what do these kids hear?

So, I voted this morning and wore my "I Voted" sticker to work. Over the course of the day sooooo many kids asked who I voted for. The interest was inspiring, to see so many young folk curious, but I would not answer their questions. I'd respond back with something along the lines of, "The one I believe should be president. Who would get your vote?" Now this is where inspiration becomes exasperation. Their responses were, let's just say they were humorous. I heard:
- Trump, because Hillary pays for ISIS.
- Clinton, because Trump doesn't believe people should wear glasses.
- Trump, because she doesn't like to win.
- Hillary, because we need a woman.
- 3rd party, because the first party is stupid...

I left many kids with the directive to go home, ask their parents, then ask them why, and then to have a fun conversation about voting.

Judging by the smiles, the joy, the future is in good hands...

a beautiful start

A lunchtime kitchen error led to a touching conversation with a stranger. The talk of the cook's mistake, and about making the best of it led to more consequential talk.

This man was a public safety official on duty and heard an emergency call to his home address. He raced home, unlocked the door, and found his wife sobbing on the floor. "He's not breathing... He won't wake up..." His life had taken a tragic turn, his young son was dead..

He told me of the collapse of his life. First, he quit his job. Next was lowering his son into the earth. Next was the implosion of his marriage. And finally, it was his health.

There was a bit of "oh shit" talk between us. He didn't delve far of his journey through the wilderness. But he was open, eager to share his life on the other side. There had been pain, excruciating pain. There was loneliness, guilt, regret, denial, and accusation. But eventually he reached his current state of mind, there is acceptance, peace.

Talk, sharing, is how he prevents a return to the wilderness. These keep the emotions manageable, keep them from building and exploding from within. He has a new partner and together that have brought a a new life to this world. Not his son, he has passed, but another son. One with his own life, beauty, and expectations. He has love. He has a life. He has hope for the future.

Here was a man was 10, maybe 15 years younger than I, that had lost everything. He did not, could not, reclaim his losses, but he has found a new path, created a new life.

I have experienced loss, but nothing near the magnitude suffered by my new friend. I too, have reached a measure of peace & acceptance. I have yet to find that new love, a partner. But I will, and in the meantime I have my children, and that's a beautiful start...