noitcejer...it is foreign to us.

Rejection a nine letter word, is indeed a difficult word. On the bright note, it means there is a bigger plan waiting for you. I am not averse to rejection though I am not feeling rejected despite I got rejections here and there.

Why poverty exist in highy developed nations like USA ?

I studied poverty in the USA for more than 20 years -
This is a hypothetical example of a family of 6 (both parents + 4 children) living in a USA State/City like Boston, and New York City - the father works as direct staff for a special needs group home, and works in a parking company during the weekend. (the mother stays at home because they have a six months old baby, and a 5 year old child, the two other children attends elementary public school.
He makes $11.00/hour as a direct staff (40 hours)
He makes $11.00/hour as parking attendant/booth for a parking lot company (16 hours per week)
Income for the month before taxes and other deductions = $ 616/week x 4 = $2,464.00 (gross/month before deductions)

Essential Expenses per month:
Apartment rental - $1,500.00
Food and other household expenses (including milk for the baby) - $400-500./month
Gas/transport cost - 100/month
Health insurance co-pay with employer/month = $400.+ -
Sub-total = $2,500.00
Other expenses ? _____________
Do you see the logic and the economic cause of poverty in the USA ?

Thoughts...

 Have you thought about this ?

That the simplicity of our hearts, and the innocence of our thoughts, will carry you through life. Not "unscathed", not deterred - You have to believe that you can, no matter how rocky, and steep, any mountains can be overcome.

Now, you have thought about it.



--------- More thoughts---------

"There is one original, You."

"Everyone has a talent, and a gift. It may not be the same but they are uniquely YOURS."

"Not much of luck ?
You are not "lucky", you are 'Blessed'."

US.

As I reflect the mother's day weekend - We all have mother's, and father's. We owe them a lot, whether you like it or not. Cared for or abandoned at childbirth, our parents have a lasting impact in our lives.
Whoever you are today, whatever you have achieved or not achieved, our parents have a vital role and influence in those significant events affecting our lives. 

In the interest of cultural sensitivity, and respect, I will leave this to you to ponder on my thoughts on Mother's Day.

Mother's...Father's

This picture was taken by someone from the Philippines. Thank You for this picture.

I spent almost 17 years of my professional life and commitment, working with and for people with physical and mental disabilities.  All those years I noted and observed that many of those mothers were always there for their children with disabilities.  I met not so many fathers (of course many fathers are working during those encounters). In many meetings, like the annual planning for their children's goals and program activities, the mothers were actively involved. 
Mothers were there to advocate for their children.  Remember when Jesus was crucified, Mary his earthly mother was there. When Jesus was abandoned by many of his followers, Mary stood by her Son, Jesus. Mary's courage and sacrifices were worth emulating. Mary and many other mothers symbolized sacrifice, patients, dedication, faithfulness, courage, wisdom, and many others virtues.

Thank You for all the mothers, and Father's too.

Venerating, Honoring, and understanding...

As we prepare for our Mother's Day celebration in the United States of America, the rest of the planet looks forward to honor the mothers behind all of us. On this day, we honor likewise our father's because both mothers and fathers are indispensable for our physical being, and formation as humans. Thank You both.

 

The World is deep: deeper than day can comprehend.

Friedrich Nietzsche once said, " The world is deep, deeper than day can comprehend." Like many thinkers, Nietzsche's thoughts were perplexing because his many actions oftentimes contradicts his words, just like you and I. We are not here to understand Nietzsche's philosophical underpinnings, we are here to explore our own dilemma, enigma, and Promethean thoughts for the morrows.

I woke up this morning hearing the voice of my wife saying, "get some rest for we are doing a movie marathon tonight (paraphrased). Simple pleasure of life, and feeling the "together moments" of two people via the movies. Not Promethean or spectacular but meaningful and lasting moments... 

Heard and seen the news while eating breakfast "judge free a man to rejoin his family." That is a news, though simple but meaningful. Great way to start the day on a positive note. While others were driving to work, I was supervising our dogs while they perform their mundane tasks for the day. One of our dogs started barking at another person approaching  from behind. I told our dog to be silent but the person behind me admonished, "He is doing his job." The person was right. Why am I stopping our dog from doing his job ?" Another irony of life. Guard dogs are supposed to warn their owners of pending dangers or strangers to our territory. A trivial story but worthy of our thoughts.