Category Archives: Family

I’m a Beatles fan.

This is not breaking news.  This is not earth shattering new information. Most that know me, know I’m a Beatles fan.  And being such, somehow automatically also makes me “not so much of a Rolling Stones fan.”  Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate the Rolling Stones.  They have some songs I enjoy.  But as a whole, I’m on team Beatles.

With all of that being said, I do wonder if the Rolling Stones were right in saying “you get what you need.”  Do you?
ANALYZE THIS

I’m happy and proud to say that I have a good marriage.  I have a good wife.  And I know you may say “well Mel, you have only been married a few months,” which is true.  But, Sam and I have been together almost 9 years, living together most of those years, so it’s felt like we have been married forever.  In my heart, we were married years ago.

I bring this up because my wife and I always have such interesting conversations.  We both feel things deeply, and analyze our lives often.

It’s natural to us to examine jobs, education, family relationships, friendships, habits, home, and marriage.  With examinations come questions, confusion, loneliness, compassion, and goals to make  changes in one direction or another.

STEP AWAY FROM THE MIRROR

I’m a big believer in perspective; meaning, we can shift how something looks by shifting our viewpoint.  If I’m feeling “less than” during a particular day, I may focus on my hair that doesn’t hang the way I like, or goals I’ve yet to reach, or the ways my body aches more and more day to day.  I look in the mirror and see all the flaws.  And believe me, it’s a challenge for me to look past those physical imperfections.  I see that having a dark complexion comes with unwanted body or facial hair.  Not a plus for a woman in this society.  I realize that even though I had braces for 5 ½ years of my youth, my teeth have shifted into not just a position that causes painful cheek biting at night, but also a very imperfect smile.  My arms were once pretty muscular and toned, and now they surely show my age, and the wear and tear.  My once proud 6 pack (I’m being generous here) abs are no longer so ripped.

That is the view I honestly see, if I don’t step to the side and change my viewpoint.

If I want, however, I can look beyond the imperfections and insecurity points and see some beauty.  Because the truth is, there is beauty to see; with me, with you, and with most people.

The view depends greatly on the viewpoint.

THE VIEW FROM LONELY HILL

Sam and I often talk of loneliness.  I think it’s one of the great struggles in this very complicated life.  My truth is that I have more family in my life than I can actually find time for, I have good friends at work, I have a wife I love to pieces, and a few old and amazing friendships.  How could I ever, remotely, feel lonely?  I don’t know, but I do.  And I suspect I’m not alone in having this feeling.

I think loneliness is just another part of the human condition.  And I don’t know that it’s necessarily something we should rush to fix.  It may be like that perfect mirror we long to find, where we look into it and see a reflection without imperfection.  It’s illusive for a reason; it doesn’t exist.  There is no perfect mirror, and I really don’t believe there is a permanent elixir for loneliness.

Sometimes we are lonely because we are all alone.  And sometimes, we are surrounded by people, but still long for more connection.  In our world now, it seems that we are overly connected; I can reach a friend in California or Texas or Washington almost instantly.  I know what many people in my life are doing, most days of the week.  And unfortunately, you all probably know what I’m doing most days, too.  So, we are all pretty connected.

I’ve read many articles lately that suggest that our forms of connections are just leading to more unhappiness, and I honestly say I see the point.  It does pass the smell test as true.  But even if it is, I don’t think the concept of loneliness is new in the last decade.  It seems to me from conversations with people who came before me or from reading in books from years past, that loneliness has been around a lot longer than mirrors have been.

So, in those moments when I feel lonely, I try and do a few things.  I try not to stress out about it.  It’s only loneliness, after all I also try to remember that loneliness is just another part of life, and that like everything else on this planet, it will pass.

And most of all, while I work to let it wash away to happier emotions, I’m cognizant of my viewpoint.  Instead of thinking how I miss this friend or that friend who might be far away, or how I miss my folks who spend the winter states away, or how I miss many people who have long such passed away, I think how lucky I am to go home to someone I love.  I remind myself that I go into work every day and see people that make me smile.  I let my mind do a private little music video of the people that have been integral in my life.  Sometimes that video adds to sadness, I’ll admit, but it shifts me away from loneliness.  Not everyone has the same antidotes to loneliness, but I feel strongly that each person has their own viewpoint that reveals real connection and love with others.

THE VIEW YOU WANT, OR THE VIEW YOU NEED?

Even though I want to never feel loneliness or a sense of less than, I can’t always get what I want.  But, if I change the viewpoint from which I’m experiencing these emotions, I might just see a view I need to see.

My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving.  And it’s not because it falls on my birthday every four years (as it does this year).   I love Christmas for the songs, decorations, and spiritual reflection.  I love Halloween for the costumes, creativity, and child-like joy.   Both Christmas and Halloween fight for my second favorite holiday slot; but my favorite, remains Thanksgiving.

The Thanksgiving holiday encompasses some good and bad “stuffing.”  Thanksgiving, at its core, is a celebration of our history as a nation and the supposed coming together of cultures; the proverbial “breaking of bread” between two groups.  But, let’s be honest, the history is a bit “wonky” to use technical terms, and that history essentially includes the slaughter of people.  The “wonky and the slaughter” are certainly not things I bow my head to celebrate, although breaking bread with others certainly would be.

I love football, so one could assume it is part of my love fest with the Thanksgiving holiday.  I do love the tradition of waking up, cooking, spending hours watching the pre-game, screaming at the television, and then finding a way to shovel in plates of food.  It may sound like an easy thing to do, but for me, Thanksgiving has usually included an embarrassing Detroit Lions loss, so my appetite is often ruined.  This is a newer phenomenon in recent years, and I’m hoping the Lions tradition returns to eating some turkey rather than being the turkey.

But, even with my love of all things football, the great game is also not the reason I love Thanksgiving.

I love to cook, to bake and to eat.  Man, I love to eat.  But, those are not the reasons I love Thanksgiving, either.

It may sound awful corny, but the truth is that I love the general idea of celebrating gratitude.  Gratitude may not be at the forefront in our decorations, or even in how many people approach the holiday.  But, to me, gratitude defines Thanksgiving.  Hell, the entire “slogan for the day” encompasses “giving thanks.”

Having gratitude, to me, is a key ingredient to being happy.

Years ago when I lived in California, I talked to friends and coworkers about appreciation and how so many of us never express it to others; especially the day to day “strangers” we encounter.  I made it my goal to rope people into expressing random appreciation, and I led the troops in calling or visiting random places and sharing a bit of thanks.  I called random city offices and said “I just want you to know that I appreciate all that you do for the community.”  Apparently expressing appreciation is so uncommon in our culture that typically people were uncomfortable in even responding.  I usually received nervous giggles, followed by a thank you.  A few times the person on the other line simply hung up the phone.

I found when I did such activities in person, responses were usually a bit better, but nervousness and uncomfortable mumbling still reigned supreme.  How sad, really, that hearing a “thank you” or words of appreciation stirs that uncomfortable bug in many of us.  Are we all so unfamiliar with gratitude that we scare upon its arrival?

Part of the Thanksgiving tradition is sitting at a dinner table with family and friends, and prior to enjoying a lavish meal together, sharing words of gratitude with one another.  I love that tradition.   In fact, I love the tradition so strongly that I propose spreading it into the world as often as possible.  Instead of saving gratitude for one day of family, football and food, let’s make it a daily tradition, every day of the year.

It shouldn’t be second nature for us to have and express gratitude, it should be first nature.  Being appreciated shouldn’t make any of us feel uncomfortable; it should be something we routinely receive and openly embrace.

As cheesy or corny as I know it all sounds (and how sad that we are so uncomfortable with these topics that our corny juices stir), it’s why I’m most excited for my favorite holiday next week.

This year, Sam and I will be with her family in Florida.  I certainly have tremendous gratitude that we are able to make the trip, and that we are able to get some rare time with her family.  I love my wife more than words could ever express, so I inheritably appreciate having time with people important in her life.  And though I fear for their safety, as gratitude goes out the window when I watch the Lions, I’m very thankful for the chance to all just be together.

Having gratitude is a key ingredient to being happy.  So, as we pull out the spices, and warm up the gravy, let’s remember to stir in that key ingredient; everything tastes better with a little gratitude.   Warm up the rolls, and pass the yams, please.

Happy Thanksgiving to All!  And a sincere and loving “Thank You” to friends and family; having each of you in my life is a blessing and my gratitude has no end.

I don’t have kids; yet.  It’s unclear whether my wife and I will have kids, as time continues to move quickly.  We have dogs, though, and they unfortunately are strapped with the role of De facto children.

And they really are children to me.

It’s quite alarming, actually, how I miss them through-out the day.  I miss them any time we are not with them.

I could go on and on professing my love for our furry children.  Perhaps that calls for a blog all of its own one day.

ENDLESS ENTHUSIASM

But beyond love, I appreciate our furry babies, just as I appreciate the many children I am blessed to be around.  I appreciate dogs and children because “they get it.”  Each, in its own way, sees life as it’s meant to be seen; with wonder, awe, and endless enthusiasm.

They are matter of fact.

FROM THE MOUTH OF BABES

Most of us remember that show “Kids Say the Darndest Things.”  I’m not sure if the show was a success, or even if it’s still on the air.  But I do know that it rang true and it tugged the heart strings and pressed the laughter button.  Because, it is true, the things kids say can dumfound us.

We have the cutest neighbor children who live across the street; Rachel is 4 and Dylan is 2.  They love screaming our names, enthusiastic to see us, any time we wander outside.  Rachel, in particular, loves to visit and loves to chat.  This past spring, several of us were outside in the front yard, attending to our landscaping.  Rachel insisted on cheering for us and visiting, as we continued to work.  If people in my family, or at the office, think I can chat; they have never met Rachel.  Girl knows how to talk.  And it’s a pleasure to listen to her innocent little voice.  Anyhow, while we were working on the front yard and Rachel was chatting away, I asked her “where is Dylan, why isn’t he out here?”  Without hesitation she responded matter of fact, “oh, he’s not friendly like I am.  But, he looks up to me.  He has his whole life.”  Luckily I was on my knees, so falling to the ground in laughter wasn’t a dangerous fall.  For real, how can she be 4 years old?

My brother is a grandpa; well, technically, he’s a step- grandpa.  His grand-daughter, my great niece (ouch) is named Brook.  Since she was born I’ve called her baby Brook.  It doesn’t matter that she is now 8 years old; and not 2 or 4, as she still appears in my mind.  She is 8, and she’s a very sweet little girl.  We saw Brook yesterday, who repeatedly hugged me and hung on me.  As we had lunch and sat across from each other at the table, she told me directly “It’s really good to see you.”  HA!  And then a few hours later, she repeated her charming ways by telling me again “I’m sure glad I got to see you.”  Who speaks like that, at 8?

Too precious for words, that is for sure.

And those are the type of things most kids say; that most parents or grandparents hear out of the own mouths of their own babes.  It floors me, sometimes, and it typically makes me tear up.

It literally feels like only a few years ago that I went with my step-sister and brother-in-law to the ultrasound of their first child.  At the appointment, we learned they were expecting a girl and we saw my niece yawn.  I smile and tear just remembering it, and it’s so bizarre to realize that same niece is now learning how to drive.  How can that be?

LIFE IS GRAND

I have never been one to hide from more birthdays or from aging; each year is too much of a blessing to bring any negativity to the table.  I welcome each year, even if I wish I could at least temporarily slow time.  I wish to slow time not to fend off aging, but to add to the amount of time I have with precious things; like my dogs, loved ones, or the young and fresh kid views that will inevitably be lost to “maturation.”

NOT JUST WHAT THEY SAY, BUT WHAT THEY DO

Even without knowing, young people steal our hearts in mere moments.  My cousin (more like a sister), just had her first baby.  Upon my first meeting with little Cosette (they call her Coco, I call her Cozy Bean), while sleeping, she closed her tiny fingers around one of mine.  It’s just instinct for little babies to connect to us; to the world.

When my nieces were younger, they would grab my hand to hold it, or get into my lap to snuggle without thinking about it; without asking, without hesitation.  Kids are just like that; they get it….what matters most…somehow along the line I think many of us lose it, but for a brief stint in time, we get it.

DOGS GET IT, TOO

I’m sure it sounds weird to say, but I’ve loved few things as much as my dogs. I know they are not human and I don’t value their lives above other loved ones.  But I honestly can say that I have learned and received more from my dogs than I could ever explain.  They somehow inheritably know that life is about being together.  Dogs are pack animals, so it’s normal for them to mainly travel and live in groups.  But, outside of their doggie connections, dogs simply want to be near us.  They want to smell the world, they want to roll on the ground, they want to walk, and they want to explore.  They want to snuggle, and they even snore (our Emma snores like a sailor).  They appreciate the small things.  That’s all life really is for them, anyways, the small immeasurable things that add up to joy.

It really shouldn’t be that hard for any of us, either, to add up the little things into a life of joy.

STRESS SCARES JOY

And I get it; dogs don’t have the same stressors that we do.  They don’t pay bills; no mortgage for them.  They don’t have to take care of older parents, or children, or dogs.  They don’t mow the lawn, or take the car to the repair shop.  They don’t worry about their health or the health of loved ones; at least not that we know of.  They don’t have our stressors, although we can’t be sure they don’t have their own.

And kids, well, they don’t have the same pressures as we do; at least not yet.  They are about eating and burping and running and playing.  They are about hugging, and laughing, and dancing, and skipping.

And that’s why dogs get it.  And why kids get it, too.  They are about the joy.

COLORFUL JOY

They haven’t been bogged down with regret, or rejection, or the reality of the inevitable pain life brings.  They have fresh eyes, and open hearts.  They are a pretty clean canvases just waiting for a bright splash of color.

The bigger truth, though, is that within each of us lays dormant the heart of a kid and the heart of dog.  If we move the stressors, harsh memories, and fears aside, we make room for the joy.

I say it’s time for each of us to unpack the old dusty water colors and splash some color on our lives.  We may think only kids and dogs “get it,” but the reality is it’s less about understanding and more about embracing.  Three cheers for embracing the joy!!!!

It truly is an understatement to exclaim that everything can change in a minute.  Someone is born, or someone dies, or a life is often altered in very less time.  Nonetheless, The Eagles reminded us how “In a New York minute, everything can change.”  And for me, and my now wife, that really was the case.

As many of you may have read in updates, or conjured from the endless stream of obnoxiously excited photos, Samantha and I were married in late September in New York City.  After more than 8 years together we were finally allowed to wrap a legal ring around our union.   And though the city of New York houses the team I love to hate, the Yankees, it will always be the place that changed my life in a minute.

MINUTES MATTER

When I look back on the photo stream of my life I see memories from minutes that evolved into rather big life changes.  In minutes, 9 years ago, I took home my Black Lab, Emma.  She was six weeks old and my heart and life have never been the same.  I have learned a smidge of patience along the way, even if not as much as desirable.  My heart has grown exponentially by loving and adoring my hyper and crazy special dog girl.  She is truly a great love of my life, and into my life she came within minutes, many years ago.

The first time I met Samantha in person, over 8 years ago, I knew instantly she would change my life forever.  In fact, I believe I told her that as we drove in my Jeep from the airport and to our weekend love nest.  In my stomach and in my heart, instantly, I knew.  The minutes of our first meeting set my life on a brand new path.

In 1994 I moved to California. My folks drove me cross country and inevitably they had to leave and return home.  When it was time to walk my Mom to their car and say goodbye, my heart broke.  I still remember those few minutes as if they were yesterday, and I still tear up when I think about them.  My heart broke in those minutes, and I know the same was true for my Mom.  That day was the first of my own, as an adult, and my life was reshaped in so many ways.

I’ve had my heart broken, in minutes, by past loves.  Whether it was the acceptance of a relationship being over, or sudden awareness that a partner loved another, my heart has shattered instantly many times.  I’m sure most people have experienced the same.  In a mere minute, your heart can break, and your life is turned upside down.

With my family, I stayed for days at the nursing home where my grandmother died.  She was in a coma during her last days, as we sat and told stories and held her hand.   At the very end, I held her hand as she took a few last slow breaths, and then in a minute, she passed on.   I’ve seen the same with other family members I love, and I’m sure so many people have similar stories.

That’s the painful truth and the powerful beauty of life; it’s fragile, it’s mystical, and it changes moment to moment.

IN A MINUTE

I’m married.

I’m pregnant.

I’m sick.

I’ve lost my parent.

There was a car crash.

My daughter graduated.

I got the job.

I’ve been fired.

They published my paper.

I just met my new best friend.

The house is ours!

The Detroit Lions just won the Super Bowl.

We are under attack.

Is that seat taken?

Who is that beautiful woman over there?

There has been an earthquake.

He proposed.

I just ate the best apple in the world.

My son learned how to ride a bike.

We are having twins.

I’ve been accepted to culinary school.

The test is negative.

My daughter passed her driving test.

You have made the team.

I’m retired.

I picked a major.

I’m moving.

I had an awful nightmare.

Meet our new dog.

I’m on a diet.

I’m sorry.

I have a dream.

I love you.

I do.

THANK YOU FOR MINUTES

Years from now, when Sam and I are older, greyer and hopefully a tad wiser, I’ll look back on our blip of time in New York City.  Our entire trip was a few days, and our entire wedding ceremony, a few minutes.  Regardless of the length, it’s etched in my memory bank for a lifetime.  Going into our wedding, I wasn’t convinced I’d feel much different, as I’ve felt committed to my partner for years.  But the truth is I do feel different.  There is a renewed since of hope, joy, and love in our relationship and I have New York City to thank.  I will forever be grateful to NYC for changing my life, wonderfully, in a minute.

“In a New York Minute
Everything can change
In a New York Minute
You can get out of the rain
In a New York Minute
Everything can change
In a New York Minute”

Let’s hear it for New York!

To be honest, I can’t really say that any of my lesbian dreams include marriage.  Heck, I’m not really sure I have lesbian dreams, but rather ordinary every day, every person kind of dreams.  Sure, a few have included Minka Kelly and Jennifer Anniston, but that really makes me human more than a lesbian, right?

Regardless of it being a dream or not, it’s certainly exciting to finally be able to legally get married.  For those of you who may not know, I was married once before.  It was years ago in California, to a woman, but it was not legal.  We had the entire marriage hoopla, though, with white dresses, a pastor, guests, being walked down the aisle, a party, etc.  I married a dear friend of mine, Stacy, who I’m still in contact with and who may actually read this.  If you are, Stacy, you know I still send my love your way.

The wedding itself was very nice, even though most of my family was not in attendance, and it was not an actual legal ceremony.  The truth, however, was that I was too young to make that type of decision and commitment.  I loved the person at the time, but I really was clueless about so many things in life, especially the ups and down of a relationship.  The end of the marriage scarred me a great deal, as I really felt like a relationship failure.  I really felt like I fucked it all up pretty badly.  At the very least, I made a rash decision in committing to something I didn’t quite comprehend.  And that poor decision, for years, left me feeling that marriage was unnecessary to ever try and do again.

As the years have passed and I have worked through some challenge points in two very long term relationships, my heart and mind has opened to the idea of marriage.  In time, I’ve been able to wash away some self-imposed pressure around the entire topic.

Coinciding with some of my personal struggles around marriage was the 2004 presidential election, where many states (including my own) put a civil rights equality issue on the ballot for the majority to vote upon.  Within that election, the state of Michigan voted to ban any legal recognition for gay couples.  Technically, we were never able to marry prior, but the ban stung pretty badly.  As did the knowledge that several people I love, voted to ban my ability to ever marry the person I love.  Ouch!  Unless you experience it, it’s not something you can fully comprehend.  It makes you feel less than.  It makes you feel like everyone around you is part of something that you are excluded from experiencing.  Both feelings, I’m sure, are the intention of many who oppose equality.  I’m getting off-track, here…

What this all equates to, however, is that a lesbian wedding has never really been a dream of mine.  I guess I’m not much of a girlie girl, as “the big day” for me means being in the stands of a championship sporting event.  What is a dream, however, is being married.  Being able to stand next to the person I love and say “Yes, I choose you.”  Being able to share with the world “I belong to someone.”  Such gestures matter.  They are a big deal.  If they weren’t so, we wouldn’t see so many people with such strong opinions.

It always amazes me how so many people oppose love.  It amazes me that true equality isn’t just a given.  But, that’s life.  That’s why I shake my head more days than I don’t and just admit to myself “yea, I don’t really get it.”  One day, I know, this topic won’t be a big deal.  But for now, it is.  And for now, Sammy and I travel to New York to make our marriage dreams a reality.

One day states like Michigan, Wisconsin, Florida, Oregon, Colorado and even California will “get it.”  One day people will be surprised the topic was even debated and I actually had to get on a plane or drive quite a distance to marry my long time love.  I’m hoping that I get to see that “one day.”  It will restore a corner of my heart, which once filled with pride in humanity, has shaded a bit cynical.

Until Michigan, and every other state in our impressive union, gets onboard the equality train of common sense, Sam and I will take our love and commitment to New York City.  With all due respect to other places in our country, is there really any cooler place to go?

By this time next week, I’ll officially and legally be a married woman.  In the eyes of the state of New York, I will legally be what I’ve already felt in my heart for years; committed to my Sammie Sue.  We will fly home to Michigan, where our marriage will not be recognized.  The state I love so much will take that sign of legality and equality from me, but make no mistake about it; I’ll still be married to the woman I love.

And one day, Michigan will find its way.  Until then, I give a special shout out to New York, who will forever hold a special place in my soul.  Undoubtedly, your “streets will make you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you, hear it for New York, New York, New York.”

On a double blog post day….

This month I marry my long time love.  It’s a big deal and not a big deal, all at the same time.  The truth is I’m already married to her in my heart.  But at the same time, to finally step up and make it legal somewhere, if not even in our own state, has an honest and hopeful feel to it.

But, enough sentimental hoopla blabbing, instead I’d rather give an ode to my beloved by saluting some things that she loves.  Regardless of my feelings on the item, let’s give a hearty “yee haw” to the avocado.

AVOCADO DREAMING

My special Samantha Sue loves the avocado.  I’m sure her California roots engrained in her taste buds an appreciation for the tasteless avocado.  She loves it whipped up with salsa, in a giant green glob of gooey nothingness.  She loves it sliced on top of anything from an omelet to a sandwich.  She loves it in tacos or on taco salads, and especially loves it with a quesadilla.  I strongly hope she dislikes it with spaghetti or in pasta, but only the Lord really knows.  Sadly enough, my Sammie never made it to the Avocado Festival in California, where she could have partaken in wonderful avocado treats like avocado ice cream.  That’s enough to make me cringe, and ooze with sentimental loving excitement, all at the same time.  Oh, the ways the avocado brings us all together.

CILANTRO SUCKS

I hate cilantro.  There is no other way around it.  It tastes a bit like BO smells, and that just doesn’t appeal to me in food.  Perhaps I’m tainted by its overuse during my years living in Southern California; in Tuna Salad, in Mac n Cheese.  Such blasphemous behavior cannot be overlooked, nor can it rid my nostril memories of the BO smell, which alerts my tongue to a very unpleasant taste.

I know I’m not alone in my dislike for cilantro, although I know that probably more enjoy it than curse it.  Maybe some of you rebellious rascals out there stare the BO smell in the face and proclaim “take that taste buds, you can’t control me.”  Whatever glorious and brave way you face cilantro, I salute you, even if I run from you.

My Sammie Sue falls into the cilantro liking corner.  Just the same, somehow, I’m managing to marry her.  Now that’s love, isn’t it?  When your beloved not only tolerates food that tastes like a BO smell, but enjoys it, you must really love that person something funky.

TECHNOLOGY CRAZYLAND

It’s not an overstatement for me to dub a place like Comerica Park my church.  Corny or not, that’s how I feel when I step inside; something mystical, spiritual and magical happens to me.  Memories come rushing back, and a hopeful feeling of “what might be” always plays in the background of my personal soundtrack.

For Sammie Sue, her church is any number of technology meccas.  I often flee from the scene within minutes of arrival.  Perhaps it’s an inferiority complex, as I don’t know what the fuck I’m seeing, or what the fuck I’m hearing.  It’s all a bit overwhelming.  Whether it is Microcenter, or Best Buy, or God help me the Apple Store, I feel like I’ve been transported to another planet, and one that obviously doesn’t have me in mind.  Just the opposite, though, my Sam is right at home.  I must give her credit; too, she knows her stuff.  Whereas I feel like a hobbit lost in a rainforest, unable to communicate or navigate, Samantha someone knows the speech and knows the landscape.  It’s actually a bit endearing.

Of course, the endearing last only a few minutes, until I pull out my hair strand by strand as I run towards the car in the parking lot.  I guess there is a bit of Ying and Yang in our relationship and we sort of balance each other out.  I bring the Church of Baseball to our household, and she speaks the language in the World of Technology.  Can I get a “Play Ball” and a “Reboot”?

IT MATTERS TO SOMEONE

A humbling but empowering truth in life comes from paying homage to interesting things in our world, even if they are things we don’t quite “get”, like avocados, cilantro, DWTS, or NASCAR.  None of them matter much to me, and in all honestly, I’m fairly repulsed by most of them; but they matter to the people that matter to me.  And that matters most….