Heroes

It's been a day of heroes.

My dad is one of the most important people in my life. And today is his birthday. He didn't want to put anyone out with his "birthday being so close after the holidays" and all. I reminded him that it will always be that way, and that every birthday deserves to be celebrated. He insists that next year, when he turns 80, we will have a party. So this year, my sister and I took him for dinner, and simply, quietly, enjoyed his company.

It's a little tough having a super achiever for a dad. He is the gold standard by which I measure(d) all men. He's tall in stature and his love is even bigger. And on this day, his birthday, I celebrate the first hero I ever had.

And speaking of heroes, today I spoke to James Orbinski - one of a handful of personal heroes who truly inspire me. I was deeply moved by his book, An Imperfect Offering, and was inspired by his story depicted in the documentary Triage. He is a world class humanitarian, and better yet, he is Canadian. When we were looking for a keynote for a conference I am planning for work, I jumped at the opportunity to invite him to address our audience. He asked for someone to call him to discuss, and I won't lie, I could barely dial the number. And for a fleeting second I worried that he wouldn't be all that I envisioned. My worries were in vain. He was kind, humble, and engaging. And I was a babbling idiot. I called him the Forrest Gump of Canada and before he could contain that giggle, I blurted out that I couldn't me more excited if I were talking to Bruce Springsteen. Egads. It was an out of body experience and after hanging up the phone, I had to pinch myself. I should have slapped myself! 

So today I celebrate my heroes and count my lucky stars that I have positive, profoundly inspiring forces in my life. And for that, I am truly grateful.

Priceless

Kidlet had mentioned that she had something special for my birthday but that it had arrived yet. I reminded her that I had asked them not to buy me anything and she smiled slyly and said, "don't worry, it didn't cost anything".

Today she came over - sparkly gift bag and her eldest sister in tow. We all chatted over lunch and just about when I thought my curiosity was going to get the best of me, she handed me the bag.

I read the scrolls of paper in disbelief... it's no secret to the people around me that two of my greatest heroes and favourite Canadians are Stephen Lewis and Romeo Dallaire. I love them, and everything they stand and fight for. Stephen Lewis rages and wages war against the HIV/AIDS pandemic and serves as the world's collective conscience. Romeo Dallaire served as sentry during the Rwandan genocide, he broke rank to bear witness to the atrocities he was powerless to disarm, and also serves as our conscience. He pours his outrage, guilt and pain into service.
Lewis and Dallaire give voice to the disenfranchised and have dedicated their lives to create change for a better world.

Kidlet wrote to them, explaining how much they mean to me, and asked if they would write me a small note for my birthday.

I know it would be the best gift I could give her - words from her hero. She has inspired me my entire life and I would like to give her something inspirational back. I know you are a very busy man and receive many requests, but if you could fulfill this one, I would be eternally grateful.

They came through; and Kidlet came through - big time. Romeo Dallaire personalized a typed note:

The greatest compliment I can receive is to know I have inspired others to become passionate towards global issues. Keep believing in your ability to impact human rights issues half a world away.

I was overwhelmed. And then it got even better when I spotted the envelope with the Stephen Lewis Foundation stamp on it. Inside - a handwritten note containing the superlative language of the master communicator himself - Stephen Lewis.

Priceless. That is what this gift was. I was moved to tears and in so many ways. I told Kidlet that what we really want in this lifetime is proof that our loved ones really know us. A gift that shows you have been understood and heard is simply the best. And priceless. So thank  you Kidlet for your inspiring, one of kind, once in a lifetime gift, and for showing me your good heart. I love you. And you too - are priceless. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

Music Plays On

Legendary folk singer/activist Pete Seeger passed over from this world today to join the celestial choir  of the universe. It saddened me but knowing that he lived out his ninety-four years so fully let sadness give way to gratitude.

The list of the songs he wrote and performed reads like a playlist of my life... songs woven in and amongst the mundane and the monumental. Goodnight Irene was one of first songs I learned to play on my guitar; We Shall Overcome was an anthem at our student protests back in the day when my classmates and I were "small c" communists; and Turn, Turn and Where Have All the Flowers Gone? were favourites at the sing-songs we used to end our famjams with, back in the day before our leading vocalists became angels.

"We all go to different churches or no churches, we have different favorite foods, different ways of making love, different ways of doing all sorts of things, but there we’re all singing together. Gives you hope.”   

- Pete Seeger

Thank you Pete Seeger for the joy and passion you inspired with your music, and for leaving this world better for having you in it.

Still Inspiring

Dr Martin Luther King has been gone for decades, yet in his absence, his words continue to inspire and provoke thought and debate. One man, great in his thinking, his challenges to, and expectations of, each one of us, and great in his gift of igniting our inner champion. There are so many beautiful MLK quotes, however I think the one below is powerful in its simplicity. Thank you Dr King.

Repurposed from Wayne Dyer site

Freedom Fighter

Photo courtesy of New Yorker Magazine

"Democracy and peace for all."

Nelson Mandela - icon of social justice and freedom fighter - proved thatimprisonment is a state of mind. They could lock him up, but they couldn't break him. That which didn't kill him, made him - and his movement for social and racial justice - stronger.

He survived everything that came his way, and defeated apartheid in his country.

My hero Stephen Lewis stated it so very eloquently:

"It’s always said that after 27 years in prison he turned the other cheek: in truth, he emerged from the fires of hell with nothing but wisdom and love, for his people and for the planet. There will never be such another.”

Thank you Nelson Mandela for being a shining light and beacon of hope and inspiration to a generation. You changed the world.

Dream On

Fifty years ago, Martin Luther King courageously and eloquently shared his dream for a better America; a kinder, gentler world, free of prejudice and hatred. This monumental speech was delivered with such conviction and passion, that the message continues to resonate, and is as relevant, to this very day.

Today was cause for reflection and introspection. I too have a dream:

I dream of a world
in which my children,
everyone's children,
and everyone everywhere
can be free to be
exactly who they are -
their authentic selves,
love who they love,
without judgement,
discrimination,
nor hatred.

I dream of a world
in which
L O V E
is greater than
fear of that which
we do not understand;
stronger than hatred;
more resilient than prejudice; and
humanity remembers
we are
one.


Thank you MLK for your shining light and reminding us that change starts with a vision -- a dream of something bigger and better.

Highlights from a Monumental Day

Today was monumental in more than the usual ways...

Canada celebrated its tenth anniversary of legalized same sex marriage, something that represents so much more to me. Legitimizing gay marriage not only promotes family, it acknowledges the diverse nature of relationships and symbolizes social acceptance - entrenching a fundamental human right for all. And personally, it makes me happy that all my children will have the same rights and opportunities to marry who they wish and create families that are legal and fully recognized by society.

Photo courtesy of www.huffingtonpost.ca

I had just turned on my radio when I heard the news that our singing astronaut Cmdr Chris Hadfield announced his resignation from the Canadian Space Agency and was planning to move from Houston to plant himself back on Canadian soil. He has inspired me and while he held court high above Earth, he was the first Tweeter I checked in the morning to see what quip or picture he posted - and the last I checked before bed -- to catch his finale post. Thank you Chris Hadfield for your service, for sharing your experience and dream and for reminding us that we are citizens of the world. It is the end of a stupendous run... an another reason why I am so proud to be Canadian. *wildly wave flag*

Photo courtesy of www.empowernetwork.com

And lastly, I finally filed my 2012 income tax return. Okay, I was a little late but a small refund is in order and all is good in my world. 

Give a Little to End the Use of Child Soldiers

Photo courtesy of http://www.childsoldiers.org/

Romeo Dallaire is one of the most courageous humanitarians of his time, and a personal hero of mine. Aside from the fact that this awesome, inspiring man is a Canadian, he is perhaps best known for being the Force Commander for UNAMIR, where he bore witness to the Rwandan genocide. Now as a retired lieutenant-general and Canadian Senator he is an outspoken advocate for human rights, mental health and war-affected children.

Wanting to transform his hellish experiences into a constructive contribution, he founded the Roméo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative, and made it his life's mission to end the use of child soldiers worldwide. He documented his experiences and proposed solutions in two best-selling books: Shake Hands with the Devil and They Fight like Soldiers, Die like Children: The Global Quest to Eradicate the Use of Child Soldiers.

Just imagine more than 250,000 children (estimated 30-40% girls) recruited - often forced - to be soldiers. Many are stolen from their families, maimed, raped, drugged, used as sex slaves or otherwise abused and as child soldiers, are often forced to commit atrocities against friends, families and neighbours. Dallaire says children are used because they are considered expendable, plentiful, cheap to maintain and easily indoctrinated by the adults who recruit them. They are used as a strategic military tool—a weapons system—to advance the interests of persistent human rights violators.

For my weekly Give a Little challenge I donated to the Child Soldiers Initiative which is committed to ending the use and recruitment of child soldiers worldwide, with a focus on prevention, through ground-breaking research, advocacy, and security-sector training.

Because to tell you the truth, if Dallaire can be selfless and brave enough to take on the fight of a lifetime, the least I can do is give a little to support the cause.

His book has been made into a documentary. Watch the trailer.

Read about my weekly Give a Little challenge and other posts. I have to give ongoing props to Wendy Smith for her inspiring book, Give a Little. Consider giving it a read.

Getting Back to Giving Back: Redefine Possible

Photo credit: Free the Children http://www.freethechildren.com/redefinepossible/

It's been too long, but I will save the lament. Looking forward only - and recommitting to giving thoughtfully, productively, every week. I call it my "give a little" initiative inspired by Wendy Smith, author of a book by the same name.

These posts are never popular with my readers; not surprising with the daily barrages of "asks" that most face, and the cause-weariness from the infinite number of natural disasters, conflicts, and other needs that demand our attention. However I am going to push through and consider these weekly posts little gifts I am giving to myself, and spreading the love.

This week I am donating $10 to one of my favourite causes: Free the Children; and more specifically to support the challenge that Spencer West, a truly inspiring individual is undertaking. Spencer stands two feet, ten inches tall; he is missing the lower half of his body. And to show all of us that we are stronger than we know, and have greatness inside us - we need only dig deep - he is climbing Mount Kilamanjaro. He is calling his challenge REDEFINE POSSIBLE. As I write this he is into day 2 of his quest. The fact that he has set his sights on such a monumental goal and is willing to risk failure to achieve something great - and raise funds for a cause that he lives to support - is enough. It is, afterall, not about the destination - but rather, all about the journey.

Good luck Spencer!  Follow his climb.

Photo credit: Free the Children http://www.freethechildren.com/redefinepossible/

Read about my weekly Give a Little challenge and other posts. I have to give ongoing props to Wendy Smith for her inspiring book, Give a Little. Consider giving it a read.

A Canadian Send Off

Today I, like so many of my fellow Canadian around the country, watched the celebration of life for Jack Layton, a beloved leader who passed last week. I sat mesmerized by the outpouring of love, admiration and appreciation for his optimism, integrity and his commitment to his ideals and causes. My hero Stephen Lewis delivered the eulogy with his unique brand of eloquence and grace. 

Everywhere I went today I saw signs of grief for the man who will be sorely missed. Flags were flown at half mast; yellow and orange (his political party colour) ribbons were tied around trees and lamp posts and his campaign signs were randomly posted around town.

More than we would admit in life, he moved us more in his passing  ... the reality that a light had been extinguished; a powerful, socially conscious voice silenced. Canadians seem to be thirsty for vision and hope for a better country - a country of greater equality, justice and opportunity. He fought tirelessly for those ideals, and in the throes of his dying, he reached out to assure us all that hope was not extinguished, but that change for the world we want to live in could be ours to create. 

Every once in a while a person comes along who can touch the hearts of the collective and remind us of the fairest face of humanity.

“Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day I can hear her breathing.”

- Arundhati Roy

Noble Life and Gracious Exit

Canada lost a favoured son today. It's after midnight so technically it was yesterday. He was the consummate leader - someone people wanted to follow. He was a whirling, swirling vortex of energy, principles and charisma. His was champion of the causes of working men and women; the disenfranchised; the underdog - giving voice to those without one.

He swung to the left in his politics; a socially conscious citizen of the world dedicating his life to service and change, and pursuing his ideals with passion and eternal optimism. And regardless of what political stripes you wore, you couldn't help but admire and respect an individual so genuinely committed to fighting for the causes he believed in.

His name was Jack Layton and just four months ago, he came from behind in the election to become the leader of the official opposition in Canada. He ran his campaign while fighting to hold onto his health, and shortly after his historical victory, he succumbed to cancer. But just two days before he passed, he wrote a letter to Canada; a letter that would bring a tear to a glass eye. I am posting a link to it here that you may also become inspired, as was I: Letter to Canadians from Jack Layton

The world needs people like Jack Layton.

"My friends, love is better than anger. 

Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. 

So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world."

Give a Little Access to Care for Those Suffering With HIV/AIDS

I've been reading one of those books that are so engaging and thought provoking that you just can't put it down. My daughters gave me An Imperfect Offering by James Orbinski, and oh what a gift it has been!

James is a former head of the NGO Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) and shares stories from his decades of service in Russia, Somalia, Afghanistan and Rwanda. As fate would have it he was in Rwanda during the 1994 genocide - his “undoing”- and he struggled with the horror he has witnessed. He shares  personal insights on the human toll of political and social disasters and his frustration at not being able to prevent that which he felt to be preventable (immunizations and life saving treatments that are cost prohibitive). He accepted the Nobel Peace Prize for Médecins Sans Frontières in 1999 and in 2004 launched a new organization with James Fraser, Dignitas International to implement community-based care programs in developing nations for people living with HIV/AIDS.

He has become a hero to me and joins the ranks of my personal panel of changemakers and inspirational people that include of Stephen Lewis, Romeo Dallaire, Craig Kielburger - all of whom are (coincidentally) Canadian.

With tomorrow being Canada Day, and today being my Thursday "Give a Little", I am donating to Dignitas International and celebrating a man - James Orbinsky, and an organization that exemplifies what I hold true to what it means to be truly Canadian.

Read about my Thursday's Give a Little Challenge and other posts. I have to give ongoing props to Wendy Smith for her inspiring book, Give a Little. Consider giving it a read.

Give a Little

Photo: www.davidsuzuki.org

It's Thursday and that means it's time to give a little to a cause that will help make a difference by promoting sustainability. My pledge to “give a little” every week has me paying close attention to the news, reading those solicitation emails from charitable organizations and seeking out worthy causes.

This week I donated $10 (totally forgot about the $5 weekly amount) to the David Suzuki Foundation, an environmental organization based in Vancouver, British Columbia. It was only fitting, not only because David Suzuki is one of our greatest Canadians, or that he is a hero of mine, but because today is his 75th birthday. What better way to celebrate.

His foundation works to conserve our environment and act as a catalyst for social change. He champions a broad a noble array of causes: to protect our climate and make sure that Canada is doing its fair share to avoid dangerous climate change; protect nature and the diversity and health of Canada's lakes and seas, and terrestrial creatures and ecosystems, and build community by showing Canadians how to live healthier, more fulfilled and just lives by using smart energy and efficient transportation, and being mindful of the products, food and water we use.

So this week, it's Mother Earth's turn. It all starts with our beloved planet and when she is happy - we all have a fighting chance for a good life. Right now she needs all the help she can get, and the David Suzuki Foundation is dedicated to her care and long term health and sustainability.

Happy Birthday David Suzuki. You make me want to try harder, do more and stand up for what we know to be right and true. Thank you for caring about Mother Earth and all of humankind and trying to show us the path to long term sustainability, in a world that all life can thrive.

I have to give ongoing props to Wendy Smith for her inspiring book, Give a Little. Give it a read.

Spirit Triumphant

There are barely words to describe it ... the emotion that is swelling in my heart and overcoming my very being. The last Chilean miner finally reached the surface; finally released from entrapment; finally free.

Is the whole world glued to this miraculous ending to a story so incredible, it wouldn't fly as fiction? God bless each and every one of them. That is the thought that pops into my head.

Apparently the miners were more intent on being the last one rescued, that being the first to exit; their caring for one another remained paramount; not a shred of selfishness. As the last miner emerged and embraced the Chilean President he commented, "That was a 70 day shift!" Humour intact. There are lessons to be learned here ...

In times when we are long on tragedy and disaster, the courage and resolve of these miners and their sterling spirit are balm for the soul. Their solidarity and determination in the face of adversity inspires and restores our hope.

Tonight there are at least 33 families on the planet who will slumber more peacefully - and the rest of the world will breath a collective sigh of relief.     e x h a l e

Women Empowered

I have been interested in the concept of microfinance for some time now and became a Kiva lender to learn more about how it works and the impact it can have. Although there is great need everywhere, I have focused more heavily on lending to women entrepreneurs, as in many cultures and communitites, girls tend to be much more disenfranchised. And maybe the fact that I have three daughters has something to do with it ... I am inspired by people who make it their life's work to help solve problems and raise up those who need it most; people who do what they can to make the world a better place.

Here is a shining star for you: Roshaneh Zafar from Pakistan, Winner Of 2010 Global Leadership Award,  was honored for her work bringing economic empowerment to her country’s poorest women. In 1996 she founded the Kashf Foundation, the first Pakistani microfinance organization to focus on women. Zafar has empowered and helped over 300,000 women gain economic independence. I love it - a hand up - not a hand out. That makes her a hero and an inspiration in my books! Watch and prepare to be inspired too.

Heroes and Role Models

Heroes, superstars and role models. The Olympic opening ceremonies had them all. I sat glued to the TV as the evening unfolded, and Canada paraded its finest and most famous.

One of the most poignant moments for me was watching the Olympic flag being regally ushered across the stadium by 8 Canadian legends - among them, a noble humanitarian - Romeo Dallaire, one of my personal heroes. He took a moral stand in Rwanda when the world turned their back on the genocide in which  800,000 souls perished.

It got me thinking about heroes and who we value in our society. We pay professional athletes millions for their talents, yet our artistic community can barely earn a living wage, and if lucky, they are left to the mercy of meagre government funding. Our pop culture icons are easily recognized ... however when Romeo Dallaire carried the flag, he was an unknown entity to many  - a man who steadfastly refused to withdraw his miniscule UN contingent from Rwanda, choosing instead to stay and bear witness to the crimes against humanity.

Why are we so mesmerized by celebrity? Why do we value entertainers over those who protect, heal, teach,  explore and provide care?

Who are your heroes? Who inspires you? Questions I am going to answer for myself ... who do I look up to?

He Dared to Dream

Photo: This image is believed to be in the public domain and is from the National Archives

An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

I was eight years old when Martin Luther King Jr was shot. At the time, I did not fully comprehend his full importance and what his legacy would be. He appeared as grainy black and white images on the TV; images of him making impassioned speeches, leading swarms of people carrying signs, marching arm in arm. He was someone who appeared in stories on the six o'clock news and someone who I heard my parents discussing. I knew his name and I knew he was a powerful, important man. He was a part of the kaleidoscope of sounds, colours and textures of my recollections of the sixties.

My impressions of the sixties are etched in imagery of protests, violence, rage, war, concerts, peace funerals, and tears. I remember watching snippets of the now famous "I have a dream" speech and even though I was a child, I could feel the power of inspiration. I could sense leadership. It made an indelible impression. I knew I was witnessing greatness.

So today in a world where we are parched and thirsty for hope, in desperate need of inspiration on a landscape with leadership in short supply, I salute the larger than life Dr. Martin Luther King Jr who dared to dream and share a vision for a world that would require humankind - us - to become the best versions of ourselves ...

Three Cups of Tea for Me

I went in search of inspiration - and boy did I get a big huge heaping helping of it. My dear friend Jilly treated me to a night with Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea. (Sounds rather juicy doesn't it?) He appeared at the Toronto Library to share his message of peace through education. The place was packed with more women than men, faces of all colours and ages and a scattering of children - many clutching a copy of one of the two books he has written.

He started late ... he went MIA. They found him down on the main floor of the library, greeting the throngs of people who were seated in "overflow" in front of video screens. The first thing I noticed about this big bear of a man was that he "saw" people; he didn't look through them. As he made his way to the podium, his smiling face beaming, he paused to shake hands and ask people their names. He continued along the front row until the faciliator gently reminded him that time was at a premium.

He seemed to be genuinely grateful to be there, and for the next hour  or so he mesmerized us with tales of  his childhood in Tanzania, the Afghan elders who became his mentors and of his passion for his mission to help educate girls in Afghanistan and Pakistan. He explained how education is the key to peace. My recount of the evening does not do it justice. I can only say that he moved me in a way that was unexpected. I felt the first tear fall as I watched the opening video showing the shining, hopeful faces of the Afghan children and wizzened faces of the elders. The next tear slipped down my cheek as Greg walked through the door and started embracing and greeting people with such warmth and genuine interest. There's that word genuine again ... and I suppose that pretty much sums up my impression of Greg Mortenson. GENUINE.

Jilly and I laughed as we concurred that we felt as though we had just seen a rock star -- an evening on par with a Bruce Springsteen concert (and we really love Bruce!). At the end of the evening my heart was happy, my head was spinning and I was brimming with love.  I felt full to overflowing with inspiration. A person like Greg Mortenson is a shining beacon of hope ... and makes me want to shine my own light too.

Thanks Jilly for an evening that impacted me profoundly.

Watch this moving video with the Three Cups of Tea song, sung by Greg Mortenson's 13 year old daughter Amira.

Saturday Sharing

Happy Saturday!
It's another grey day here - thus the photo of the smiling sunflowers which I took a few weeks ago to bring some sun into the weekend.

I just took a hour to catch up on the posts of my favourite blogger friends and I  just read a post from Janine over at Sniffles and Smiles that I just have to share. Janine is a cancer survivor - but oh, so more than that. She is a wonderful, expressive writer - the kind that love and light just shines through in their attitude and in their writing. Tell me if this isn't one of the most beautiful descriptive yarns you've read recently ... it is called Untethered.  It isn't about cancer - it's about the bittersweet richness - the joy and pain - of this adventurous journey that is our life.

Enjoy the read and the weekend - and thank you Janine!

Mothers In My Life

With Mother's Day almost here (technically it just arrived), and not having a mother with me, it got me thinking about the other mothers in my life. MIH, my two beautiful sisters and my two precious friends -- all who are wonderful mothers.

I miss my mom tremendously however I am choosing to honour the women in my life who have raised children - and dedicated themselves to launching solid, well loved people. It's one of the most important jobs there is ...

Happy Mother's Day. Your children are fortunate to have you guiding them.