(c) Jill Lynne June 10th, 2011
This morn I received an email from a long-term, well-intentioned pal -- who enjoys forwarding various missives. Similarly, when I have some small segment of time midst the tres busy life, I occasionally chose to pass along "I.M." -- my term for Inspirational Material (which I selectively have shared for decades). So when I received her "Not All Heroes Are People" and felt touched, I did just that -- emailed a special group of friends and associates.
The story follows:
NOT ALL HEROES ARE PEOPLE ~ ~ ~
James Crane worked on the 101st floor of Tower 1 of the World Trade Center. He is blind so he had his golden retriever named Daisy. After the plane hit 20 stories below, James knew that he was doomed, so he let Daisy go, out of an act of love. She darted away into the darkened hallway. Choking on the fumes of the jet fuel and the smoke James was just waiting to die. About 30 minutes later, Daisy comes back along with James' boss, who Daisy just happened to pick up on floor 112. On her first run of the building, she leads James, James' boss, and about 300 more people out of the doomed building. But she wasn't through yet, she knew there were others who were trapped. So, highly against James' wishes she ran back in the building. On her second run, she saved 392 lives. Again she went back in. During this run, the building collapses. James hears about this and falls on his knees into tears. Against all known odds, Daisy makes it out alive, but this time she is carried by a firefighter. "She led us right to the people, before she got injured" the fireman explained. Her final run saved another 273 lives. She suffered acute smoke inhalation, severe burns on all four paws, and a broken leg, but she saved 967 lives. Daisy is the first civilian Canine to win the Medal of Honor of New York City.
Soon after, I received an email from a dear, also well-meaning, but seemingly glum chum. It read... "This is an old internet rumor. No truth to it at all."
It sent Moi musing...
What if I had proof that GOD/A Higher Power/Spirit did not exist? Would I tell anyone -- share the info with a believer -- among whom I count myself. I think not! For apocryphal or not, this is a positive sustaining belief -- bringing hope to zillions.
I paraphrase Mr. Shakespeare "There are more things twixt Heaven and Earth, then ever dreamt of in your philosophies, Horatio"
One does not necessarily have to have either the understanding and/or answers to believe. Such is the nature of "Faith".
To live in the "unknowing" is the test.
Beware the razor-sharp edge of cynicism and its bitchy step-daughter, sarcasm.
Was not the inspirational fable the basis for our celebrated Greco-Roman mythology?
And what of the importance of American folklore -" Johnny Appleseed" and all...
I was also reminded of various post-cinematic experiences. One walks out of a film feeling content and perhaps even happier. Almost immediately, the other person -- playing self-appointed critic -- begins to dissect the film for flaws. I am gratefully invited to many screenings. However all-too-frequently, my very guests, or others, experience this instant-critique, when they are still basking in the glow of the experience.
A cardinal Rule: Never be a Joy-Buster!
My friend, the O-so-creative, Home Designer Raymond Waites, once noted, during a heated "intellectual" debate about some trivial point, at his Hampton pool party, "Does everyone in New York have to have an opinion about everything!"
But I digress ... the point:
I am of the mindset that in this challenging "Life 101," that whatever good "gets you through the nite," transforms a set jaw into a smile, gives you a giggle, or provides an extra nudge to go forth, spreading peace and joy, is absolutely AOK.
In fact, I would like to encourage this ...
Share the joy! Tell the Good News! Bring forth Hope!
This incident brought to mind an old saying, I first noted on a sign in Sedona during the '80s. I still hold the words close to my heart.
"RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS;
SENSELESS ACTS OF BEAUTY!!!.
All Photographs (c) Jill Lynne, June 10, 2011
1. West Greenwich Village Hand-Painted Hopeful Sign
2. Sharing: Villagers Create Beautification Window Fleurs Boxes
3. My Havanese Prince Shadow who Loves to Luv & Give Comfort to All...
4. Encouraging Street Smiles For the Amusement of All Passerbys
All Photographs Available for Purchase: Contact: JillLynne1@MAC.com
Visit us @ www.JillLynne.com