My son turned 17 last week. Yes, that was momentous on its own -- but what was really game changing was Eric's first unaccompanied drive. Having passed his road test a little while back, turning 17 meant taking the car to school for the first time. Since then, he has very happily run errands, filled the car with gas, and this morning made a trip to the bagel store to buy us all breakfast.
In the spirit of the open discussion that Mitch began last week, I share the following thoughts.
Recent blogs on this website – not mine – focused on political discourse and the need to embrace civility.
My blog last week mentioned heroic conversations. Did you know that there is actually an heroic converstaions model? Adam Vane apparently created it or at least said he did. He describes it as "... a technique designed to reduce friction and increase productivity within an organization."
I think all of us can benefit from less friction and conflict.
One of the best books I read when I was young was Heinlein's Stranger in a Strange Land (Biblical phrase) which has been referenced frequently in popular music.
Well I am no longer young and I feel as if I am a stranger in a strange land when, for example, I get on the subway in Long Island City along with the throng transferring from the Brooklyn train which parades by sporting their art, tats and sleeves on their arms, legs, faces, chests, backs and who knows where else.
Pitchers and catchers reporting early. Spring training. My nephew, Jared - who covers baseball for the Wall Street Journal - on his way to warmer climates.
This is a good time of year for optimists. How are the teams shaping up? Who is healthy? Who's reporting in good shape? Can we finish better than last season?
We need an outlet. We need hope. We need our national pastime.
From Mitch's blog of Saturday:
"I remembered something my daughter said to me several weeks ago. We need to listen to each other and seek to understand.
Perhaps it’s somewhat of a theme in our blogs this week. I am inspired by Mitch and Rona.