My bestie of over 50 years and I were talking last week about what a billion dollars is and what we’d do with it. Both of us said fund all animal shelters and food banks. I’m astonished by the fact that most people who have billions only want more. So few of them help others with their vast wealth. I’m not sure what this has to do with your post but it’s my reaction to what you wrote.
Housing is a gigantic need as well. The Trump-MAGA Big Brutal Bill passed last July was a deadly, direct attack on every bare, naked need for the increasing impoverished population which will grow as the techbroligarchy pursues its headlong pursuit of not only massively cutting jobs but continuing to criminalize the impoverished. They will likely be Trump’s next target for offshoring to places they’ve
never been. The need for food and retention of subsidized health insurance remains and, importantly, Medicaid for the poor and those on the ACA will disappear if we don’t sweep away the MAGAs in at least the House. That delay was on purpose to get the still sleeping who don’t recognize the peril will vote to keep Trump unaccountable for the rest of his life to further junk up the grounds of the White House and inflict terrible pain on those who are “disobedient.”
As we age we really know that sorrow lives in us forever. We do what we can to make things better for others which is all we can do. Especially our loved ones and pups❤️🐾❤️
"It isn’t fair. And I can’t fix it all. The horror of it can shatter me, because so much of it is beyond me. I can’t help everywhere. But maybe I can help somewhere, here and there, in places I can see. And I do try."
You also succeed, here, with me, everyday I'm able to read what you've written. You always invite me to remember some little, or large, beauty and good that sadly tends to get overwhelmed by all of the dark, promiscuous evil being forced upon the world in our country's name here and abroad. I hope you truly understand how much it helps - this little refuge you've welcomed us all into. Thank you!
I'm reminded of what they said after the Holocaust, where someone asked God how he could have allowed such an atrocity, and God replied, How could you? I don't want to get into politics, but the ONE thing we all can do is to turn out to VOTE in every future election - Voting is our POWER to change things, no matter our age.
Thank you J. F. You are wise, kind and generous with your gifts of these meaningful words. Reading the news clips each morning makes me sad, especially, as our country prepares to celebrate our 250th birthday. Instead of a dignified celebration it’s become an adoration of this president. Very sad and inappropriate. Just weird. Good day. Hugs for Eli and Auggie.
I struggle with this too. Right now I am sticking with the "help when you can, because it matters to the one you help" - I forget the original quote/statement, but you get the idea. Otherwise, the problem seems too overwhelming. It's like the Garlic Mustard--there's an analogy there but in reverse.
I find practicing kindness makes me feel better. Let a working man or harried looking mother go in front of me at the grocery or telling someone you love their haircut...if I can coax a smile I feel like I have contributed a little joy to the world.
Thank you so much for your post today, which really hits home for me. We lost our beloved Mom yesterday- she was a longtime advocate for the needy and mentally ill, a devoted nurse, voting advocate, sailor and beach bum. And my best friend. Boy, will I miss her but am filled with gratitude for her and for all those souls that buzzed around her, caring for her in her last and most vulnerable time.
The first trillionaire could do so much good for the world. I think I will pray that humans grow in empathy instead of animus.
I think of your graceful words as I watch the delicate wasps drink water from a narrow rim around my birdbath. It will be close to 100 degrees today. Even the littlest get thirsty.
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I have a hard time articulating sometimes how sad I get when I think too much about all the pain there is in this world. Is it because I’m of a certain age and have seen so much? Is it because I’m an empath and absorb too much? Do I feel guilty for having so much when so many others have so little? I’m not sure. Maybe it’s all these things. But helping even just a little each day brings me back and I love the idea of just trying to make a little difference to some living being every day.
Maybe the gift of our parents even after they leave us is they rattle around in hearts and our heads and remind us of what matters. But still what I wouldn’t give for one visit, one more talk, one more hug.
Thankyou,again. I almost killed a fly this morning but something spoke to me saying to me the same thing the poem says. We’re ALL in this together
These are the Times that dry men’s soles. 💕2the+++’s.🎶
Hahah.
Humor is a last resort before madness. 😊🌹💕
My bestie of over 50 years and I were talking last week about what a billion dollars is and what we’d do with it. Both of us said fund all animal shelters and food banks. I’m astonished by the fact that most people who have billions only want more. So few of them help others with their vast wealth. I’m not sure what this has to do with your post but it’s my reaction to what you wrote.
I see the connection.
Housing is a gigantic need as well. The Trump-MAGA Big Brutal Bill passed last July was a deadly, direct attack on every bare, naked need for the increasing impoverished population which will grow as the techbroligarchy pursues its headlong pursuit of not only massively cutting jobs but continuing to criminalize the impoverished. They will likely be Trump’s next target for offshoring to places they’ve
never been. The need for food and retention of subsidized health insurance remains and, importantly, Medicaid for the poor and those on the ACA will disappear if we don’t sweep away the MAGAs in at least the House. That delay was on purpose to get the still sleeping who don’t recognize the peril will vote to keep Trump unaccountable for the rest of his life to further junk up the grounds of the White House and inflict terrible pain on those who are “disobedient.”
As we age we really know that sorrow lives in us forever. We do what we can to make things better for others which is all we can do. Especially our loved ones and pups❤️🐾❤️
Yes! This!
"It was a long time ago, but sorrow lives forever." Some thoughts, said perfectly,will live forever too.
That sentence did me in as well.
"It isn’t fair. And I can’t fix it all. The horror of it can shatter me, because so much of it is beyond me. I can’t help everywhere. But maybe I can help somewhere, here and there, in places I can see. And I do try."
You also succeed, here, with me, everyday I'm able to read what you've written. You always invite me to remember some little, or large, beauty and good that sadly tends to get overwhelmed by all of the dark, promiscuous evil being forced upon the world in our country's name here and abroad. I hope you truly understand how much it helps - this little refuge you've welcomed us all into. Thank you!
Thank you. Your comments bring encouragement to me as well.
Perfectly said! Your writing keeps me going in this horror show.
I still can’t reconcile the level of cruelty in this world to all living beings.
And why does God allow that? 🙏🏼
His job, I believe, is to be with us through it, not to change it. Emmanuel means “God with us."
At certain times, it’s just so hard to process .
I'm reminded of what they said after the Holocaust, where someone asked God how he could have allowed such an atrocity, and God replied, How could you? I don't want to get into politics, but the ONE thing we all can do is to turn out to VOTE in every future election - Voting is our POWER to change things, no matter our age.
I wish the millions who did not vote in 2024 would hear your message.
Thank you J. F. You are wise, kind and generous with your gifts of these meaningful words. Reading the news clips each morning makes me sad, especially, as our country prepares to celebrate our 250th birthday. Instead of a dignified celebration it’s become an adoration of this president. Very sad and inappropriate. Just weird. Good day. Hugs for Eli and Auggie.
I struggle with this too. Right now I am sticking with the "help when you can, because it matters to the one you help" - I forget the original quote/statement, but you get the idea. Otherwise, the problem seems too overwhelming. It's like the Garlic Mustard--there's an analogy there but in reverse.
I find practicing kindness makes me feel better. Let a working man or harried looking mother go in front of me at the grocery or telling someone you love their haircut...if I can coax a smile I feel like I have contributed a little joy to the world.
Thank you so much for your post today, which really hits home for me. We lost our beloved Mom yesterday- she was a longtime advocate for the needy and mentally ill, a devoted nurse, voting advocate, sailor and beach bum. And my best friend. Boy, will I miss her but am filled with gratitude for her and for all those souls that buzzed around her, caring for her in her last and most vulnerable time.
Please accept my sympathy. It’s so hard.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Emily H. Your mother sounds like a wonderful person!
Thank you - she really was!
I’m so sorry for your pain.
The first trillionaire could do so much good for the world. I think I will pray that humans grow in empathy instead of animus.
I think of your graceful words as I watch the delicate wasps drink water from a narrow rim around my birdbath. It will be close to 100 degrees today. Even the littlest get thirsty.
Thank you for today's column. I think you are echoing a sentiment felt by many in today's world.
❤️
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I have a hard time articulating sometimes how sad I get when I think too much about all the pain there is in this world. Is it because I’m of a certain age and have seen so much? Is it because I’m an empath and absorb too much? Do I feel guilty for having so much when so many others have so little? I’m not sure. Maybe it’s all these things. But helping even just a little each day brings me back and I love the idea of just trying to make a little difference to some living being every day.
Beautifully said, Liz!
Moved, once again, by your words. Thank you.
Maybe the gift of our parents even after they leave us is they rattle around in hearts and our heads and remind us of what matters. But still what I wouldn’t give for one visit, one more talk, one more hug.
How right you are, James!