Remembering Two, Great Men!!

I was surprised when I heard what people said about two men who died, ten years apart; one was almost 75 and the other had just turned 18. Both were well-loved, by those who knew them personally, and, also, by people around the world whose lives had been touched by them. The comment I heard about each man was: “When you were with him, he treated you, as if you were the most important person in the world.” When I heard the tribute for the second time, it struck my heart and touched me deeply, as something remarkable. I realized that both of these men had touched and changed my life, as well, even though I had never met either of them.

One man was Fred Rogers, best known as the television producer and host of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood which ran for many years and continues to be seen on Public Television. He was a caring, compassionate man who encouraged children (and their parents, too!) to accept their feelings and uniqueness and to know they are loved, just as they are. He was also an educator, minister, songwriter, and author. The other, Zach Sobiech, is a lesser known man who, at the age of fourteen, learned that he had osteosarcoma, a bone cancer that usually develops in teenagers, when they are growing rapidly. He continued to live his life as fully as possible for the next four years, while undergoing 10 surgeries and 20 rounds of chemotherapy. Toward the end of his life, his mom suggested that he might like to write letters to his family members to remember him, after he passed on. Instead, he chose to write and sing songs. One of his songs, Clouds, became a hit song that has touched the hearts of people around the world. Although Zach's life was short, as compared to most others, he, too, left an amazing legacy of showing compassion and care for others, treating each person and oneself with respect, and living life to the fullest. Through various celebrations of Zach’s life, money is raised to fund osteosarcoma research for children.

I am glad I was able to enjoy and appreciate Mr. Rogers’ kind and gentle ways of interacting with his TV audience, when my children were younger, and being encouraged to love myself and others, as unique and special human beings. It was also nice to know that Fred Rogers was the same off-screen as he was on-screen. Although I never met Zach Sobiech, I see his spirit, heart, and humble personality shine through, as I watch him on YouTube videos, singing his songs and interacting with his family and friends. I appreciate his compassion for others, his joy in living life to the fullest, and making every day count.

I am grateful for the ways in which Fred Rogers and Zach Sobiech each used their time on earth to show compassion for others, to be gentle, but strong leaders by example, and for encouraging each of us to live our lives fully, doing whatever we know how to do and sharing it, as a gift of love, hope, and respect for the people in the world around us... beginning with… one person at time!

My favorite links about Fred Rogers include:

15 Quotes that Show That Mr. Rogers was a Perfect Human Being - http://www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/quotes-that-show-that-mr-rogers-was-a-perfect-human-being

10 Mr. Rogers Quotes You Need to Read - http://www.relevantmagazine.com/culture/10-mr-rogers-quotes-you-need-read

A very fast & fun explanation of 35 fun facts about Mr. Rogers – “35 Facts About Mr. Rogers – mental floss (Ep. 2) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Xck2ByutMg

My favorite links about Zach Sobiech include:

The video, “My Last Days: Meet Zach Sobiech” especially from 1:04 – 1:19 minutes and 21:57 – 22:08 minutes on the link: Zach Sobiech, 18-Year-Old ‘Clouds’ Singer, Leaves The World An Incredible Legacy - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/21/zach-sobiech-18yearold-cl_n_3312838.html (There is other information and videos on this link, also.)

Zach’s family and friends lip-sync his song, Clouds, on a video collage, as a gift to him. See “My Last Days: Zach Sobiech ‘Clouds’ Celebrity Music Video” at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zxXAtmmLLc.

Thousands of Minnesotans Sing Zach Sobiech’s ‘Clouds’ at MOA - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2O1ZPeexcs  (NOTE: MOA is the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN.)

POSTSCRIPT, WRITTEN ON MARCH 21, 2014:
I didn't realize why I sensed such a strong desire to write and post this on my blog yesterday about two, great men. I learned today that it was Fred Rogers' birthday yesterday (March 20th)! Isn't that rather uncanny? I also like what a friend posted today about Mr. Rogers. See: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152244333450256&set=a.204442570255.129097.55715345255&type=1&relevant_count=1

Losing a Ton!!

I’ve been a pack rat for years, decades, in fact, and my friend came up with the idea of joining together with twenty people such that each person had the same goal of getting rid of ten pounds each day for ten days. At the end of 10 days, we, as a group would have lost a ton!

My friend offered great ideas and suggestions. She suggested that we save a location to work on that would be easy to get rid of ten pounds in a day, for a day when we might not be feeling well or were too busy. She encouraged us to wait until we could find ten consecutive days before we started. She shared a list of sites that would take clothing, electronics, food, baby clothes, household furniture, household items, and other things. She also included some encouraging articles about simplifying, streamlining, and getting rid of items we no longer needed or wanted.

I started this in January and got rid of or set aside over 124 pounds of clothes, household items, items I would “look at someday,” old food, food I purchased but no longer planned to use, Christmas tree lights that no longer worked, old telephone books, an unopened box with hanging files for a file drawer, a small lamp, a stash of plastic containers that I had saved for years, etc. It was wonderful to finally get rid of things I no longer needed or used and finding places to give the new or gently-used items to people who would enjoy or appreciate them.

I especially liked the daily focus – 10 pounds. That was it. The goal of ten pounds allowed me to have a limit so I could stop and leave something for the following day, without spending the whole day on this project. I also liked the encouragement and camaraderie and helpful tips shared by other group members on the private fb group of “Lose a Ton!” I didn’t feel like I was doing this alone. Some people posted, before and after pictures that were encouraging. Others shared an area they were working on – the refrigerator or freezer, under their bed, their VHS, DVD, or book collection, sheet music, their kitchen cupboards, under the sink - that spurred some of us on to do the same.

Interestingly, after my ten days were over, I was enjoying this so much that I chose to continue, for another fourteen days. My friend said, “As long as you’re on a roll, keep going!” After that, I took off some Sundays. I even lowered the number of pounds per day, knowing I could always get rid of more.

Another group member wrote and said, “It’s kind of addicting.” She’s right… I am actually looking forward to cleaning up areas in my home which have been packed tightly to accommodate more and more. No more!

And, what do you know? I may even lose a ton on my own!

Precious Linda, c. 2014

Postscript:

I completed my ten days in January. Since I began, I’ve gotten rid of or set aside over 478 pounds!! The “set-aside” items will go towards a couple’s upcoming rummage sale to raise funds for the adoption of their first baby. This has been a great start for me.

I’ve slowed down a bit. I think I especially liked the group idea, effort, and encouragement. I also noticed that working on this project for ten, consecutive days, helped keep me focused on “looking” for items around the house for what I could get rid of, rather than my normal way of overlooking something, even as I walked right past it.

As the rummage sale gets closer, I will probably start up again so I can end with a “grand finish!” (Or, is that two grand?) Maybe, I actually WILL lose a ton, on my own!!