LIFE’S Observations… Our editor, Judy, has been selecting a theme for the regular contributors to this little missal that shows up in your mailbox on a bimonthly basis now. It's a good idea that provides a bit of cohesiveness to the words shared from around the County through this medium. If you have an idea for future themes, I believe By David Mosdal she would gladly consider Guest Columnist new suggestions, though we haven't spoken about MY ideas for HER time, so be gentle. The theme for this issue is the “One Percenters”: people like Chris Nikic who is an amateur triathlete with Down Syndrome. Chris trains with people who inspire him to be the best he can be and to improve by
becoming 1% better than his previous goal. Just last year he became the first person with Down Syndrome to finish an Ironman Triathlon. That's not an easy endeavor for the most capable among us. What an inspiration to people at any station in life. Go Chris! So who do we know locally with similar kinds of super powers? Here's one: I want to tell you about Virginia, a ninety-six year old woman who still goes to work every day because she can. Virginia has done many things in her life, but since retiring as a Washington, DC lobbyist at age 65 she hired on with a local homeless shelter to help generate the cash necessary to keep the doors open and help the people who just need a leg up to a better life. She has taken on the unglamorous task of sorting through the piles and boxes of donated “stuff” that comes in the back door of the thrift store. The bulk of this stuff, that We the People generally donate to thrift stores, is the result of our collective efforts to clean up our camp. Maybe it's just a righteous spring cleaning or perhaps it's a more thorough downsizing of a home in preparation for transitioning to some form of assisted living or even specialized care. Ultimately it's what a family does after Grandma has died and the family treasures have been parsed out and the dust has settled after the estate sale. In these leftovers, Virginia knows that there are occasional treasures hidden in plain sight. It may be an antique figurine or a collectible household item. It could be an original work of art of some regional significance or a cast off toy from long ago that someone is willing to pay a fair market value to own. When these things come along, Virginia consults with her cadre of appraisers to move the items into the proper venue to bring the best price. It's a win/win for everyone involved and lives are made better in the process. Virginia knows she won't live forever, but she has inspired enough others along the way that this work will continue into the future and lives will be changed for the better, like the drug addicted, skid row former doctor who was able to return to practice after meeting Virginia. But that's another story... Be safe. Find the good in the world around you.
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APRIL / MAY 2021
