1st Wednesday in March

Hello dear blog. It's been awhile. There's been healing going on. There's strength happening. I want to archive the words I heard yesterday from Roger Ebert. This is a man that is a hero. His strength is something of which I'm not sure I'm familiar. He was struck with thyroid cancer and it spread to his lymph nodes and jaw. He is now unable to speak or eat. He never eats. He can however speak through his computer with an amazing technological miracle. He types in his words and it is generated through speakers to sound like his voice. Using a word that is overused, I must admit it was amazing. Here's a man that is disfigured. He's lost the pleasures of life. However he remains joyful and productive.

Here is a quotation from his journal. It was read by his wife, Chaz (another triumphant woman).

"I believe that if, at the end of it all, according to our abilities, we have done something to make others a little happier, and something to make ourselves a little happier, that is about the best we can do. To make others less happy is a crime. To make ourselves unhappy is where all crime starts. We must try to contribute joy to the world. That is true no matter what our problems, our health, our circumstances. We must try. I didn't always know this, and I am happy that I lived long enough to find it out."

Me? I am happy that I heard this. I am happy that I understand it. I am happy that each day I can give it a whirl. "To make ourselves unhappy is where all crime starts." Joy. Joy. Joy. It is what Charles Dickens wrote of, now isn't it? Honor that joy within us and let it shine, not only on others, but on ourselves.