Change

When I was young, I always wanted to find a mentor other than my parents, both very intelligent people. We moved as my father’s career progressed so I’d get to know a teacher for a year or two and we were gone.

Mostly I remember my music teachers, violin and general music when it was still taught in the classroom. Also one math teacher who taught me prime numbers in about 30 seconds. And we moved.

No-one moved me at one school as I felt they were two grades behind and they needed to catch up so I turned to sports. I was the slowest leg on the relay on our track team. Also I was on the gymnastic team with less than stellar results and no mentor.

Change again, moving back nearer our roots, and within a week of trying out for the gymnastics team in 11th grade I was captain and took my responsibilities seriously. My younger sister was on the team and she gave me grief every day.

For over 20 years I’ve mentored clients and volunteers. My husband does the same. I always thought we were so different, coming from sociology and physics, but we help people and projects succeed.

You just gave me an idea. Change was forced on us today by an emperor with no clothes. One who led people to a principle he tried to trash today. The principle will live, the people you fired today will survive despite your despicable separation policies.

And change will happen for all of us, 57 families this time, over thirty more a few months ago. Do you know what we’re doing tomorrow night? Helping a fellow firee move in with his girlfriend. Let’s hope they marry soon, some stability is needed in these tough corporate times and we take care of each other.  In friendship and hope, Dee