On looking for a church to go to this Sunday

Did you know that the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal is the oldest AME church in the South? There is so much I didn't know - starting with what AME stands for. Shame on me.

You might want to watch this clip I found on CNN. It is fascinating and it makes the senseless murders even more tragic.

You've probably read or heard this poem:

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Socialist.Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Trade Unionist.Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Jew.Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

We need to be in this struggle together. I am a child of the 60's. Of the Movement. Where did it all go so terribly wrong?

I heard someone from the NAACP suggest that those of  us who are moved by these events and are also white think about going to an AME church this Sunday. I don't know where to start looking for a service but if anyone out there in Facebook land would like me to join them at church please let me know.

On saying goodbye to a generation

You've probably never heard of Ted Jacobs. Uncle Teddy was the most positive person that I ever knew. Relentlessly positive, to a fault. No matter when you asked, everything was "fantastic".He was very proud of The Ohio State and sure enjoyed this past football season. He wrote a book too.

He was married to my father's sister Ruth and was a brother (not just in-law) to my mom and my dad. If you'd like to know more about him he has a website
http://www.tedjacobs.org/about-ted.html. 

I don't know how long it will be there cause Uncle Teddy died this week, leaving my mom, as she reminded me, as the only one left. 

Growing up we bought all of our clothes at Uncle Teddy's store. Under the stern eye of Aunt Ruth Janice, we dutifully tried on anything that fit and all of our purchases were sorted in neat piles. Uncle Teddy's store was our source of clothing for most of my formative years. Maybe that's why I like shopping for clothes so much! Choices that are not from Ted Jacobs are somehow liberating, even 50 years later.

I am sorry I didn't have a chance to say goodbye to Uncle Teddy. Unlike the other losses of these past couple of years, this one seems rather distant and detached. Rest well, Uncle Teddy. Tell Dad and your beloved Ruth Janice and our dear Brian how much we miss them all.

On Dogs and 9 Lives

So it seems that our Mitzvah may be a cat after all. We prepared to say our good byes but lo and behold with some IV fluids, anti-nausea drugs and TLC he may make it to 12. Heck that's only 7 more months. Or maybe it's the cosmo. I don't know that I am ready for another loss.

It's been a few months since I posted here but will do better.

On birthdays

I love the first Beatles' songs. Always loved Hey Jude (used to think they really meant Hey Jode). But When I'm 64 always seemed pretty remote.

Well it's not any more. But the good news is that 2015 has already proven to be moving in the positive directions that seemed to elude 2014. Tomorrow I am off to Minnesota to begin my next great professional adventure. 

For this year I am promising myself to exercise more, eat my veggies and fruits, be kinder to others and appreciate the good and banish the bad. And I should probably blog more.

Peace out, y'all.

On why I am not posting Facebook's version of my year

It's Christmas morning. The end of 2014. Thankfully. 

It's been a year that I will not let be repeated.

We lost Brian this year. I lost a whole lot of faith in family but gained a whole lot of faith in my network of friends. My posse. Without whom I never could have pushed forward through all of this. 

I found out that I have another great professional project in me and 2015 will be the year that I can make that happen.

My son Elliott continues to grow and to give back in a significant way. His choice to teach and his commitment to his students is remarkable. His commitment to his relationship with Vicki gives me so much pride.

Facebook's version of my year seems to trivialize the lessons that I have learned. So instead I offer this version.

Happy 2015 and beyond to all. 

To quote the great sage Jay-Z:

 "May the best of your todays be the worst of your tomorrows."

On living in a Facebook world

Brian would have been 59 today. There are folks wishing him happy birthday on his Facebook page. 

I really miss him.

On good days and bad

Thursday was a good day. So was Friday. Good stuff happening with work, Mitzvah the Dog is jumping up and down like a puppy and the hideous Miami humidity and downright hotness not as hideous as usual. And some other stuff.

So what's the bad? After a really cool meeting the other day I picked up the phone and dialed Brian. I wanted to tell him my good stories. Especially the ones that involved his friends and mine and represented victory over the green meanies that sometimes surround me.

Gosh I miss my brother.

But the good days will eventually outnumber the bad. I'll always have to resist picking up the phone and calling him. Cause he can't answer any more. He'd sure like some of the funny stories.

But I made a donation to Elliott's classroom project in his memory and made my appointments for my annual checkups. It's how I can honor my brother.

Maybe this week will be better.