Words from the Heart

Families Belong Together - Rally - Greenfield, MA Some reflections now that the air has cooled and I have had time to ruminate. These are the things I saw that touched me: Children laying in the grass coloring signs that read, "Families belong together." Elderly women standing in front of me with signs that read, "No Baby Jails!" A woman on the street that commented on my tree of life pendant, showed her Jerusalem cross, then with tears in her eyes and voice cracking said, "Next year in Tel Aviv!"  Families of all types standing together. There were songs sung, most of them written by the singers. I had wished the PA system was better because I couldn't hear most of what was sung.  I know that one of the songs was about the Statue of Liberty. There was a refrain about holding her torch high, but I couldn't really get much more than that.    One of the most passionate speeches was from by a woman who told of how her fami...

People often ask why I teach, or write, or minister. The answer is always the same...Love. I teach for the love of sharing knowledge with others. I write for the love of words and how placing them in just the right position can paint a picture in someone's mind. I minister for the love of being of service to others. This past month, I have been participating in the 3 0 Poems in November! Challenge. The poems I have written have been dedicated and inspired by those I teach and for whom the money raised will benefit. I have not reached my goal, yet. I still have hope. The money from 30 Poems goes to the programs and needs of Center for New Americans (CNA) , a non-profit agency with sites in four Western Massachusetts cities. CNA helps immigrants and refugees learn English as well as assists in finding jobs, housing, citizenship and a host of other needs. Center for New Americans runs its daily operations on grants, donations and volunteers. Fundraising is essential...