Stirred by images of my beautiful mother and her guitar…singing, singing, singing…a message of social justice from her soul through the late 60s and 70s. Songs “Has Anybody Here Seen My Old Friends Abraham, Martin, and John”, “Where Have All the Flowers Gone” and “Blowin’ in the Wind” passionately intoned to urge peace and love.
She had witnessed the brutality of racism and combat’s destruction in WWII Europe and felt an obligation to use the means she had—her song–vowing not to stop until the world was rid of prejudice and war. Her ardent example compels you and me to use the means we have each day to promote peace and the valuing of all lives.
Memorial Day amid the loss of lives, jobs, and property due to pandemic deepens our sense of loss as consequence of war. With heightened awareness we give gratitude to those who served, and for those who suffered the collateral loss of loved ones, businesses, and homes, yet courageously rebuilt lives and serve as much needed examples of the resiliency we need today.
Photo: My mother, grandmother, and aunt, forever displaced from their Hungarian estate; Trier, Germany 1945.
Note mortal shell damage on background building.
Perfect Mother’s Day Gift during social distancing time? – A Coraggio gift set filled with encouragement delivered to her door!
I am happy to add the loving touch of signature and ribbons, and love you up with $2 off each book plus combined shipping.
Today we are reminded of Hope.
Hope for a Renewal of Spirit.
Hope for a brighter future for ourselves and for the world.
My all-time fav Mother Teresa quote is:
“Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work.”
Day after day Mother Teresa personally encountered an unyielding number of poor, sick and unwanted. Yet, she relentlessly extended bodily and figurative touch through her deep well of compassionate love, returning to God when needing to replenish her cache of goodness. At this time of global illness and isolation, let us heed her call to see and touch the lonely, suffering and unwanted all around us, by whatever means we are able.
Preparing lentils as do my cousins in Hungary to beckon a Szilveszter (New Year) of good fortune.
(Lentils symbolizing many coins in your pocket.)
Hungarian New Year Lentils with smoked paprika
May lasting health, positivity, peace, and joy pervade your New Year and New Decade!
Lisa Gigliotti is an attorney who has lived for more than twenty-five years with severe rheumatoid arthritis and serious myasthenia gravis. Through those years’ thirteen major surgeries and use of a wheelchair Lisa has maintained a fulfilling and positive life.
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