Magic, Misery But Miracles Too! Let's Keep Hope and Advocacy Alive and Well!
To The Editor:
With the season of harvest and Halloween prompting Trick/Trunk-Or-Treats, costume parades, parties, and walks at dusk and in the dark, traditions spread, mainly bringing joy but not preventing all risks.
Costumes and events dreamed up and pieced together over weeks or days help kids, teens and plenty of grown-ups step into the realm of the playful, wild and woolly.
Hopefully the result is big fun and a sense of friendship. It's a time also to reflect on ancestors and life from over the decades.
Remembering those in spirit over the fall season is a way to feel connected to loved ones and to the circle of life. Those who died recently remind us of the precious gift of each person who has walked the earth and had ties to many others over the generations and in each life.
The waves of compassion can be felt for those near or far. More ways to show that care would be helpful even via social media but with practical care too if teams can be formed.
Along with the CT police officers who died, the three graduate students from India who died recently in a car crash in Sheffield MA also deserve our shared condolences.
Unbelievably sad also is the loss of 150 so far (including 26 from other countries) in South Korea in an enclosed alley area during a festive gathering of 100K.
Prevention of danger by governments and local people and pacing our plans for each part of life can bring more safe living, driving and events to fruition.
Yet with all the sorrow we face, there is magic that unfolds as well as miracles and healing. We can share in thanks if there is a turnabout of danger such as close calls on the road or an unexpected remission or healing of cancer or other medical issue.
The Option Institute in Sheffield MA offers an amazing outreach to help people in many walks of life, particularly when facing challenges with a process of inquiry that opens hearts and minds
Their website option.org has an array of programs every country and state would do well to access for many 'people-centered' concerns.
The founders, Barry also known as Bears and Samarhia Kaufman have faced incredible challenges over the years and recently with Bears' cancer diagnosis. Thankfully, Bears so far has lived over five months beyond what was predicted with a remarkable remission.
Many of us have friends and family who have shared their journeys on caringbridge.com. There are people of all ages who have had support in facing a medical challenges plus extra care, funds, rides, meal trains and prayer chains. However people are able to ask and receive support is all part of the real magic that makes a community shine.
Thank you to all who are the bridge to help those in dire need and others along the way with many practical or difficult life issues.
Now is the time to make more magic happen by voting for more people to have basics, healthcare and reproductive rights. Every choice to care about one another with a team is a step toward shared success.
--Catherine Palmer Paton of CT, printed in The Lakeville Journal of CT, Nov 2022
