THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING A UNITED STATES CITIZEN

Growing up in this nation has never been taken for granted, but it became so natural that one never considered that we would ever lose our reverence for the gift. Granted that we have had moments of concern, e.g., wars, political antagonism, so many instances of abuse and corruption by our political leaders (magnified by ON CORRUPTION IN AMERICA (by Sarah Chayes), but there was always confidence that we would remain loyal to our constitution.

There has been a serious shift since the 2016 election. Our nation is minimally divided. Some have identified four categories caused by extreme liberalism by the Democrats and extreme conservatism that essentially identifies with views that appear alien to many, e.g., 2020 election was stolen!

I fear that the 2022 election will generate a Republican majority in Congress. Unfortunately, the views of those in leadership currently and the possibility that many politicians with extreme views will be elected suggest a possible disaster. And surely, there is concern that the 2024 election could result in Trump being re-elected, given how gerrymandering has distorted state elections.

If all my fears prove to be reality, it would not be hard to envision a break in our constitutional government. If Congress is essentially aborted and the President acts dictatorially, our constitution would be eroded.

Considering the history of nations throughout the world, we have been an exception. I know of no nation that has not had major changes in its constitution. Moreover, there are currently so many nations in major disarray. Even nations with a history of constitutional governments have been captured by dictatorial presidents, e.g., Hungary, Poland.

Being a citizen of the United States has been a privilege. I have often thought of this while reading what has happened in other nations. Now, I am fearful. 

LOVE OF OUR DOGS!

We have a long history with dogs. When death has taken a loving dog, we quickly pursued finding another. Living without a dog never seemed an option. To us, dogs were not just animals. They were dear members of our family.

Our first dog, Amy, was one of a litter being given away on the beach while we living in California. Given our experience of moving throughout the nation, it was remarkable at the time that we never considered how fortunate we were. California to Louisville, KY, and subsequent moves while climbing a ladder with the Veterans Administration. 

Charlie (Chang Super Sleuth) befriended our family for 14 years while we lived in Medfield. The experiences of his enthusiasm and energy were fantastic, recalling us running throughout the neighborhood, letting him loose in safe areas. When I saw an unexpected auto coming, my words of caution were embraced readily and, then, off we went.

No such time was more memorable than finding Franklin (Delano Roosevelt). I went to the local animal shelter and saw an elderly embracing the kennel where her dog was. She was no longer capable of handling the dog whose chin was bare due to her tugging so hard to keep some control. Franklin, at the time, became the epitome of all the dogs we had. He and I would swim in the ocean along that coast, even in the winter, side by side. I can image my looking at him as I raised by face to take a breath. I never took the experience for granted. At the time, we had a chair looking out to the ocean. His body was tucked into my side as when we slept at night. Unfortunately, our hopes of the future were thwarted when he collapsed near our door while getting set to go out for some exercise.  We carried him to the car and transported him to the veterinarian who indicated the ruptured spleen was not amenable to surgery. I still remember Joan and I remaining beside him during his final moments, His presence in our lives is symbolized by being the only pet, thus far, whose ashes are kept beside our bed in an urn. 

Patrick zeroed in on us totally! He was most unusual in his devotion to us and his fear of others, both humans and fellow canines. He surely was different from Franklin.He kept close to us physically when walking or running. He clearly was ours! We purchased a wireless fence which gave him some freedom, including sitting on our porch watching those walking by. But, to our chagrin, one day when taking him out, he collapsed. The veterinarian gave us the same diagnosis as Franklin had, a ruptured spleen. 

And now, we are gifted with Maggie Mae! We had to go to North  Berwick, ME three times to both look at the litter and be reviewed by the owner. It was a burden, but the prospect of owning one of them made the traveling reasonable. Of the six puppies, four were similar to the point that it was difficult to differentiate them. Our first choice was kept by the breeder. Our second choice turned out to be such a gift. Rod Stewart’s “Maggie Mae” was one of our favorite songs and, fortunately, it came to mind and allowed us to have Maggie Mae as our friend. This has been memorialized by a gift of a neighbor that framed the music disc for us that is now on our mantel. Given our age, the presence of Maggie in our lives could not be treasured. While she loves everyone, her love of us is priceless!

Maggie Mae has been a most special gift. Admittedly, we never cease to admire her beauty. Her coloring, beautiful hair and long, long eye lashes. Her intelligence is noted in so many ways, not the least of which is her ability to come to your feet and look into your eyes, indicating a need. It may take a moment to determine her wishes even though her needs are limited, e.g. playing with a toy in the house, her need to go outside for personal reasons or a need to run.

We never cease to treasure the gifts of our dogs. Our children have adopted the need for dogs which they have had the opportunity to treasure as well. We are aware of so many others who treasure their dogs. While we donate to ASPCA, we realize that there are dogs who have experienced suffering from their owners. The only way I am able to deal with this is that there are so many children who suffer at the hands of parent(s). Humans could learn so much from the general affection dogs have for others.

LIFE AS AN “INVALID”

 On November 30, I was riding my bicycle. It has been a daily part of my exercise routine. Yoga, run and play with MaggieMae, ride my bike, and swim. In between events, I would read the news in the Boston Globe, NY Times, Washington Post, Guardian, and other news outlets, e.g., the Hill. Tuesday was just a routine day until I tried to pull a tissue from my pocket to blow my nose while riding the bike. I got the tissue, but the procedure knocked me off balance and onto the street. After getting my bearings, I rode home and then went to the pool, but after three laps, it was apparent that I could not do well without two legs supporting my effort. On the next day, I noticed that my upper leg was worse. After eight hours at the South Shore Hospital on Dec 2 with X-rays and CT Scan, I got the diagnosis of a fractured hip that would not require surgery. Now, under the rubrics of Physical Therapy, using a walker, monitored closely by Joan, I am continuing to LIVE IN THE MOMENT! Thinking about the incident does no good to my well-being. Nor thinking about the uncertainty of how long this process will continue before I take Maggie out to walk and play or go to the gym to swim and use their stationary bike. It will be what it will be! I will Live in the Moment!

MaggieMae’s Visit with her New Friend

 We went away to New Orleans for Thanksgiving to be with our son, Sean, and family. We have never left Maggie with someone until now. One of Joan’s exercise friends takes pets in such situations. It became clear during our emails during our visit that Maggie was more than loved. When we returned, she responded with usual love and excitement but continued to show her love for her new foster parents. Joan’s friend shared the “depression” her husband has dealt with since MaggieMae left.

We will forever keep the memory. It now faces my Ipad.

I LAMENTED THE STATE OF THE WORLD IN 2012 and NOW IT WORSE

 I have written and voiced with whomever I felt comfortable talking with about the state of affairs in this nation and the world. I now fear that our constitutional government is threatened and the inability of nation and the world to deal with global warming. This world has so many problems and there seems to be  no ground for mobilized action.

It was interesting finding what I had written in 2012 that could have written today..

I want to share my feelings of guilt after reading Walt Whitman's poem, "I Sit and Look Out". I excuse myself from more involvement in addressing the problems I note in this world. I rationalize my inaction for all sorts of reasons and, yet, I persist in inaction. Here is the poem.                                             

Walt Whitman (1819–1892).  Leaves of Grass.  1900. 

I Sit and Look Out 

I SIT and look out upon all the sorrows of the world, and upon all oppression and shame;  

I hear secret convulsive sobs from young men, at anguish with themselves, remorseful after deeds done;  

I see, in low life, the mother misused by her children, dying, neglected, gaunt, desperate;  

I see the wife misused by her husband—I see the treacherous seducer of young women;  

I mark the ranklings of jealousy and unrequited love, attempted to be hid—I see these sights on the earth;        

I see the workings of battle, pestilence, tyranny—I see martyrs and prisoners;  

I observe a famine at sea—I observe the sailors casting lots who shall be kill’d, to preserve the lives of the rest;  

I observe the slights and degradations cast by arrogant persons upon laborers, the poor, and upon negroes, and the like;  

All these—All the meanness and agony without end, I sitting, look out upon,  

See, hear, and am silent.

THANKSGIVING 2021

Our national holiday to celebrate the birth of our nation is a treasure. I, with so many, appreciate that this is our homeland. Admittedly, I am stressed by the rising dichotomy in our nation where so many have identified with views distinctly different from our the more traditional visions. On this day, I hope that most people will take a moment to appreciate that they live in the United States of America.

As with most people, I will enjoy Thanksgiving by being mindful of the beautiful family I have. I am aware of the agony associated with disturbances in many families. It humbles me to ponder the beauty of our children, the wonderful additions generated by their marriages and gifts of our grandchildren.

Thanksgiving always generates peace and happiness in so many families. Would that all could experience such pleasure, but for the moment, I am selfishly grateful. 

A Memory from 2016

I am back in Boston, safe and sound. Started the day on a 7:40 flight in New Orleans and landed in Boston at 8:30. 

I have had many moments of laughter this weekend. In addition to the humor of my adult sons, I went to this school fair designed to raise money.  I spent the time fascinated with the band. It was great. At some point, I decided to join the younger people dancing in front of the stage. For two hours I never stopped! Various people guided me with some of moves. There were hugs and kisses with various women (couldn't help but think of Joan watching me).  It was great. 

And now I am having such humor in my first flight in first class. Recalling that after my mother died when I was 13 and my sister was 8, we were never hungry but our diet was limited. I remember how much I was impressed by the quantity and quality of food when I entered the seminary. I was like a child in a candy store! I remember the experience of Joan's saying yes to the proposition of joining me in life. I was like the child in in a candy store traveling to graduate school in California. We camped along the way and I felt ecstatic. And then we had Sara. I remember vividly having this new born say-old child in my arms with friends.  I can recall treasuring my VA work experience, recalling my letter to a priest who taught me that if priests that I knew worked as hard as my fellow VA staff, the church would be in better shape. And then, so much more, ending up in this weekend with sons, dancing with young people, and now treated to this first class flight where hot towels are brought to prepare us for supper, drinks provided, I am not aching secondary to cramped space, and attention given me as though I was special. I tell the flight attendants that I feel like the child in a candy store! 

One could say that it takes nothing to make me happy. It may be true because I have generally been happy with every aspect of my 78 years of life, including my experience as a priest. I got in much trouble promoting Vatican II ideas, crusading for civil rights and protesting our involvement in Vietnam, but I was fantastically energized. Being on a "crusade" was literally a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but I treasure the moments and its effect on me. Many events later are later experienced as a child in a candy store!

There are times when one awakens to a truth you are awareof, but now with more meaning

I have been stressed with our national dichotomy, our inability to confront the implications of global warming, the lack of concern for those without sufficient resources to live without wondering whether they can survive the lack of food and shelter. I realize that I am not alone, but this is not helpful knowing that we who are in agreement cannot remedy these issues ourselves.

I have regular video conferences with a a former colleague of the Veterans Administration. The most recent one focused on my concerns expressed above. And a new understanding left me with a sense of peace.

Knowing that my age will spare me from the ramifications of my concerns, I focused on my family, my children and grandchildren. I thought of their world impaired by global warming. I thought of the peoples throughout the world being forced to leave their nation to a place that will allow them to grow food and have shelter. I considered what it would be like living with the average temperature reaching a mark that was uncomfortable regularly. I worried about their well-being, given these morbid conditions are the soil of violence.

My conversation shifted by outlook significantly. Considering the principles of evolution, we are at a stage that we can see our world evolves toward the ultimate point of its disintegration. Surely, this point is way in the future, eons beyond the lives of my grandchildren. Yet, they will experience the changes as steps to its ultimate demise. 

While this sounds horrific, it has made the present inability to come to terms with the implications of what we are experiencing less exacerbating. I will continue to urge changes to prevent earthly disaster, but now I can at least understand that my voice and those who share my view did our best. It just was not enough!

And so, I sink into a peace of Living in the Moment. This moment happens to be one of many where I am personally loved and where I can share my love with others. In this moment, I am fortunate to look out my front windows and see the beautiful ocean, albeit with occasional severe storms. I live in a community that is peaceful and friendly. 

And while my belief system has evolved, I do believe in the Divine Spirit underlying their entire cosmos. Mother Earth may not survive, but some other planet could become home to another intellegent species. It will ultimately be good.

I am at peace!

I Weep

 It has been so painful to read the news. So much is decisive. There is no longer a national sentiment that can bridge our differences. Our national dichotomy only reflects the phenomenon through out the world, except for a few nations, e.g., New Zealand, Ireland.

What strikes me as mystifying is that religion seems no longer relevant. I realize that church attention in the United States has declined. But, I am struck that people throughout the world, whether Christian, Jewish, Islam, Hindus, were once believers in the Divine presence. You would think that such belief would allow one to view one another, regardless of nationality, color, or whatever difference, as a child of the God. We are all God’s children. Apparently, that perspective is no longer valid. How could a believer not see the other as a brother or sister? 

I weep! 

Memories

Memories are pasted with the glue of love,

At least the memories to be cherished.

None are more imprinted,

Than those that have endured longer.

Wondering about the vagaries of life,

How one meets another is forever internalized.

So many I treasure for their gifts,

The gifts of intellect and love.

From time to time, meeting for lunch,

Brushing the landscape with flowers,

Of memories that hopefully endure,

For the Moment, it is a precious gift

THE NEW PURITANS

 Anne Applebaum is such an extraordinary person with a brain that does not quit and seems to never forget anything she read or knew. Every time I read her articles that range through the spectrum of issues effecting humans throughout the world, I am enthralled by her brilliance.

Her latest article in the Atlantic Monthly, The New Puritans, epitomizes the breadth of her knowledge. I am forever lamenting the political dichotomy effecting our nation, albeit not just in the United States. I am nonplussed when reading the views of those with whom I disagree. I find it difficult to consider that their views merit consideration, but I suppose that if I cannot give their views such consideration, I have to keep quiet. Fortunately, I can write in my blog with the awareness that it would be read, if at all, by those who would be biased in my regard.

Anne’s article focuses on the “growing illiberalism” that has shattered the careers of many educated people who voiced observations that were viewed antagonistically by the listeners. She has captured the many incidents in business and higher education where someone makes a statement that is slanted, if not purposeful, against a view shared by listeners that resulted in major results, e.g, loss of position or firing. 

While I am aware of the need to be aware that my views may be considered a cause of alarm to others, as I react to what I read in printed or internet media by others. I cannot imagine how I could survive in this environment. I recall in my earlier career when my religious views as a Catholic priest resulted in my being a major delight for many, but not enough to overcome the anger of those who were frightened by the perspective of a more liberal understanding of the Divine. I can only imagine what they would think if they knew my current understanding of the Divine!

Meaning of Life

  The search for the meaning of life is important. Admittedly, organized

 religion is not meeting the needs of many people, resulting in their

 departure from their prior commitments to a specific religion. The

 traditional avenue used is joining and aligning oneself to Christianity,

 Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Judaism, Shinto, or some

 indigenous religion. There seemed no other way even though it resulted

 often with understanding that the “other” may not achieve “eternal life”.

 People often considered “their way” as “the way”. Surely, I recall in my

 younger years feeling glad that I was a Catholic and, at times, sorry for

 others.

 Starting with Pierre Theilhard deChardin, I became energized reading

 about the Divine in the context of evolution. As I written before, for me,

 the Divine or the Spirit is present in the Universe from the beginning and

 will remain forever.

 The recent column by Richard Rohr epitomizes this understanding.

  “Understanding the Divine was The good news of an incarnational

 religion, a Spirit-based morality, is that you are not motivated by

 any outside reward or punishment but by participating in the

 Mystery itself. Carrots are neither needed nor helpful. “It is God,

 who for God’s own loving purpose, puts both the will and the

 action into you” (Philippians 2:13). It is not mere rule-following

 behavior; rather, it is our actual identity in God that is radically

 changing us. Henceforth, we do things because they are true and

 loving, not because we have to do them or because we are afraid

 of punishment. Now we are not so much driven from without (the

 false self method) but we are drawn from within (the True Self

 method). The generating motor is inside us now instead of either

 a lure or a threat from outside us. This alone is a converted

 Christian, or converted anything.”

Moments of Agony

 One may wonder why I cannot stop reading virtually everything I can access. I read newspapers (Boston Globe, NY Times, Washington Post), magazines (Foreign Affairs, Harvard Business Review), NPR, Real Clear Politics, BBC news, PBS, and then likes of Politico and the Atlantic Monthly. And yet, it so depressing to recognize the blistering dichotomy in our nation and the world. I can share my concerns of the lack of what is happening in this world with few because I am not willing to enter an argument without any hope that there will be a reconciliation.

This leaves me with the burden of thinking about the future. Surely, I have no need to worry about my personal future. But it is the future of my children and theirs and theirs that is my greatest worry.

GLOBAL WARMING is sticking in our faces. One does not have to live in the West where their precious trees are burning or areas are flooding such as in Louisiana and now the Northeast, to know that we are experiencing Mother Earth differently. Glancing though the world, we recognize the famine in parts of Africa and elsewhere where crops cannot flourish due to the lack of water. The data only confirms that today’s problems are an omen of a more difficult future.

POLITICAL DICHOTOMY is becoming a huge problem in the United States. To think that the latest suggestion is the need to create four political parties, as in many other nations. One can run through the problems such suggestions could create by thinking of the current elections in Germany or the problems of developing a coherent government in Israel where all of the splintered parties epitomized by the latest election of two elected leaders who do not share the same political views. It would be like Biden and Trump being elected to run our nation! Of interest, the only nation that appears to have its act together is Ireland, the home of my mother. After years of all sorts of problems, they have become inclusive where Irish Pubs are owned by the Polish and the recent Taoiseach was a Muslim! Ireland is such a desirable nation that their biggest problem is dealing with the homeless that cannot afford the prices of housing. Political dichotomy is a road to disaster!

RACIAL AND SEX INEQUITIES are such a nightmare. For anyone who believes in the Divine, however identified, we understand that we are all equal. If the Divine loves all, how is it that we cannot at least try to share that perception. I personally can be in tears thinking that one can hate another only because of their origin or color. My mother was aware that her brogue was a negative telltale, but she did not complain. I could not understand, though, why my mother never talked to me about her nation and experiences, until we watched “Out of Ireland” in a movie theater in 1994 in Dedham Massachusetts. It was then that I found out that if you were a woman who did not marry a first born male, you had no hope of surviving the famine. Your only hope was to immigrate, but the word used by the Irish to express this turn of events was “Exile”! So it is not just racial inequities, it is sexual inequities also where males have tended to exercise control over females. It surely is evident today when reading the news.

I cannot deny that I want to be hopeful. I want to see signs of improvement even though my daily reading seems to overwhelm me. And so, I have adopted for the last several years a method that enables me to live in peace each day. I live in THE MOMENT! It sounds simplistic because it is. I cannot undue my stupid decision to destroy crabgrass without more direction. I got rid of the crabgrass while destroying the good grass! Every once I think of my stupid action even though I know that in the fall I can have the problem rectified. And so, Living in the Moment, will not let me perseverate over my stupidity. Nor will it allow me to think about the future of an old man. I know that my ending will come, but why think about it now, in this Moment, I treasure living with Joan and our beautiful dog, Maggie Mae. I treasure our family and friends. I treasure that my body works, running, biking and swimming. Today is great and that it is the Moment I am living!

POLITICAL DICHOTOMY

 Our nation is a dichotomy of political views. Where once there were only Democratic and Republican groups, today it is more clearly portrayed as liberalism, conservatism, libertarianism, and populism. It definitely makes political analysis more complicated. While I personally identify myself as a genuine liberal, I can live with virtually any view that makes some sense. My problem is I can understand that some liberal views may be considered too extreme to be adopted by a majority of the population. It is no different than my accepting conservative opinions that are not extreme.

My problem is that there are so many views that I consider very unacceptable. The following chart captures the differences between the Left Ring and the Right Wing. I read and listen to those advocating their various views and only hope that our nation can survive. My underlying problem is that the conservative views generally will evolve to a broken nation, resulting from the inability to do justice to the humanity of so many. I consider every human as my brother and sister. Each deserves to live with the means to have a safe environment with shelter, food, health care, education.

                               COMPARISON CHART

                                                      LIBERAL                                   CONSERVATIVE

ECONOMIC POLICY            INCOME EQUALITY                  LOWER TAXES

                                                    HIGHER TAXES FOR                 LESS REGULATION

                                                           WEALTHY

                                                     FUNDS FOR SOCIAL               REDUCED GOVT SPENDING

                                                           PROGRAMS & 

                                                          INFRASTRUCTURE              BALANCED BUDGET

HEALTHCARE POLICY        SUPPORT UNIVERSAL             FAVOR COMPETITION FROM

                                                      HEALTHCARE                          FROM PRIVATE COMPANIES

IMMIGRATION POLICY      PATHWAY TO CITIZENSHIP   NO “AMNESTY” FOR

                                                       FOR UNDOCUMENTED           UNDOCUMENTED 

EDUCATION POLICY           EXPANDED FREE PUBLIC       PARENTS WHO WANT HOME-

                                                    PUBLIC EDUCATION                SCHOOL OR SEND THEM TO 

                                                                                                             PRIVATE SCHOOLS SHOULD

                                                                                                            GET VOUCHERS

ABORTION                               GENERALLY IN FAVOR OF    GENERALLY AGAINST

                                                    UNPENALIZED ACCESS TO    ABORTION RIGHTS

                                                    ABORTION

GAY RIGHTS                            GENERALLY SUPPORT            GENERALLY OPPOSE

                                                     GAY MARRIAGE &                    GAY MARRIAGE & 

                                                     ANTI-DISCRIMINATION         ANTI-DISCRIMINATION

                                                      LAWS                                            LAWS

GUN RIGHTS                            FAVOR GUN CONTROL &        STRONGLY OPPOSE

                                                     AND WAITING PERIODS          GUN CONTROL LAWS &

                                                      BEFORE BUYING A GUN &     STRONG PROPONENTS

                                                      BANNING AUTOMATIC           OF THE SECOND

                                                       WEAPONS                                    AMENDMENT

ENVIRONMENT                       BAN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY    MORE PERMISSIVE

                                                      THAT MAY CREATE JOBS        WHILE BELIEVING 

                                                      THAT POTENTIALLY HARM    FREE MARKET WILL

                                                       THE ENVIRONMENT                 FIND ITS OWN SOLUTION

                                                                                                                TO ENVIRONMENTAL 

                                                                                                                  PROBLEM

VOTER ID LAWS                       AGAINST VOTER ID LAWS,      FOR VOTER ID LAWS

                                                       CITING UNDUE BURDEN ON    TO COMBAT VOTER

                                                       LOWER INCOME GROUPS &     FRAUD

                                                       VIRTUALLY NO EVIDENCE OF

                                                       VOTER FRAUD

       

                                                     

                                                    

                                                                 

                 

Hospice Volunteer

 Being present as a Hospice Volunteer to a person nearing death is both a privilege and a burden. The privilege is associated with the chance to support (in my case) the patient’s wife who needs time to attend to matters requiring her to leave the house., At the same time, it is a burden knowing that there is nothing I can do to minimize the burden associated with dying. 

We generally do not focus on our deaths. It is surely sad, but inevitable. Sometimes when we read of someone dying suddenly, we zero in on the privilege of not having to suffer, rather than the sorrow of those close to him.

Given my mother’s death when I was a young teenager, I know the rupture in family relationships. As a Hospice Volunteer, I feel the burden of dying while knowing that I am providing a service that makes it possible of his wife to attend to matters necessary for maintaining the home.

Thank you, Austin Fleming

 

 

All day today, Lord,

and through the night ahead:

    you'll be with me to sustain me,

    you'll be the air I breathe

    and depend upon for life...

I might not see you with my eyes,
I might not hear you speak aloud
    but I'll trust that you are with me,
    that I walk within your presence,
    that your word is there to guide me,
    that I draw upon your Spirit's help
    with every breath I take...

All day today, Lord,
and through the night ahead,
we'll be going it together,
companions, you and I...

No matter what I fear, 

no matter how I fail,

no matter what befalls me:

    I will not forget you're with me, 

    that I'm never all alone 

    that together we will make it,

    companions, you and I...

All today, Lord, 

and through the night ahead,

you'll be with me by my side,

    before me and behind me,

    above me and below me,

    - and best of all, within me -

and together we will make it, 

my friend and my companion,

together, we will make it,

you and I...

 

Amen. 

RIP

                                   MOMENT OF SADNESS, BUT A LIFE OF JOY

Such a joy of having such good parents,

Memories of their care for me,

The times when they held me with love.

We know that it cannot last forever,

But we never focus on that, but the moments,

The moments of such happiness.

Linger on the past helps,

Makes this moment less painful.

May My Dad Rest In Peace.

A SPECIAL, BUT SAD DAY

 The heart cries without your being present,

I try not to think too much about my sorrow,

I know that you were not happy as you were.

Life has surely its ups and downs,

You have so many ups, 

The downs were so few.

One can only focus on the love

That existed between us,

A love that hopes to give me strength,

To live with love always.

THE DICHOTOMY

 The national political dichotomy is obvious. I am careful when I share my observations with those I am not familiar with. I surely am not interested in an argument over which we most likely will never come to an agreement. However, the observation is ominous.

In perspective, I realize that I have lived in almost a dream nation. Granted that I was too young to realize the ominous nature of WWII. In those days without getting daily newspapers and little use of the radio, no one in the house shared any concern about the war. And after the war, life just got better for everyone. We seemed to be a nation thriving with a growing economy and aspirations for the betterment for all.

It all seemed to slipping downward with President Reagan’s decision to reduce the taxes of  the wealthy. The wheels only slipped further until they were really shoved forward by Newt Gingrich. To me, the dichotomy had started and now, we have landed into a situation where our nation is clearly divided to the point where one wonders whether we will explode as so many other nations. 

My interpretation of many dictates of political groups that distress me is that they would ultimately establish an autocracy by disregarding the Pledge of Alliance to the Constitution of the United States.

I surely hope that my fears will prove wrong, but until signs of more political unity based on our Constitution, I continue to shiver. 

HOSPICE VOLUNTEER IS A GIFT

 I always was one focused on helping others. Early, I thought that this desire would be met by being a priest. Unfortunately, my desire to make a world a better place resulted in my being considered a major problem. Ultimately, I moved on.

In the Veterans Administration, I found an avenue for redemption. To know that my work was addressing the needs of those who served our nation made work, not work. When my position enabled me to demonstrate that the agency was not going to the meet the demands the veterans involved in the Iraq War. My repeated presentations of my data ultimately resulted in the demand not to speak. And so, I retired.

Over the years, I have tried to offer my services whenever possible. Delivering MEALS OF WHEELS is surely simple, but for those receiving the meals, it is a big deal.

Being a HOSPICE VOLUNTEER is surely a rewarding moment. For a male, the task is relatively simple, viz., be with the person while the wife or other family provider can leave the house. Maybe a shared word of two, a sip or two of water, otherwise, be present. Surely, it is simple. 

However, being a HOSPICE VOLUNTEER is surely a GIFT.

LAST BEST HOPE

I know that the world that I envisioned will never materialize in the foreseeable future. At times, I fear about the future of which I surely have, and will not have, any influence. My dreams of our evolving into a union where we care for each other seems like such an delusion. However, I cannot resist the need to consider what would make this society, if not the world, better. These are some suggestions for improving our society, the United States of America.

 1. REPAIR SAFETY NET

    A. Universal health care

    B. Child care

    C. Paid family and sick leave

    D. Stronger workplace and safety precautions

    E. Unemployment insurance

    F. A living wage

2. Restore unions

3. Invest into key national sectors (clean energy, manufacturing,, education, caregiving

4. Form new institutions for worker power that are better suited to a postindustrial economy

5. Lowering the level of wealth at which tax starts 

6. Better teachers could be attracted to poorer schools by raising pay based on hardship, but keep assessments to ensure the worth of their education 

7. Lessen monopolies by increasing innovation, decentralize power, revitalize depressed regions

    

BEAUTY OF EVOLUTION AND THE THREATS TO OUR BEAUTIFUL U

 For at least the last twenty years, I have been a steady learner of evolution and the understanding of the Divine being the thread holding all this evolving universe together. I have learned to be centered in knowing that we are all gifted to be participating in this evolving, beautiful universe. 

I first got involved with it by reading the work of Pierre DeChardin, a Jesuit paleontologist who was ultimately “imprisoned” by the Jesuit Order because of his writing. Since then, there have been many others, but the one that I have read the most recently is Ilia Delio, a Franciscan sister who teaches science and theology at Fordham University.

My spirituality is built around the understanding that the Spirit of God is present everywhere and in every thing. I often just close my eyes for a moment to be mindful of this beautiful universe of which I am a part. 

While I am most thankful  for this understanding, I am disturbed by my perception that we are destroying Mother Earth. It is reported that we can expect the global warming will be irreversible possibly as soon as 2030. Granted, I most likely will be dead, but I cannot stop thinking of my descendants and their fellow human beings. If we cannot do well with what we were given, it is hard to fathom how humans will deal with implications of such a world. 

I am astonished how nations are splintering by the animosity towards others within their nation and others. It becomes easy to extrapolate that our nation’s bifurcation will result in our nation being split at the expense our nation’s constitution.

My understanding of evolution is being tested for sure, but hopefully I am strong enough to endure.

 

YOU ARE NOT ON MY TIME LINE

 I an consistently amazed at the dichotomy between I read about the perceptions of reality by so many that are totally from my views. I realize that I cannot dispute reality, but wonder at it all. I read about the effects of global warming that is impacting not only parts of our nation, but also so many other nations. Global warming is by definition global. Why should I be in angst when so many others deny it and, at least, verbalize a reality at odds with mine? 

My concern, at this point in my life clearly is focused on the future which will exist without me. I wish that I could be grateful for my life, but I cannot let go of my deepest concerns about the lives of my children and, especially, my grandchildren and their descendants. I can only imagine the dinner conversations about how their ancestors negligence of the gift of Mother Earth. 

Kellen Rose has been such a gift to us and we have cherished every minute she has been with us. My moments with her swimming with me or seeing her head off to camp in the afternoon. She has also helped me to view my distress with the dichotomy in our nation by interpreting her comments to her grandmother who did not understand one of her responses to her by saying, “You are not on my time line”. 

And so, I have to deal with my distress by realizing that much of the world is NOT ON MY TIME LINE!

July 19, 1969, A Moment like No Other!

 I am always awed by the mystery of how I asked Joan Louise in the church parking lot to come with me to California in March 1969. I made it clear that I had nothing to offer except myself. That she said “Yes” was clearly an awesome moment. I was not until June that I officially resigned from the Diocese and yet within days, we arranged for a small wedding at her parents house. I wanted my leaving the priesthood and marrying Joan not make the “news” of the day. July 19, 1969 became the start of such a beautiful life.

Clearly, I was blessed with a woman who was so loving. I simply enjoyed being with her. She was able to discuss with me the issues that I focused on, e.g., Civil Rights, Vietnam War, while breathlessly leading me into the world of parenthood that I never envisioned. I remained by her side and silently watched and learned what a parent is. Without foreseeing how the future would be, it is now overwhelming to review the birth, development, and achievements of our children. The gifts of their children, making us grandparents, has never got old. 

Looking back on the last 52 years brings tears of wonder. Even today, I cannot fathom my good fortune. I have learned to treasure every Moment, knowing that “It is All There” and surely, I have so many memorable moments.

I never cease being grateful for Joan’s presence in my life. Her devotion and care for me has never been taken for granted. I am awed by her love. I will kiss Joan, as I do daily, with special affection today. It is a day that helped me become all that I could be.

With Hope We Enter 2021

 It has been some time since I wrote a new blog. “Surviving” 2020 prompted me to consider sharing some observations. As painful as the Trump administration has been, we are close to actual end of the nightmare. 

I have always treasured Joan Louise, but never more than this past year. It is so clear that I could live with no contacts as long as Joan was with me. For 51 years, it has always been easy to deal with the realities of human existence. I never take her for granted; she is a gift that I cherish. While virtually quarantined, each day is of interest. Our conversations are so real and constructive. I only wish that everyone has the joy of spending days like mine.

As much as I have had problems with much of current methods of sharing information, resulting in my not using Facebook, Twitter, and similar modes of communication, I surely have had sufficient opportunity to read many sources of information. While disturbing, clearly it is better to be informed than ignorant of current events. 

It has been hard to believe that our nation politics has deteriorated so much. To me, it all started with Newt Gingrich (1). The dichotomy between Republicans and Democrats has increased since 1980 that ultimately was epitomized by the last four years. So many of congressional supporters of Trump tore him apart when he ran for nomination of his party. What was said then evaporated into the dense language of their new “leader”. 

As I tremble at the prospects our grandchildren will face in their life times, ranging from the effects of global warming to the nation’s struggles to work with other nations, I can only hope that the fears will be found to be outdated by new leaders who will collaborate to address the problems resulting from economic inequities to the further breakdown of international cooperation.

We all know that living long enough brings to the forefront problems of old age. Fortunately, those signs are somewhat ameliorated by the ability to read, exercise (yoga, running, swimming daily), and joy generated by Maggie Mae, our beautiful 21 month old puppy.  She gives Joan and I so many moments of sheer joy.   

At this stage of life, I make an effort to live in the Moment! If I think about all the ideas and biases I have had in the past, I would be depressed. To think of the ideas I endorsed historically makes be feel so stupid. However, I do not focus on the past. It does not exist unless I bring it into the present. I choose not to. And, knowing that the future does not exist, I can live somewhat comfortably in the Moment! 

However, it is hard to avoid being critical of much in the Moment that will imperil the lives of those who will live in the future. It is hard not to be biased about the well-being of our grandchildren and their compatriots. How they will experience their Moments, knowing that they were colored by prior generations.  

As it turns out, I have lived in a rather “interesting” time. As a child, WWII touched many families. My personal experience was limited to my schools knitting squares for blankets for hospitalized veterans. I was 9 years old when the war ended. Life quickly normalized, albeit better than the past. Employment was high and people were being employed with more than adequate pay. I can recall homes being built fast and furious in my home city of Brockton. Everyone seemed to be happy with their status in life. By the time I graduated from high school in 1955, there seemed to be no student who was not going on to further education or being happily employed.

I entered the seminary and, for the next eight years, I studied as dutifully as possible. During this time, I was indoctrinated with a version of Christianity that saw itself as singularly gifted with being true! I exemplified the dedicated person who should emerge as a possible candidate for higher roles in the church. It did not take but a few weeks in my first parish in Concord to set me onto a totally different path. A woman came to talk with me. Given that she wanted to talk about birth control, she may have expected a more liberal understanding of the issue. I was totally astounded that a woman would want to discuss the subject. I quickly resorted to what I was taught and she left the rectory. To my utter surprise, she returned and we resumed the conversation with the same results. Within a few weeks, a middle aged man with several children wanted to talk to me. He patiently brought to my attention aspects of marriage that were both personal and pertinent. It began my conversion. Concluding that if my education was so erroneous about such an essential aspect of life, I no longer could believe anything that I could not support with an open mind. I became involved with the local Rabbi and the Episcopal priest, learning that we were brothers.  However, other events charted an unexpected course. Between the anti-Vietnam and the civil rights protests, I annoyed many parishioners and, surely, the bishops. When I was transferred to a parish in Norwood, I thought naively that it was a typical move after three years.  In less than a month, I was called by the local bishop’s office. Indicating how naive I was, I thought that I was going to be informed that they were selecting me for further education in Rome. However, when he asked me why I thought I was being asked to come, I said that I had no idea. He then reported that, in the first 30 days in the parish, I was starting a revolution. I took a breathe and naively thought that I would share my thinking. In turn, he said, “they were right!” One thing led to another, symbolized by my sermon that shared that I was joining the anti-Vietnam protests in Washington. Before finishing the sermon, many pews became empty as people walked out on me. To say that I was surprised would be an understatement. Within the next three years, it became evident that I would not survive. I applied for doctoral programs in religious studies all over North America: Vancouver (Canada), Atlanta and Berkeley.  I chose Berkeley in March 1969.

Within a short time, I was walking in church’s parking lot on Sunday. When I saw Joan Glebus coming from the church, I talked with her. We had talked several times during the years in Norwood. So, talking with her was not unusual. I talked to many people. But, this conversation was singularly different. I told her that I was leaving the parish in June and was going to Berkeley, CA in August.  I asked her if she would want to go with me, emphasizing that I had no real money and was unclear how this next chapter in life would work out. To my surprise and delight, she quickly said “yes” and my life entered a new era. In turn, I went to her parent’s house in the parish and knocked on the door. It was not usual to have me knock on doors and they easily opened the door and we sat at the kitchen table. After a few pleasantries, I told them what I was going to do and shared that I asked their daughter to come with me and she had agreed. It had quickly gone from coming with me to my asking her for marriage. And their  only concern was the reality of my loving their daughter. Satisfied that they would not object, we shortly focused on how we would get married before leaving for California. We did not want publicity. We searched for a priest who could accommodate us in a marriage at their house. Between early June and 19 July, we were quietly busy planning for the marriage and our needs for traveling through the country to get established before the academic year started. 

Our cross country trip was captured in our “Westward Saga” which focused on our small tent used along the way to special moments. We went out off the highway for breakfasts in small diners. We were enthralled by the warm atmosphere and low cost breakfasts. Our evenings involved setting up our tent and cooking our food. We had identified a place we wanted to spend a few days: Steamboat Springs, Colorado. It was unbelievable, to the point that we discussed the possibility of just settling in the area. But, I was determined to get my education. I recall driving down University Avenue in Berkeley and thought that I was entering the most beautiful moment in my life. We enjoyed every day in Berkeley. Joan easily found a job as a NICU nurse in Oakland’s Children Hospital. She had a special friendship with one of her colleagues which has been maintained over these last 50 years.

I naivety was not helpful in my doctoral education. I was so determined to complete my education as soon as possible. We treasured having two children within a year of each other.  I did not want to spend much time socializing with faculty. This was particularly harmful because I did not do any socializing with the professors involved in my dissertation. I was totally surprised when I presented by dissertation to my chairman only to have it returned with much criticism. I was floored and had no one to stand up for me. Somehow or other, Joan and I came to the conclusion to not fight the setback and, instead, took advantage of getting a MSW at the University of Louisville. Living in southern Indiana and attending school each day required some willingness to adjust to reality. We lived out of boxes. I went to school daily and Joan worked as a nurse on weekends. I took Sara and Sean to the beautiful library in Albany each weekend. Our life style was really circumscribed, but always perceived what was positive. The children were such a positive part of enjoyment in this period.

Over the next several years, we experienced the impact of my not being “settled”. My first job as a social worker was in New Hampshire in a small clinic. I really had  no alternatives. In spite of it all, we had one great experience when we went to Bermuda for the first time. To me, each day was amazing, starting from the moment we registered at the desk. He told us that we were getting a better room, all attributed to the pro golfer at the local golf course in Derry, NH. When we went to the room, we found that we had a gift of flowers and fruit. Each morning when I went golfing (before anyone probably got out of bed), I treasured each moment. After cleaning up, Joan and I went for breakfast fit for a king, per my experience. Joan and I rode bicycles through the island each day, absorbing the beauty. It was not long thereafter when I accepted a position at the VA in Boston. 

When looking for housing, we chose to look towards a town that would be close to her parents. We ended up in Medfield where we had so many great experiences, albeit, some of which were “painful learning” for me. Having no expectation of being a parent, I was awed by the ease with which Joan dealt with all sorts of developmental issues. One of her classic interventions was her helping me deal with Sean one day. For whatever he did, I thought that the appropriate parental response was to take a the toy in question from him. His response was so unexpected. I forget what he said, but he showed who was on top by throwing all of his toys our of his room and then shutting the door. I was left with the clear perception that I had much to learn. There were so many treasured experiences, including our birthday celebrations with a boxed cake that everyone enjoyed. But the highlight of our experience was the day we brought Sara home after being named a Rhodes Scholar. We got some champagne and Sean wanted to give the toast. His words were priceless. I was breathless listening to quite elaborate esteem of his sister. It was a most singular moment.

(1) https://time.com/5863457/how-newt-gingrich-laid-the-groundwork-for-trumps-republican-party/

https://history.princeton.edu/about/publications/burning-down-house-newt-gingrich-fall-speaker-and-rise-new-republican-party

WHAT IS WRONG WITH OUR NATION

 

I read all the divisiveness that is occurring in our nation with the recognition that I am (and my children) are part of the problem. But focus on me. I am well educated. I have done “well” in life (not as successful as my children for sure). I live comfortably. I treasure reading what some would characterize as esoteric literature. Even my understanding of God has evolved that the general population would not know what I am talking about. I am a case example of the problem that makes so many swinging to a populist understanding of reality that opposes virtually all liberal Democratic proposals. Our nation (and the world nations) are virtually split. The minority are us, I.e., well educated, financially secure (even though though 0.1% earn dramatically obscene money. When you consider the top 60+%of population, you are aware by virtue of their owning multiple gorgeous houses with all the additional benefits. In short, our nation (and world) is dramatically split. For those left out, they are understandably angry and vociferous in their disagreements with virtually all the political, religious, and personal (e.g.,gays, bisexual) views that are tolerated and accepted by the more “progressive” population. The national dichotomy is serious to the point that I would expect a revolution that would lead our nation to a long period before, if ever, it enjoys the traditional benefits of a unified nation. For you and your children and theirs, I fear. 

If I were asked, I would propose the following objectives as examples:

1. Higher taxation for the “rich”with funds used to support higher benefits for those without the education and occupations that yield commensurate income required for todays’ world
2. Better education programs so that many more are capable of making a living in today’s complicated business world
3. More humane system of supporting those below X income
4. More consideration of changing our national policies that promote buying goods from other nations to reduce costs because this reduces employment
5. As our nation (and other advanced nations) expand the benefits of advanced electronics that will reduce the need of even the educated, e.g., law firms not needing as many “young lawyers” because they have the benefits of advancements in electronics, e.g., analyzing documents. 

CELEBRATING WITHMY PRIEST CLASSMATES

 Like with all things that age, it is great to touch bases again. And today, remnants of my 1963 class met for lunch. We had a chance to share our current experience.  Three of us have married, one of which is a widower. 

The conversation was interesting. Only one or two would identify with my understanding of the Spirit. It gave me another opportunity to reflect how fortunate I have been to progress beyond the traditional understanding of God. Reflecting on where I started with a most traditional understanding of Catholic theology, I am both amazed and thankful.

Understanding God in the context of evolution has broadened my appreciation of the opportunity to be alive. Everything is now holy and ever present with the Spirit that enlivens the universe, its human inhabitants, and the entire the living beings, including animals, trees, 

Thinking of all that has happened over these last 52 years, I can only be grateful for my past, amazed that I I survived my priesthood where I was considered by my bishops and Archbishop to be a major problem. At least I was “smart enough” to realize that I was not going to survive and then, to be so fortunate, to spend the rest of my life with Joan Louise. As we are celebrating family and friends now, I am grateful.

GLOBAL WARMING

It is amazing that we humans can be so consumed by themselves as they wander through life, as though they were not involved in the universe. Without consideration that we humans are partners with the Divine Spirit, they not only minimize the gift of living in a magnificent universe, they actually become culprits in destroying the gift. 

We have more than enough information that global warming is reaching a point of no return. We may well be experiencing the beginning of this phenomenon with the western part of the United States reaching extraordinary temperatures. Some scientists think that the point of no return may be in 2040. 

Those in my generation will escape the nightmare by dying, but our children and grandchildren and those thereafter will be making major accommodations to survive. They will wonder how their ancestors could have neglected the gift of Mother Earth, such a small planet in a universe whose boundaries have not still be identified.

For the last twenty years, I have read extensively about evolution. Some of the books, e.g., Neil DeGrasse Tyson’s “Cosmic Queries” leaves me in wonder. To think that Einstein’s “E=mc2” served to frustrate him since he knew this was not “the answer”. Same story with Stephen Hawking and others who tried to identify the science behind the universe. At the moment, the latest version is String Theory that is holding the universe together.

Beyond the science of evolution, much of my reading deals with the Spirit that is present in the Universe giving it life with the same presence in our lives. While the Spirit was present in some significant persons, e.g., Jesus, Mohammed, Dalai Lama, Buddha, the Spirit is ever so present in all of creation, e.g., humans, trees, plants, water.

It has been a joy to participate in this universe, but it is sad to know how we are destroying so much of it. I guess that it is consistent with the fact that, after all these years on Earth, we still are not doing well loving one another.

LIVING IN THE MOMENT

 

So many problems facing us,

Thinking of the misery so many experience,

Wondering how this will all work out,

Only makes me feel sad.

As with so much, I am powerless,

No matter what I say or do,

The events of today will happen,

Those that occurred yesterday are gone,

Tomorrow is out of my control.

I can only live in the Moment!

In this Moment, I write some words,

Knowing that they may make no difference,

But appreciating that I am sharing myself,

And in this Moment, I am alive!

Old age can be a burden to oneself or another,

Health can deteriorate slowly or in a flash,

We have little power over the inevitable,

Regretting events of the past,

Anxious about the future,

Only a waste of energy!

Living in the Moment gives peace,

Appreciating one’s being alive,

Loving others, near and far,

Allowing myself to be!