONS ON PUBLIC POLICY

I have decided not to list examples of local, state, and national public policy during the month of December.  I will say that, at least at the national level, every example would be disgraceful across the board – social, economic, and environmental justice.  Increasing numbers of citizens are participating in the legislative process, demonstrating courage and insight, and yet the unjust public policy decisions continue to mount.  We must continue and increase that action for justice, and increase it until we succeed.  Our nation and the planet depend on it.

REFLECTIONS ON OUR PLANET BEYOND THE UNITED STATES

The Washington Post                                                    December 18, 2017

“Defiant German mayor takes in refugees”

“Despite attack on his life by asylum foe, official says he has no regrets”

…”That puts Hoslltein, a member of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s center-right Christian Democratic Union, sharply at odds with the political moment in Europe

The Washington Post                                                   December 13, 2017

“France moves to take lead on climate without U.S.

“Summit seeks funding for climate solutions amid Trump withdrawal”

As our nation fails to take the lead, we are grateful, yes grateful, that others step up, despite our loss of the position of leader of the free world.  We are also grateful that France, filling the void in our own nation, is offering five year professorial posts to U.S. “Climate” scientists. Thank you, France, for putting these scientists to work on this global crisis.

The Washington Post                                                      December 28, 2017

“The work, by two researchers at Columbia University, examined potential links

between swings in temperature in 103 countries and the volume of asylum applications to the European Union over the 15-year period between 2000 and 2014.  The authors then tried to determine the likely rise in asylum applications as the Earth grows warmer between now and 2100.”

We have known for a long time of the connection between environmental and human rights issues.  This example should make it certainly clear to all.  Another big example of everything is connected.

REFLECTIONS ON OUR UNIVERSE

Our earth’s axis is tilted 23 degrees from the plane of the earth’s orbit around our sun, thus creating our seasons. I love following the view of rising sun from our bedroom window and it’s setting from our family room.

At this time of year, near the winter solstice, the sun rises at 120 degrees on the compass---which is 30 degrees south of east. It sets at 270 degrees---which is 30 degrees south of west. With the sun way down south of the equator we now have only 9 ½ hours of daylight.

Conversely, in June, at the summer solstice, the sun rises at 60 degrees---which is 30 degrees north of east and sets at 300 degrees---which is 30 degrees north of west. The sun’s path is still quite south of us, at the Tropic of Cancer, 23 degrees north of the equator, and we enjoy close to 15 hours of daylight.

The sun is coming back, verrrry slowly.

You get one guess as to who gave me this tutorial.  The same person who gives me a birthday card on December 21 of each year with the message “You bring the light back”.

 “Pools of sorrow, waves of joy

Are drifting through my open mind

Possessing and caressing me

Across the Universe

~Lennon and McCartney

Be well and love life.

~ Liz