red head assets.rebelmouse.io | I love how this year Good Friday and the first night of Passover fall on the same day, meaning Easter Sunday also overlaps with Passover! It’s like the rare times when Christmas and Chanukah are celebrated at the same time. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | What makes this year even more unusual is Easter and Passover fall during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | What are the odds of that? And that’s a rhetorical question. Please don’t start sending me statistics. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | The numbers are not important. But, it is a much-needed reminder that, although different religions celebrate different holidays, we are similar because we all place importance on faith and tradition. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | Says the woman who’s not a fan of holidays and wants to get them over with as soon as possible, sometimes even ignoring them. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | It is not holidays that I dislike … it is how their significance has gotten lost by all the insincere celebrations. And, the commercialism. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | Well, short of selling matzo, gefilte fish, and Passover honey cake, I’m not sure how you commercialize Passover. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | But, do you understand the meaning behind the foods and the traditions? That is what is getting lost. And although Jewish, I have always tried to understand and reconcile many Christian holidays with my own beliefs. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | To use one of your favorite words … why? |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | Why try to better understand other people’s beliefs to further my own knowledge? Why try to find connections to remind me that we may have more in common than differences? Or, why take the time to respect and appreciate other holidays and traditions? |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | I’m sorry I even asked. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | So, why did you take that Comparative Religions class at Wake Forest? Which, I might add, you have told me countless times was one of your favorite classes. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | Because it was required. And while I thought it would be interesting, I never expected it to be fascinating. It really opened my eyes as it made me realize that although the major religions of the world have many differences, they also have so much in common. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | Exactly. So, what do you remember about Easter? |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | How when Natasha and Sawyer were young, they loved Easter, with its bunnies and candy. Between making and decorating colored eggs, buying those overly sweet marshmallow Peeps in seemingly every color under the sun, and you taking us all out for the Omni Hotel’s amazing Easter Sunday buffet brunch, it was always a favorite holiday. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io |
I was talking about your religion class. I know Lent starts on
Ash Wednesday and lasts 40 days in preparation for celebrating the resurrection
of Jesus on Easter Sunday. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | You’re Jewish; what else is there for you to know? |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | I am trying to find common ground since Jews do not believe in many of the “facts” of Christianity that are a fundamental part of Easter. But I do think, to some extent, that I have the meaning of Easter figured out. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | Don’t take this the wrong way, but for the millions of people that celebrate Easter, I think they figured it out a long time ago. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | I meant for me personally. Easter makes me truly appreciate my friends, as it reminds me that people are not all alike, and that some things have no common ground to be found. But, it does not mean that there cannot be love and respect. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | I’m confused. Aren’t you the one that’s always saying how, if people realized that we have more in common, the world would be a better place? That when we focus on our differences, we tend to divide things, and people, into “right” and “wrong” and end up with “us” and “them”. Which nowadays seems to be getting worse, not better. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | Finding similarities is very different from being identical. And, that is the significance of Easter for me. Because religion is about reflection and faith, it is a reminder that different is different – not good or bad – just different. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | So, I’m almost afraid to ask. When you were growing up, before you looked for “meaning” in holidays, did you ever see any “connection” between Easter and Passover? |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | Do you remember Mom making egg salad from all those leftover Easter eggs? |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | I hate when you answer a question with a question. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | Just answer the question. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | Yes, of course. She was never going to waste all those hard-boiled eggs. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | Well, I remember her putting that Easter egg salad on leftover matzo. Does that count as a “connection”? |
Want to read other columns? Here's a list.
Did you know that April's Autism Awareness Month? I wasn't aware (pun intended) of it until I read our local homeowner's monthly newsletter and it caught my eye. | |
Actually, last month the founding organization, the Autism Society, changed "Awareness" to "Acceptance" to foster inclusivity, as knowing about something is very different from accepting it. But I am guessing that is not the point of this call. | |
Although it isn't autism, it reminded me of years ago when we found out that Natasha has learning disabilities. | |
I think you mean DIFF-abilities. | |
Of course, that's another thing I remember. I was focused on the negative aspects of her diagnosis until you asked me, point-blank, "Why are they called disabilities?" And proceeded to explain that everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. | |
Exactly! Imagine the world if everyone excelled at math, but flunked English. Or, a world of lawyers, but no musicians. Some people are better at social skills, while others excel at handling technical data. Why not just say that people who have different skillsets and abilities have DIFF-abilities versus making them feel like they have shortcomings? |
I know that you completely changed my way of thinking, not only about Natasha but about the concept of "disabilities" full stop. It opened my eyes – and my brain – about how just because someone has challenges or limited abilities in some areas, that doesn't mean they don't have different gifts and strengths in other areas. | |
Exactly. Although autism is a "spectrum condition" meaning it affects people differently and to varying degrees, it is a complex developmental disorder that can affect a person's social skills, and ability to communicate and interact with others. However, autistic people usually possess some extremely valuable traits that are rare in non-autistic people. | |
Which is why it frustrates me that so many people feel like those with disabilities, excuse me DIFF-abilities, are "lesser" people. When Natasha was diagnosed, she was in her teens and already had a very strong personality (no doubt inherited from you) and, luckily, seemed to have an innate understanding that she was just different, not better, not worse, than others. I guess one of the biggest challenges is to get others to see things with the same mindset. | |
We are a story-telling society, and there are countless stories of people with DIFF-abilities, including those with autism, that are eye-opening and more powerful than anything we could ever say. | |
Funny you say that, as I was curious to learn more about autism and found some inspiring quotes (including a wonderful Tom Hanks clip) that not only gave me great insight but made me smile. One of my favorites was how Paul Collins, an author and parent of an autistic child, said, "Autists are the ultimate square pegs, and the problem with pounding a square peg into a round hole is not that the hammering is hard work. It's that you're destroying the peg." That's such a great way to describe not only those with autism but any disability. | |
Well, technically, it will fit, but it requires that the diameter of the circle be larger than the diagonal of the square. Basic geometry. But, I understand Paul Collin's point. | |
Talk about DIFF-abilities! Couldn't you just agree with me? | |
The thought never crossed my mind. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | As much of a history buff as I am, I’m embarrassed to admit that for a long time, I didn’t know March was Women’s History Month. But now that I do, I’m amazed by all the inspirational stories of women’s remarkable achievements. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | Too bad Natasha and Sawyer do not still live at home; it would be fun to start a conversation by asking them what women they find inspiring. |
Red assets.rebelmouse.io | I already know who they would pick. The first woman to race the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. And I’d have to agree with them. Your Ferrari racing has made an impact on so many people. But especially girls. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | Until you mentioned it several years ago, I never thought about that. In the 1970s, I was one of the few women in business school. I then made a career in the male-dominated oil and gas industry. I am used to being a “token” female. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | Trust me. I watch people whenever we’ve done speaking engagements. It’s predictable ... we put up the family tree, and Natasha and Sawyer get awws, but your two racecars get everyone’s attention. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | A Ferrari and vintage Porsche usually do. I appreciate that not many women race cars, but as I often say, “How hard can it be, boys do it?” |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | That always makes me laugh. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | It is a factual statement. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | I’m not saying no, but it definitely makes a point. That girls can do anything. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | Well, I have always felt that way. Looking back, my role model growing up was Marlo Thomas in “That Girl.” |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | The late 1960s TV sitcom? Seriously? I have to admit I didn’t watch it as it never really appealed to me. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | Maybe you should have. Until then, women on TV shows were either someone’s wife, someone’s mother, or someone’s secretary – but never someone independent. Playing an aspiring actress living on her own in New York City, it was easy for me to relate to as we grew up just a short train ride away on Long Island. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | But she wasn’t real. She was a character on a sitcom! |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | Regardless, it changed my perception of women. Here was a single woman with dreams and aspirations. And, ambition. She was willing to try new things and willing to fail. She put her career ahead of a traditional marriage with children. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | That may have contributed to why I didn’t watch it. I always wanted to get married and have children, and in a perfect world, would be a stay-at-home mom. I like tradition and history. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | Does “Gone With The Wind” count as history? Growing up, the character of Scarlett O’Hara was my favorite movie character. Still is. She was a dynamic, independent woman who did not leave her fate to others and pushed the boundaries of her time. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | Another fictional character. Don’t you think real-life women make a greater impact? |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | Inspiration comes from different places for different people. And, at different stages of our lives. Funny thing is, and I did not realize it until decades after “That Girl” was off the air, Thomas had formed her own production company, Daisy Productions, to produce and own the series. But, the ultimate badass was Lucille Ball. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | I’ve always loved “I Love Lucy” and have probably seen every episode multiple times, giving me years of laughter and enjoyment. But that’s not how I’d describe her! |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | She was much more than an actress and comedian; she was a trailblazing producer and very shrewd in business. She became one of the first women to own her own TV production company (she bought out Desi Arnaz's share of Desilu Studios several years after their divorce), but also produced such TV classics as “The Untouchables,” “Mission Impossible,” and was even behind the original Star Trek TV series. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | Wow, I had no idea. Talk about an amazing woman and role model. At the risk of repeating myself, she really did prove girls can do anything. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | Of course, we can. If we put our mind to it. It is all about mindset and perspective. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | True. But what I find amazing is you don’t see how you’re a role model. Your entire life is full of examples of doing things girls – and women – traditionally didn’t do. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | I did things I wanted to do. Plus, telling me I could not do something made me even more determined. It never dawned on me that someone might think it unsuitable or “wrong”. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | Not that it would have made any difference. You’ve never cared what others think about you. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | And, I doubt that will ever change. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | Well, you should care. At least, about the impact your racing has made on young girls. I’ve seen you do in minutes what parents have tried to do for years. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | Sounds like a bit of an exaggeration. |
Red assets.rebelmouse.io | Really? A friend of mine, a single dad, called me after his daughter saw you and your racecar at a Make-A-Wish event. For years, he told her she could be whatever she wanted, never getting a reaction. That night, she came home and said, “Hey Dad, I met Natasha’s aunt, she races cars, I really can do anything.” |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | It is the power of showing versus just telling. |
Red assets.rebelmouse.io | So, you admit that you’re a role model! |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io |
Never.
|
Looking for ways to celebrate Women’s History Month? Spend some time learning about and celebrating women’s accomplishments, including these female trailblazers who changed American education, these women who were pioneers in medicine, and these history making female scientists. Or, it can be as simple as ““women helping women” by sharing motivational stories, offering words of praise and encouragement, or becoming a mentor.
Were you like Red and shocked when the actor Chadwick Boseman died at the age of 43 after battling colon cancer for years? Cancer isn’t only for older people, and recent studies show more people under 50 are getting cancer. (Doctors aren’t sure why but suspect it may be due to less physical activity, more highly processed foods, and new toxins.) That’s why cancer screenings are more important than ever!
February may be Cancer Prevention Month – but we need to do it all year! Every year. And is why we’re rerunning last year’s post …
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | I know that cancer isn’t the “death sentence” it used to be when we were growing up, but it’s still a very scary word. Especially if it’s heard “close to home”. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | When we were young, the word was rarely said. And if it was, it was whispered or referred to as the “ c-word.” |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | Kind of like when I had my two miscarriages. No one wanted even to acknowledge, let alone talk about, them. Which made it all the more difficult to get through it, although intellectually, I knew it was not uncommon. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | Unfortunately, neither is cancer. It is the second-leading cause of death in the world, surpassed only by heart disease. But, at least, it is no longer a taboo subject. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | Please don’t make this about numbers. It’s about people. Which you should know. I’m sure you remember when Daddy was diagnosed with parotid gland cancer , which luckily was treatable. And I’ve had skin cancer, although I was very fortunate, it was caught early and easily treated. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | OK, I will not quote statistics, but it is important to realize that although cancer affects many people, that is all the more reason to try and prevent it. Or, catch it early. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | Very early. I’m not sure I ever told you this, but when I had squamous cell carcinoma confirmed on my nose, it wasn’t because of an annual body screening. It was because I just thought something wasn’t right, even though I had gone to my family doctor and was told it wasn’t anything to worry about. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | I thought you were always extremely conscientious about your annual cancer screenings, whether mammograms, Pap smears, or body checks. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | The first two, absolutely, ever since I was in my 30s. But it was only when I went to a dermatologist to check my nose that I realized the importance of having full body screenings, too. Especially since redheads are more susceptible to skin cancer. So, yes, now I go on an annual basis, although it was on a six-month basis for several years after I had to have Mohs surgery . |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | Well, having routine cancer screenings, whether due to standard recommendations , because you think something is not right (after all, who knows your body better than you), or due to family history, has contributed to a decrease in cancer mortality rates . But, you do not want me to talk about numbers. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | I don’t, but that’s great news! It just shows you how important it is to be proactive. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | Exactly. And, as we learn more about cancer, we can adjust our lifestyles to lower the risk of getting cancer. For example, think of all the people who quit smoking to lower the risk of lung cancer. Of course, advances in medical treatment have made a huge difference. And, given my involvement with Make-A-Wish, I have watched with pure joy how the cancer death rate among kids and teens has dropped dramatically. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | Wow, I had no idea! That really makes you stop and think, and makes me think about the cancer stories in movies and TV shows. And before you roll your eyes, and tell me my theater degree’s showing, it does make a difference when a subject like cancer is reflected in storylines. It lets audiences understand it on both an intellectual and emotional level. Which is very powerful. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | It is. When you think of the movie “ Love Story,” unless you read the book, you did not know that Ali McGraw’s character had leukemia. But, around the same time, there was a “made for TV” pseudo-documentary/movie, “ Brian’s Song ,” which is the first movie I can remember that talked about cancer. It made it an acceptable topic of discussion. |
red head assets.rebelmouse.io | I’m impressed you remember those movies. There’ve been so many since then, not to mention celebrities who tell their cancer stories. But cancer being in the mainstream makes it so much easier to discuss. Not just as a society but personally, as I’ve taken advantage of those opportunities to talk with the girls about the importance of early detection , something Mommy never did with me. |
Black assets.rebelmouse.io | It was a very different time. Cancer was a “bad” word and potentially a “death” sentence. Today, the future is brighter, but it needs to be part of routine conversations. |