When Lenette, Jeff, and I were in Aspen on our Ski trip, so was Willy P. and his family. One evening, they took us to dinner at a popular restaurant.
A folk singer was entertaining as people were enjoying the fine food. When he finished a song, not one person acknowledged him. Willy, who was nine or ten at the time, was sitting next to me, and I asked him to watch what I did and see what happened.
When the folk singer finished his next song, I applauded and thanked him. I made sure that the other diners heard this. No one else in the restaurant applauded or said anything to the folk singer.
I applauded again when the singer finished his next song, as did a few others. Then, after his next song, everyone in the restaurant applauded him.
Then, something exceptional occurred. After I acknowledged the folk singer and others did the same, he sang better, and his guitar playing was much improved.
To quote Willy: “It was one of the best lessons of my life.”
It was wonderful that Willy reminded me of that experience. What was an important lesson for him is also a continuing lesson for all of us.
–oo0oo–
Life is a walk into we know not where.
An unknown that exists even with exceptional care.
At first, we crawl, and then we walk.
At first we cry and scream, in time we talk.
Even to survive, we need so much.
Just to be held, we need the softest of touch.
In time, we begin to show who and what we are.
Given love and freedom to be, we can go far.
And that is the problem most must face.
The child is not free to make their own case.
They are held hostage by the powers that be.
Babies given regard and respect will be free.
