A State of Mind at 69 A few years ago my birthday happened to coincide with a trip to Pennsylvania a where Jon Provost and Alison Arngrim had joined me to amend the PA entertainment rules for children that had so disadvantaged the 8 Gosselin children. Rep. Tom Murt had arranged the several political meetings it would take to finally address the absence of meaningful oversight by the State for the most popular show on Cable, “Jon & Kate + 8.” In the dead of night I was fretting over the up-coming public hearings, worried that our Cause would fail. Who, after all, gives a hoot about reality TV kid stars? Then I opened my Facebook pages (only one site at that time). Then as now I had refused to create a “FB Fan Page” because I didn’t like the impersonal nature of a Fan Page compared to actually interacting with the people who grew up with me, however distant. There were 1,200 birthday messages waiting for me! I knew then what I know now: Birthdays are important. They mark the blessings of our existence…an existence for which none of us can claim credit. Here we are, unique and unexpected…new to Life and Consciousness without an ounce of personal contribution. Too many people ignore the wonder of Life and the immeasurable Gift of Being. In the dead of night in an unfamiliar motel in Pennsylvania I was thoroughly humbled by the loving messages I scrolled through from people I had never met, but who took the time to recognize my existence. I made a personal commitment that pre-dawn morning to send birthday greetings to each and every one of those people whose paths’ crossed mine on the day of their birth…no matter how ‘removed’ they might be. As of this morning I can honestly say that I have kept promise. Is it tedious and time-consuming? Yes, it is, but the fifteen minutes I spend each morning wishing unknown friends Happy Birthday is worth it, and on this particular day, celebrating my arrival on this Earth, the importance of reaching out to others on their birthdays remains an anchor in my life. How lucky we are to be here…to witness and participate in Life. I am blessed beyond measure. Take a moment to thank “whatever Gods may be” for me knowing you, and you knowing me. Humbly, Paul Petersen
Posted on: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 12:15:48 +0000
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