Meaning of Christmas

I don't understand how people find the meaning of Christmas. To start with, it is the birth of Christ... but he told us to celebrate his death, not his birthday. In this part of the year, you notice that people are more caring, happy, helping homeless, giving food to people and even collecting more money for good reasons as I always see in Walmart for the Salvation Army. At the first glance, it look pretty good and nice. The problems is, why people need to wait for this occasion to do these? I believe it will have more meaning if is it done throughout the year and not trying to compensate that lack or void in the heart just for a month and a half. Just keep thinking about it is crazy, but true before my eyes. I was reading about a truce made between a British soldier and a Russian soldier during WWI. These countries agreed to have peace and celebrate Christmas together. Everybody was celebrating, eating and playing like there was nothing to worry about. The British one told the other soldier: "tonight we are celebrating, but tomorrow you will fight for your country and I will fight for mine". What is it then the real meaning of Christmas? Certainly is not about gifts and celebration... it should be a spiritual change and the quest to be a better human being.

What doesn't kill you make you stronger!

Last week I met a woman who was HIV+ and she contracted it through her partner. At first, it sounded like a tragedy to me, something bad an terrible. She told me that the news was terrible at the beginning and coupling with it wasn't an easy task. She learned that some things could be avoided if we are more careful. Now she is a stronger woman since she learned from bad experiences. I internalized her story and thought about it. Why do we need something big to happen to us in order to learn? I believe that we need to start making changes to avoid irreversible consequences, like taking care of our bodies and things that are really important in our lives.

Gasoline for the Soul

Last week I was putting gas in my car and a homeless man approached me. He asked me for money and I gave it to him. I felt sorry for him because it was cold and it seems that he doesn't have a home where he can warm up. Two minutes later, another man did the same. This one looked stronger and healthier than the one before. I did the same, but even that I felt good about my actions, there was something that bothered me. How is it possible for so many people being alone in a cold dark night? Where they really in need or they were taking advantage of people and have some other purpose for that money? Anyways, I did what I was suppose to do and still feeling good about it.

In the Need of Help

Last week in the clinic I saw so many people in need. Everybody were sad looking. Some of them, I guess, received bad news; while other looked really sick and worried about the bills. There is so much to do for these people. Same thing happens "where the soldiers go". Medications are, now a days, a luxury for many people. Medicare is not supporting these needs. I can't do anything about this, but the government can... but if course... if money weren't used in unnecessary things.

A smile made a difference!

Yesterday, I was moving to a new apartment and saw a man in the streets. He has no legs, but prosthesis. Not only that, he was deaf and cannot speaks. What a poor man! I said to myself. The problem is that I did not feel pity for him, but for me and the rest of the world. Must of the time I heard people complaining about situations in life; and I cough myself doing that recently. What about the man asking for money? I gave him money, but worthier than that, I asked God to help him. He was really grateful (he said: "thanks" in sign language); and I said your-welcome in the same way.  His smile was priceless as my feelings at that moment. How far down we, as a society, had fell?

"Sometimes we need to stop and smell the flowers".

Here I go!

Went to Legacy, did the TB and passed the test. They will make me do something away from the patients (no contact with them). I wanted to be able to help in another way. There are people there who needs help (maybe translating - I am a natural Spanish speaker).

The only thing that they will allow me to do is file papers.... :-(

Finally!

This morning I finally met Mrs. Turner at the clinic. I made all the paper-work and I will start my volunteering service next week. I saw so many people in need this morning it wasn't even funny. Something in me moved, either compassion or pity. Most likely compassion. All this poem of Dante's Inferno really made me change priorities in life. Among them, trying to find a way to help others.

Help Denied!

I finally received an e-mail from the "where the warriors go". They do not want help! They said that all the position were occupied and there is nothing to do. I totally disagree! I see around that place nothing, but people who are in NEED, and they deserve it. If there is no more positions available, why they made me fill an application? I am not volunteering for the benefits of it, after all, I am a veteran myself and therefore, have more benefits than those. I strongly believe than someone needs to burst the perfect bubble where these people think they live. After all, they seen not to care and its just their job.

The Lost War

Last Thursday I went to the "where the warriors go" trying to do voluntary service. The Hospital is somehow depressing, cold and poor in light. Everybody there need medical attention, but also a better service. Count-less times I heard a scream said: "NEXT in line!" I think is rude to yell, and somehow makes me angry. These people keep forgetting that once they were young and, surprisingly, braver than most people around us; including them. Why they are treated rudely? I can recall this man in the front desk who could barely walks and his medical situation. I believe that the receptionists treated him disrespectful by saying that there is nothing that they could do; but he needed to do a lot of walking. I'd have seen other workers, like doctors, asking for help like wheelchair; and this woman just denied any help. Where is the Glory of serve our Nation? Where is the Greatness?

About two weeks ago, I sent Mrs. A. Tuner an email telling her that I would like to participate in the Voluntary Service at Legacy. She hasn't reply yet. I'm planning to go and see her today after my medical appointment.

I went to Legacy around 1:30pm today. There was no body there. Left a message to A. Turner with my intentions and phone number. She has not replied yet. By the other hand, I asked about volunteering at "where the warriors go". Wondering if it would be possible...