RE: Thoughts, Words and Photos (Twenty Five)
The change, the view, our newfound understanding may not be positive, it may be harsh, rough and break a spell that was held over us but even in that moment, there is beauty.
Makes me think about the saying "Never Meet Your Heroes".
As a kid I met Andre Dawson while he was a Chicago Cub. I got the thrill of throwing out the opening pitch of a Cubs game and hanging out of the field during warm ups. Andre Dawson was being awarded MVP of the month and while he was getting this award he called me over to be part of the little event and put me in the photos with him. He then spent a few minutes talking with me before going out to toss a ball around. He didn't disappoint, nor did most of the other players. Have run into many famous people and sports players over the years and a huge majority have been great people.
On the other hand I have run into some other players that were complete jerks. Not going to name names, but one I was holding the door open for my Wife as we walked into a resturaunt and a couple other ladies were right behind us with their guys behind them. Couldn't see who the guys were, but they weren't making any effort to get to the door and hold it open for the ladies.
So I held the door for the extra 3 seconds so the ladies could get into the building and then just because I was already holding it let the guys go too. This "super star" went and made a crack about me acting like a bitch for holding the door for guys and got into my face for "looking at his girl". At that moment the owner was walking up to greet the player and his crew. Heard what was said and asked the player to leave his restaurant. Was very impressed with how the owner dealt with everything. Until he passed away we were loyal customers.
I have some similar experiences in my recent life here with sports stars and politicians. What I find is that often those that get the worst wrap in the press (especially politicians) are the best of them in many respects.
I have never been a fan of any person but perhaps, it is better to meet the heroes and see who they are in real life. I think we now live in an age where role models are manufactured mannequins and it is no wonder so many of them are currently falling from grace in so many ways. They live conflicted lives like the majority of us but, they live large parts of them publicly and chance of discovery goes up, as does the price.
Through my work (and a few parents of friends), I have also dealt with a few of the 0.1 percenters in Finland and almost unanimously, they are among the most charitable people I know and spend great deals of time, money and energy working for their employees yet, they are also among the most despised by position. This is skewed however as the ones I know are self-made, not inheritance wealthy.
A lot of respect to the owner, so many will sell out for a little fame or a bigger tip.
We have some of the wealthiest cities in the US near me and I think most people would be shocked at the amount of money and time many of these people give to charity and church. Sure many don't, but at what I feel is a much higher rate then say the middle class they have a giving mindset. Part of that might be they can afford the money, but we all have the same number of hours in the day.
My neighbor was shocked when my kids and I shoveled her drive the other day and refused payment. She is a retired grade school teacher who is in her 90's. She needs a walker and and has a very hard time if there is any sort of snow or ice. This is the sort of easy giving back I love to do and have my kids help with. The key is not to allow them to be paid and make them understand we need to help others that can't do things for themselves. Sometimes the simplest thing will make someones day.
Hopefully these little lessons will stick with my girls into adulthood and they will be part of the beauty in the world.