There are so many risks I’ve taken over my lifetime that it is difficult to just choose one! Honestly, I don’t regret any of the risks I’ve taken because, even when I had my heart broken or went through a time of trial and tribulations, I learned. I’ve learned and grown and my faith in God and humanity has never been stronger! Life is beautiful when you look through the lens of faith and growth and positivity. Plus, I have many beautiful memories and friends as a result of my risk taking. Who could regret that?
This morning when I awoke before dawn, it was dark and cold, with gusty winds and no power. Back to the primitive world before electricity, telephones, TVs or internet. Quiet, beautiful, dark, scary. I realized how spoiled we really are In our modern world. The power came back on, but these visitors still live in the primitive world and…survive.
How many times have I said I want to write a book? Hundreds, thousands, a million times? How many people besides me say they want to…
Write a book, a screenplay, a poem? Be an actor, an artist, a designer, an architect, a doctor, a lawyer, a veterinarian? Start their own business, travel the world, retire to a tropical climate? Help the poor, weak, sick, or mentally ill?
How many of us follow our dreams and fantasies and make them reality?
Are all of us just dreamers?
How many of the dreamers follow through? Are they still dreamers then? Or conquerors of their dreams instead?
I’ve decided to become a conqueror of my dreams! How about you? Shall we begin?
Teach your children well. If necessary, use words. Mostly though, get them involved with other children of all races, ethnicities, socioeconomic groups, political groups, and differently abled groups. It will teach them love, acceptance, and respect for others that they won’t find on their own.
I was never exposed to people of color until I was in the third grade in 1970. My teacher, Miss Bazy, was the first black person I ever met and I was terrified simply because she was different. At the end of the first week of school, she asked me to stay after class. I was a shy, quiet kid who never got in trouble so I was scared. Everyone left and she asked me to come up to her at her desk. All 35 pounds of me was shaking with nerves. She didn’t say a word, but took my hand in hers and held it for a minute or two, smiling gently all the while. Then she turned my hand over, palm side up, and asked me, “Did your hand turn black because you held my black hand?” Of course I shook my head no. She then said, “Honey, I’m not going to hurt you. I’m just like you except God colored me differently than you.” Then she gave me the sweetest hug I EVER got from a teacher before or since. I burst into tears because I was so ashamed for being afraid. She just held me and patted my back as I told her I was so sorry. I believe the most important thing I learned that year took place in a 10 minute lesson. She was a great teacher, don’t get me wrong, but I’ve especially never forgotten that moment.
Ever since that day I’ve understood we are all the same in many ways. We are all human, have basic needs, wishes, emotions, attachments, and gifts. We all deserve respect and dignity, compassion and empathy. We all need to teach our children well. That is how we will change the world now and in the future.
Sunshine Lane 
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