Happy Birthday to my big brother, Skip!! Most of you haven't met either of my brothers as they don't live too close to South Florida but I'd like to share a bit about my brother...
When I was in a body cast as an infant, my brother, Skip was the one to carry me around, play with his little sister, and drag her around in his wagon. This is in contrast to my brother, Bruce who when I was propped up against a wall would sneak when he thought no one was watching and tip me over so I landed face first on the floor (hence, my turned-up nose). I have no recollection of this time as it was from one month old to a little over two years old. My parents had filled me in on the kind of brother Skip and Bruce were. Skip was six when I was born...
About 26 years ago, Skip had a 'freak' accident while cleaning his sailboat (out of the water) when the mast hit a power line and nearly ended his life. The doctors didn't expect him to live and thought that if he did, he would be severely brain damaged. Three months in the burn unit at Jackson Memorial, skin grafts, and minus one leg, he came out of the experience spiritually stronger and perhaps, mentally stronger too. (Brother Bruce and I thought the electricity 'supercharged' those dormant brain cells!!) He has been an inspiration to us all and has also helped numerous limb amputees regain their zest for life.
He has been a loving father to his three beautiful daughters, Christi, Karri, and Alissa.
He even tried to be a father to my three after Bob died but that didn't go over so well. But now that everyone is grown up, my three children have such a new appreciation for their Uncle Skip. When I recently went home, he treated us all to dinner when we were in Jacksonville and the kids had a blast with him and thoroughly enjoyed his company. He is always quite humorous to say the least...
And I would not be here serving in the Peace Corps were it not for my brother Skip's help and support.
He is more of a dinosaur on the computer than I am...is that possible?!? So he probably won't read this but I sure hope my nieces fill him in...
Just let him know how much I appreciate him and how much I love him. Happy Birthday, Skipper!
God bless us all...tracy
Friday, July 23, 2010
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Happy 4th of July!!!!!!
Dear Friends and Family,
I have started writing this blog at least six times and have aborted each one...
I'm here in Punta Gorda as a bunch of PCV's from the Toledo district have decided to gather for a little 4th of July celebration BBQ this afternoon. There was a thunderstorm last night which cooled the air and cut the humidity. It's down to a mere 98 degrees and 70% humidity which leaves us at a heat index of 115 which is down from the previous week. And of course, no AC anywhere so no relief. (I think Florida summers will be a bit easier to take!)
I'm writing today because it's the 4th of July--truly a day to celebrate our country's independence. But in each of the previous attempts, I became too political and too polarized. This is precisely what I see as our big problem back home. Healthy debate is always good. Finger pointing, name calling, spin on top of spin for argument's sake is a detriment to the development of better ways of working together.
When I see how the people in Belize live and compare it with back home, I am struck by the accentuated contrast. Ten months ago, I saw this as poverty. But I have decided that poverty is more an attitude than a calculated measure of what you have versus what you don't have. The people in my village don't think they live in poverty...they have food, clothing, and a roof over their head. They have everything they need and they're happy. Belize is a beautiful mix of varied ethnicities. Their existence is as close to nature and spirit as the varied palms reaching towards the heavens.
I'm aware now that most of the world is more like Belize and the United States is in the minority of the few countries that are considered 'super powers'. So if Belizeans see themselves as rich and happy people, we need to take inventory of all our blessings in the United States. Let's start by seeing the good in the differences in each of us rather than that which divides us. You know, united we stand...
Happy 4th of July! God bless us all...tracy
I have started writing this blog at least six times and have aborted each one...
I'm here in Punta Gorda as a bunch of PCV's from the Toledo district have decided to gather for a little 4th of July celebration BBQ this afternoon. There was a thunderstorm last night which cooled the air and cut the humidity. It's down to a mere 98 degrees and 70% humidity which leaves us at a heat index of 115 which is down from the previous week. And of course, no AC anywhere so no relief. (I think Florida summers will be a bit easier to take!)
I'm writing today because it's the 4th of July--truly a day to celebrate our country's independence. But in each of the previous attempts, I became too political and too polarized. This is precisely what I see as our big problem back home. Healthy debate is always good. Finger pointing, name calling, spin on top of spin for argument's sake is a detriment to the development of better ways of working together.
When I see how the people in Belize live and compare it with back home, I am struck by the accentuated contrast. Ten months ago, I saw this as poverty. But I have decided that poverty is more an attitude than a calculated measure of what you have versus what you don't have. The people in my village don't think they live in poverty...they have food, clothing, and a roof over their head. They have everything they need and they're happy. Belize is a beautiful mix of varied ethnicities. Their existence is as close to nature and spirit as the varied palms reaching towards the heavens.
I'm aware now that most of the world is more like Belize and the United States is in the minority of the few countries that are considered 'super powers'. So if Belizeans see themselves as rich and happy people, we need to take inventory of all our blessings in the United States. Let's start by seeing the good in the differences in each of us rather than that which divides us. You know, united we stand...
Happy 4th of July! God bless us all...tracy
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