We Are All Connected
The Pirate-King has begun his journey across the Red Sea – as in “Red States”. While I’ll miss knowing that he’s only a few minutes drive away, I know that I’ll be in contact with him electronically for a long time. Besides, it takes a big man to cry and a bigger man to laugh at that man – and the Pirate-King is that bigger man!
He has an interesting story posted about how small deeds can have big consequences. While the story itself may be apocryphal, there is no doubting the truth it portrays:
We are all connected – and our actions impact others in ways that we cannot fortell.
Once I mentioned to a coworker at my job at a video store that I had received a rejection slip from my first choice university. “Have you appealed?” she asked. I admitted that I didn’t know I could. “Write a letter, and show why you really want to go there.” I did – and three weeks later received a fat envelope filled with stuff including a letter that began “Welcome to the University of California – San Diego”.
At UCSD I refined much of the critical thinking that the Jesuits had instilled in me during high school. I also met the woman who was destined to become my Wife (may Her name be praised!). As a result I traveled around the world, lived in places that I hadn’t even heard of, and learned languages and ate things that would gag most people.
The terrible thing is that I cannot even remember that girl’s name! But her one conversation, one bit of advice, completely changed my life forever.
With this knowledge comes great responsibility. We must strive to be nice and considerate of one another at all times – not only at special times or using grand gestures.
As they say in Tanzania, “Safari njema!” Pirate-King. “Tu-tau-nana!”- Until we meet again!