Today as we honor the start of National Family Caregivers Month and the day of all Saints—we reflect on the overlap of themes and give gratitude for those in our past who selflessly provided for our daily needs or guided us to step up to the potential we might never had recognized or attained. 

It is our opportunity to offer service as caregiver and saint by compassionately opening ourselves to give emotional or physical care to family or those in our community, to smile with our eyes while passing others in our mask, and to listen with kindness to others who express differing views or we perceive as unkind.

https://hopegrows.net/news/what-is-national-family-caregivers-month

Mother Teresa Hospice House cares for those most in financial and social need at NO CHARGE and welcomes people of all faiths and ethnicities. At this morning’s Path to Peace Breakfast I learned that during the past pandemic months they prioritized serving those who were alone. Deeply grateful they remain able to continue opening their home.

https://motherteresahouse.org/

National Day of Encouragement! Who can you uplift with your text, email, call? Especially in this time of pandemic and natural disasters, your simple act will brighten a spirit or warm a heart.  I enCOURAGE you to good health and belly laughter by sharing my brussels sprout vegan taco with you!

Coraggio! books celebrate the courage of maternal ancestors. On the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment’s clearing a right for women to vote, applauding all courageous women, and spotlighting Sojourner Truth, who, once freed from slavery, fought to secure the freedom of all slaves and the right for women to vote. Grateful Michigan provided refuge for her fearless, tireless efforts!

Need a resilience booster? Celebrate the 30^th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with me by spending a few minutes with these inspiring artists:

Artists with disabilities celebrate 30 years of the ADA

Ali Stroker wins Tony Award

Gaelynn Lea “The Long Way Around”

Selene Luna, Comedian

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.

A Cacophony of Life

While aspects of the world experience COVID-19 illness and death,
the croaks of a thousand newly-hatched tree frogs eager for the life that awaits them and
the honks of a gaggle of geese glad for the return to the comfort of their summer environs,
remind me that also around the globe new life emerges and
there will be a grateful return to the comfort of familiar life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LRqqvhe7Gk