So much hurt and pain over the past week, but I also saw sparks of caring and goodness. I am hoping real change happens through peaceful demonstrations and acts of understanding. When I worked in HR, I attended (and sometimes facilitated) diversity, communication and team building training. I worked in one office where I attended the training every other week as we taught different groups. I must say, each time I learned or came away with new insight. With all that is happening, I feel that this type of training needs to be given continually at all levels of education and work and in every industry. I know it won't fix anything immediately, but perhaps it might make a difference. We can not change the past, but learn from it, as we move forward.
I had a fairly good week at work. One client, who does not like to walk too much, suddenly on Friday said, are we going for a walk? I grabbed my phone, put on our masks and headed for the door. He did not want to remove his hoodie (it was 90 degrees outside), but he walked at a good pace, as he showed me a path that led partially around the community. He only took one break at a bench along the path during our 25 minute walk. I could not believe it. When we got back home, I made sure he drank some water, as he sat in his favorite chair and took a quick nap. My other client had her house a/c go out on Wednesday and they came on Thursday (90 degree day), but could not fix it. It was getting warm when my shift ended, but I made sure the fan was running (as I was instructed by mechanic) and my client knew not to open windows/doors. Hopefully, it was fixed on Friday.
This week I finished reading: "THE GREAT ALONE" by Kristin Hannah. Powerful story of a family in crisis in the wilderness of Alaska. Resilience and survival are the core here. I also read: "HIDEAWAY" by Nora Roberts. Suspense and romance.
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
June 7
National Chocolate Ice Cream Day
National Frozen Yogurt Day - first Sunday in June
VCR Day
June 8
Best Friends Day
Name Your Poison Day
World Ocean Day
June 9
Donald Duck Day
National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day
June 10
Ball Point Pen Day
Herb and Spices Day
Iced Tea Day
June 11
National Corn on the Cob Day
June 12
National Flip Flop Day - second Friday in June
National Jerky Day
National Peanut Butter Cookie Day
Red Rose Day
June 13
National Weed Your Garden Day
Sewing Machine Day
I think of my parents every day at one point or another. Whether it's a song or story, they come into my heart and mind. There is a bright red cardinal that sits on the fence post in our yard every afternoon, keeping an eye on me. June 8th would have been their 63rd wedding anniversary so I like to believe they are dancing and having fun together.
I am going to end it here for today. I hope you have a good week. Share a little kindness. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
"Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization." ~ Mahatma Gandhi
“We are all different, which is great because we are all unique. Without diversity life would be very boring."--Catherine Pulsifer
“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”—Martin Luther King, Jr.