Song for Today: Just call my name and I'll be there......Jackson Five

In Season: snapdragons

I have an uncle who has a depressive disorder, thats why this post on Ornicus, dated Friday May 23, touched me. But, more importantly his post assists the willing reader to delve into their own soul and prompts the reader to do one's own self-evaluation of their awakening. Who opened your eyes......? Who allowed you to be a free thinker? What risks have you endured? Was it a book? Which One?

For me it was extensive reading as a child, and growing up in a liberal, trusting environment, where I was allowed to think for myself. When I turned 18, and studied (partied) at SUNY at New Paltz, my words became actions. My first rally was a No Nukes gathering in W.D.C. in 1980. A college roommate and I hitchhiked to D.C from upstate NY on the NJ turnpike. (Oh...Lord...thank you for letting me live). I was determined to sleep in front of the white house and I did, despite the rain. Nonetheless laying a sleeping bag down and trying to get any rest was hoping for the best. Steady drizzle turned to heavy showers and I did not have a Glad trash bag to use as a poncho. I survived the night, however, the next day was tough. Shelter was found at a nearbye Smithsonian museum, where the bathroom was packed with women activists, soggy to the core.

I have yet to sleep in front of the white house again, but being amongst the power of so many people, for a good cause, accelereted my activism more onto a community level and "live by example" mode. Regardless of mode, whether it is a person like Uncle Bill or a series of experiences, or a book, or an idea, we are so fortunate to have that experience in and of itself. I think that is what we were put on earth for.