A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Meat Department

On Friday night Bill was DJing a party at Gateway so I was just tooling about. One of the place I tooled to was Shop n Save. While walking through the produce section I saw a guy with a messenger bag hanging across his shoulder... not so unusual. But on the messenger bag was a picture of George W Trippon with the words "Sew Whats New". Of course, I had to ask. Maybe I should back up. For those of you who don't know (and shame on you), Mr Trippon was the host of a sewing show, "Sew What's New", that was,probably, made in the late 70s or early 80's. It aired on public TV here in the 'burgh in the 80s. I watched it when I was home from school. And it was hilarious! Turns out that Bill watched it too. We would talk about it from time to time and repeat the "catch phrases -- "please" and "thank you". I thought we were the only two people who knew about this funny & quirky guy.

Now, back to the story. This guy actually met and got to know George. How cool is that? He told me a story or two that made me laugh out loud.

A chance meeting that made my night. Now go meet George W Trippon courtesy of my new acquaintance. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RfirsJlfxQ

Thank You

We can all think of instances of police brutality .. and corruption. There are plenty of times when the police are dead wrong. But now three of ours are simply dead. Killed in the line of duty. Lured to their deaths perhaps. So today all I can think of is the bravery of these men and women in uniform.. They are willing to put their lives on the line .. for us. Can't say that I am willing to do that. Their families posses a strength that I lack as well. If it were Bill out there every day the fear would overwhelm me.Simply put, I do not think I could do it.

To all those who serve and protect us.. thank you.

Do Not Despair

The world can be a discouraging place. Just look around. This past week alone could make the most optimistic of us despair. The massacre in New York and the slaying of 3 police officers less than 2 miles from where I sit. And the "younger generation" often fills me with dread for the future. Their self -centeredness and lack of awareness seems so apparent. But then something remarkable happens and I am filled with hope.

That something happened last night. For the fourth year in a row, Bill and I attended the Best Buddies Ball. Bill as the DJ and me as his "assistant." Best Buddies is a wonderful organization that promotes friendships between individuals with and without intellectual disabilities. Watching this group of "best buddies" dance, laugh and create memories together was inspiring. They know something the world often forgets. That despite our outward, and often profound, differences, we are bound together by our common humanity. These young people are the change we need to see in the world.

Do not despair ...