Sometimes, it is important to get inspired by music, art, creativity and love. Over the past few weeks, I have had very close friends (2) who have lost their father and my heart goes out to them. It is not easy losing someone even though the journey for that special soul may have only just continued to another place. Missing a person never stops; as I can certainly relate. Tonight as I was arriving from one of my weekly trips from DC, I was reminded of my Dad.
It wasn't expected, as I was kind of exhausted after a long train ride from DC. But as I left the train to get to my car late at night, I felt the fresh black air which helped to wake me up a bit. I was happily surprised to see so many folks at the station late at night (as I was worried a bit for my safety). Anyway, I got in my car and hooked up my IPOD to listen to my favorite soundtrack "ONCE" which always raises my heart's senses. (Leave is an incredible track...)
After departing the "Metropark" station, I drove past the Garden State Parkway exit that I needed to take; but luckily, due to my handy "TOM TOM" I then was instructed to turn into an alternative road towards my town.
I ended up being on a special road, which actually relates to my Dad. 30 odd years ago, my father, James Gill (American version of Tajammul) worked as a civil engineer in Central Jersey. As the story goes, one of the roads he helped designed was not assigned any particular name. As a result, they named it after my Dad's last name "Gill" Lane; why not? The engineer could get some credit too : )
So here I was driving and my Dad's name was flashing on my TOM TOM. It was a surreal experience, as my thoughts began to veer into my memories of him of our good times and difficult ones. The Once soundtrack kept on playing (Falling Slowly & When Your Mind is Made Up) and I was reminded of so many things about my youth, my experiences growing up and how many things I didn't know; and hadn't asked my Dad about.
Some things I wish I could have shared with him, if only I could turn back the clock and speak to him about some choices, ideas and perspectives that a young girl at my age could never have known. If I did know, it could have (maybe) helped at the time.
Anyway, reflecting over this was good and has kept me up for another hour (past Midnight) before an early work day.
It is (very) late but somehow I wanted to just share this moment and to be reminded that people we have loved don't ever really fade from our hearts, no matter how much time goes by, as long as we continue to remember. And, although it still hurts to miss my Dad, there is a sense of peace that arises that he somehow hears me and knows.
Peace. Check out ONCE on http://www.myspace.com/oncesoundtrack
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Plato was right
“Justice in the life and conduct of the State is possible only as first it resides in the hearts and souls of the citizens”
Reading about the scandal that hit the NY Times, I wonder how a former Attorney General who fought for justice (famously) on behalf of NY State could fall so fast from his pedestal for a reason I cannot understand, empathize or fathom in the slightest.
Justice and honesty are not merely background apparitions that we somehow relate to; but should instead be principles that are the driving force behind our actions. This is particularly true with respect to those invidividuals who represent many from the perspective and actions of one.
Truth is not a flimsy value, nor a detachable amenity. It is instead a self-evident characteristic, that I would argue, has to be practiced, struggled with and endured. Understanding truth and thereby implementing justice by weighing the "right" and the "wrong" is an essential trait that any of us should continue to aspire to. Whether guided by religion, family tradition, stories or myths, each person has the capacity to reach this threshold and to distinguish from truth and error.
If that individual is then called upon the function, to perform duties on behalf of others, to represent the interest of thousands of people who rely on them and depend on that persons' judgment, then the qualities of that person's character should uphold these principles as their guide.
It is sad when this does not happen, and as reality sets in this is often the case.
Maybe, just maybe, authenticity and honesty is becoming recognizable as something we like, appreciate and crave. There is a sense that our expectations on politics and government is changing. If so, then perhaps this cynical reality of today will change and we will learn by example rather than empty words.
Reading about the scandal that hit the NY Times, I wonder how a former Attorney General who fought for justice (famously) on behalf of NY State could fall so fast from his pedestal for a reason I cannot understand, empathize or fathom in the slightest.
Justice and honesty are not merely background apparitions that we somehow relate to; but should instead be principles that are the driving force behind our actions. This is particularly true with respect to those invidividuals who represent many from the perspective and actions of one.
Truth is not a flimsy value, nor a detachable amenity. It is instead a self-evident characteristic, that I would argue, has to be practiced, struggled with and endured. Understanding truth and thereby implementing justice by weighing the "right" and the "wrong" is an essential trait that any of us should continue to aspire to. Whether guided by religion, family tradition, stories or myths, each person has the capacity to reach this threshold and to distinguish from truth and error.
If that individual is then called upon the function, to perform duties on behalf of others, to represent the interest of thousands of people who rely on them and depend on that persons' judgment, then the qualities of that person's character should uphold these principles as their guide.
It is sad when this does not happen, and as reality sets in this is often the case.
Maybe, just maybe, authenticity and honesty is becoming recognizable as something we like, appreciate and crave. There is a sense that our expectations on politics and government is changing. If so, then perhaps this cynical reality of today will change and we will learn by example rather than empty words.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)