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FOOLISH LANDLORD

“What are the responsibilities of a landlord? Simple question. What are the simple and easy tasks for a landlord in charge of one individual building? It may seem as though a landlord may have heavy workloads. Someone with gigantic, leadership ideals or tasks which would prove to be beneficial for all of the tenants under his command. Someone with pure guidance. Someone with respect for his tenants and respect for all of the people that live near the building where he governs. It may appear or seem as though that a landlord must be one very busy worker.

However, this is perhaps the easiest occupation around. True, a landlord must be available at all waking hours of the night and plus, take care of difficulties during the day. True, there is repair work to conduct and wiring to be done. True, painting and plastering must be completed. True, there are tiles to put down, exact measuring must be applied, tape this, staple that, hammer this, pound that, all of which is true, true, true, true, true. That I cannot deny. There are frantic paced and important jobs that must be completed to satisfy the good apartment dwellers that occupy residence within this particular building. That is true. Very true, I do agree with that assessment. However, more importantly, there has to be a common thread between these tenants and their overseer.

Now, with all of this in mind, read the following story. I assure you all, and, I promise, every word and individual occurrence is and was true.........

Once there was a landlord that took over the responsibilities of a certain apartment building. At first, all was well for the first month. Then, he decided to make certain “changes” to the peaceful and decent apartments within the complex. All of his “changes” were all unpopular and disliked beyond belief. Very meaningless additions to the apartments frustrated all of the tenants and angered the good, hard working people living there. This new landlord decided upon himself to insert many items and additions into the apartment building that made everything cluttered and uncomfortable. Needless items such as pipes, tubes, insertions, and heaters, as well.

These attachments disturbed the tenants and awaken them from sound slumber and much needed sleep. This building had absolutely no need for these metallic frustrations and these so called “improvements” were very costly, menacing and burdensome, not financially sound or frugal, and, more importantly, these new additions to the structure made a very fragile and unstable building even more hazardous and even more unsafe.

The indoor and the outdoor staircases were built poorly and at an angle. All of the staircase banisters were shaky and wobbly and dangerous to the tenants there. Mice and rodents were running free about the place and there were more than an abundance of pest and rodents there. Roaches were a living part of this poor building as was the peeling paint and the loose and falling debris from the ceilings, the roof and most upper portions of the walls. The status of the entire building was problematic at best. His foolish and ridiculous goal, his primary and singular aim was basically this. To only make money, period. Money was and is his only dream and his total source for existing. He was so blinded and misguided with his love for rent payments and quick cash that he angered all of the tenants with useless and unneeded work around the building.

He chose to awaken and disturb the residents who were happily living there with LOUD, THUNDEROUS HAMMERING AND DRILLING. He provoked and intimidated the people living there with a HORRENDOUS AND TERRIBLE IDEA. He elected, he chose, he decided to put in to each apartment dangerous and hazardous heating devices that were all clearly NOT NEEDED. This building is already a very uncomfortable building with closed spaces and not too much room in which to move around in. Furthermore, this building is naturally hot, even during the winter season!!! Really!!!!

It is very unreasonable to foolishly spend money wastefully on services and installations that are not needed plus, in the attempt to install these attachments, there is LOUD DRILLING AND BOOMING THAT DISTURBS THE WHOLE NEIGHBORHOOD ALL DAY LONG!!!!!!!!! But wait……….there’s more. This very foolish landlord made discouraging attempts to RAISE THE RENT on everyone!!!!!!!! Why????? So he can easily claim that he “made life there better” with his “additions” to the property.

EVERYONE THERE COULD NOT BELIEVE THIS VICIOUS UNFAIRNESS!!!!!!!!!

These new services were not needed. No one requested such construction. These additions frustrated everyone all day long and prevented them from getting rest and relaxation. Especially, much needed slumber from a hard day at work. Such drilling and hammering ruined carpets and rugs, furniture and private possessions, damaged property and started many arguments.

Then, he had the nerve and the audacity to charge the tenants extra cash because he strongly believed that he did everyone there “a favor” and

“a much needed service” to the tenants living there. DO YOU BELIEVE THE NERVE OF THIS GUY???????????? UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

END

There is a certain, admirable, neighborly, benevolent, casual, easy, decent, professional, nice and polite way that this very foolish landlord could have approached this situation. The solution is respectable and the end result would have gathered positive surroundings and pleasantness. Truly and absolutely, without a doubt. Any landlord IS in charge of that building. That is true. I agree with that assessment. Having said that, there must be “a chain of niceness”,

“a list of kindness”, “an order of agreement”.

1. Love, respect and admiration. These must be inserted into any relationship first. That’s any relationship….business and/or personal.

2. Wisdom and intelligence should accompany the love which you have already freely distributed.

After these two polite assertions, any working or pleasurable relationship will MOST DEFINITELY AND POSITIVELY WORK!!!!!!!!! If you were the landlord, I’m sure that this situation would’ve worked out more promising and nicer.

Discuss all of the ideas that you may have with your new neighbors. Talk to your tenants. Communicate. Find out what they WANT as opposed to what you, the landlord, think that they NEED!!!!!!! What a landlord believes that his tenants need may not be popular or what they wish to have. The working minds and the understanding hearts of the building occupants will reach a very amicable and agreeable solution. This will make all parties happy.

Do they ALL need pipes and attachments? Construction and additions? Is it possible for anyone to schedule a visit from the constructors?.......so that this way, people can EXPECT THEIR ARRIVAL?.......and perhaps schedule a time to sleep and a time to wake up?......and to also give the tenants ample time to move their furniture?........so that no damage is rendered upon valuables?

But, nnoooooooooooooooooooo .......(…smile…) ....... not this person.

He only wanted money and more money. He saw an opportunity to make an unfair profit. He harshly utilized this unfairness much to the detriment of the innocent tenants. Money will always be made. Money will always be available to you. All money will come your way only, I repeat, only when you treat people “golden”….like a treasure.

There are billionaires who live a very cruel and cold life because they treat people so badly. These mean and bitter billionaires, though extremely wealthy, are genuinely poor beyond belief!!! That is very true.

My sweet neighbors, always have humble communications with your neighbors. Maintain loving relations with all, neighbor or non neighbor. That continuity should always exist, without question. Find out what your neighbors are “all about” and what they suggest and ask what they would like in their place. A heater? If so, when? What time? These are the things that respect is made of. Please, I beg you, whatever you do in life, for those of you with power and authority, for those of you in leadership roles, do not be like ........

the foolish landlord.

* Each individual work in

HEALTHY PERSPECTIVES

written by Desire .

* All short stories and

words of inspiration

are protected

by Copyrighted 2001.

HONEST NUMBER EIGHT

“SWEET FEET PHILLIPS!!!!!!!”, the minor league crowd roared! Over and over in thunderous repetition! “SWEET FEET PHILLIPS!!!!!!!” He was without question the fan favorite throughout the Grapefruit League!

He ran like a cougar struck by greased lightning!

He owned a “cannon” for a throwing arm, he batted from both sides of the plate, a mighty .374 from the right side of the plate and a very impressive .389 from the left, and more importantly, the young little girls really thought that he was completely adorable!!!!!!!! When he first required his minor league uniform, the young eighteen year old humbly requested to wear the number eight. Standing up, from top to bottom, we know it as the number eight however, side to side in a horizontal position, from left to right, that same number is the sign of infinity. To this young lad, infinity was his answer to the question, ‘How long do you plan to play the game of baseball?’ He loved the game!!!!

He dreamed of playing in the majors one day but for now, he was very contentious with his sign of infinity “standing up in a vertical position”. Yes, number eight. “Sweet Feet” Phillips clung on to his sign of infinity standing in an upright position that formed the number eight. Now, this was a special day. Mammoth! Extremely important! This was the “day of days” in his huge minor league career.

For today, during the minor league baseball game, sitting in the stands wearing their fashionable, buttoned, bright and somewhat “loud” short-sleeved shirts were numerous baseball scouts! All throughout the stands, behind the first and the third base lines, behind home plate and over both dugouts, screaming fans blended in with these brown hat wearing baseball scouts. Most of the baseball scouts tried to keep a low profile by sipping their lemonade with their hats pulled down over their eyes and many wrote feverishly upon their note pads. Other baseball scouts did not even care if people knew who they were or not. In fact, many scouts introduced themselves proudly. All in all, both baseball fan and baseball scout alike came to this minor league game to see one and only one person out there on the field, center fielder, number eight, “Sweet Feet Phillips”, the youngster with a “golden bat” and “wings on his ankles”!

Here we go………. the ninth inning of a very tight contest. Five lead changes. Twenty four hits. Not too much of a pitching dual. Both teams worn out and near exhaustion. Even though Sweet Feet Phillips was playing for the visiting team, his fans were too numerous to count!!!!! They would follow him practically everywhere to see him perform with inspiring play. He slightly tipped his cap as he sprinted out on to the field to take his centerfield position and as he neared centerfield, even though all of the crowd was behind him in the stands way back behind home plate and over both dugouts, the roars of pure delight and appreciation could still be heard, even from such a distance. Fasten your seat belts….. brace yourselves, fans.

Here we go……. Ninth inning action. The visiting team: 9. The home team: not too far behind with a close and well fought 8. Sweet Feet stood happily there in centerfield contentious over the fact that he and his teammates were a mere three outs away from a very crucial victory in these minor league playoffs. Even though he was standing all alone in the serenity of an isolated centerfield, Sweet Feet could hear the deafening roar of the minor league crowd. Oh, how they loved his play! What a day he was having! 5 for 5. Three great catches in centerfield. Now, he happily watches the home team struggle at the bottom of the ninth. A groundout. A strikeout. Now, his visiting team is only one out away from a very important victory! But, hold the celebration……. Ball four. A man is now on first. A hard single to right field. Two men on. An infield single to second base. Now, the bases are loaded.

Sweet Feet could not believe this turn of events. Whoa! Quite an exciting inning! Anything can happen! Any team could win on just one pitch! Up stepped their most feared hitter. So, Sweet Feet took a few steps back….deeper into centerfield. Then, “CRACK!!!!!!!!” A long drive, to deep centerfield!!!!!!! Way back!!!!!!!! Sweet Feet Phillips ran with all of his might towards the centerfield wall!!!!! His eyes were on the ball!!!! He had a beat on it!!!!! To the warning track!!!!! Here it comes!!!!!! Sweet Feet Phillips reached up………….smiled………..stretched……….and with eyes opened wide……the ball crashed forcefully into the sturdy and the most reliable gloved hand of the popular athlete!!!!! The crowd screamed with THUNDEROUS DELIGHT!!!! The umpires all screamed, “OOOOUUUUTTTTTTT!!!!!!” Unbelievable!! “He did it again!!!!!!!”, the people cheered. “YYYYYEEEEEAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!” Oh, what a play!!!!!! Cameras flashed!!!!!! Hats were tossed in the air!!!!!!! Sportscasters were amazed!!!!!!! The noise was “ear-shattering”!!!!!!!

As the lunging body of Sweet Feet Phillips continued to “fly in the air”, away from the crowd and their cheers, away from the video cameras and speechless onlookers, the body of Sweet Feet landed chest and chin first, face down, inches from the centerfield wall. There he stayed. Face down for about thirty seconds. Then, he slowly stood up as the crowd applauded continuously. Game over……………right????????

No. What happened? What has transpired here? Why did Sweet Feet appear to be somewhat grim? Why was he not celebrating? Why was he not joyous just like his visiting team? Why did he not raise his gloved hand in victory……?…….to show the umpires that the final game winning catch was made????????? Because, the truth MUST be known…….. Sweet Feet jogged slowly to the second base umpire to deliver surprising and shocking news.

He said softly and slowly to the second base official,

“ Sir……..the truth is………I…….I……..did…….not…..catch…….the ball. It popped out of my glove, bounced SO QUICKLY on the ground and then, it went right back into my glove. No one saw this. I was alone at the foot of the centerfield wall when this occurred. Truthfully, that is exactly what happened.” For a silencing, brief moment, there was a cold , twisted stare that came out of the face of the second base umpire. Even though the umpire had wore black shades with a heavy, thick, black color that no one could see through, perhaps it was only Sweet Feet Phillips who could see the eyes of the umpiring official…………and those were the eyes of total surprise and disbelief. The umpire raised his right hand up in the air, somewhat slowly…..with his mouth ajar….and his facial countenance…..a little bit colored with slight shock….. Then, after clearing his throat and swallowing hard, he yelled out loudly, “The……the ball……. uh…….uh…..umm…..f…..fell……fell out of his………glove…….and……the game is over…..” All of the base runners had safely crossed home plate and you could actually…..actually…..really and actually hear a safety pin drop in that crowded ballpark.

Silence. Eerie quietness. Unbelievable calm that cuts through the marrow.

Then, after about a pause that left many stunned, the huge black and light yellow electronic scoreboard posted the final score:

The home team heroes called the Sacramento Stallions, 10,

the visiting Birmingham Banners, 9.……………

END

How honest are we in life? REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, and I do mean, really ask yourselves that very simple question. Do we always tell the truth? …. always? …. even if we were to embarrass ourselves in that very act of honesty? Do we have the courage to boldly state with confidence and truthfulness solid sincere facts? ….. even if such honesty meant “odd looks” and poisonous whispering behind our backs?

Can we all learn to take that honest stance in life regardless of giggling and raised eyebrows that just may belittle our image? Do we fear being ridiculed in front of peers and family members, co-workers and teammates, neighbors and relatives alike?…… just because we strive SOOOOOO HARD daily to keep our “cool” image and our “smooth” look?

I recall an instance when I was in a gas station store buying “light items”……. gum, a newspaper and snacks, ….. when a customer making his purchase in front of me took his change and peacefully left the little store, quietly climbed into his car and drove safely away. Then I approached the counter. The cashier suddenly realized that he had given that same customer who was ahead of me too much change. He barked out loudly when he noticed the aftermath on his incorrect arithmetic. Then he noticed that I was standing there and recovered by laughing softly and saying, “I gave him WAY TOO MUCH MONEY BACK. I thought he gave me a $100 bill when actually, he gave me a fifty….they all look alike!!…. those darn “big heads”!!!”

We shared that light moment and the friendly, but disgusted cashier counted that mishap as a loss. Well, months later, I came to discover that the customer had driven all the way from that Long Island, New York gas station, located on the side of a highway and next to some multiplex movie theater, in the middle of nowhere, AAAAAAALLLLLLLL the way to his business in the western state of New Mexico. He had noticed that he had too much change well after the transaction. He called long distance to speak to the clerk in charge and explained the situation.

Eventually, this honest and gentle businessman mailed the exact amount that was wrongfully given to him!!!!! The clerk was so impressed with the truthful nature of this straightforward individual that throughout the days and weeks ahead, the two created a positive bond between themselves. The clerk was only a gas station manager until this “fortunate error”.

Now, to this day, both men have grown in their perspective businesses. They share in stocks, grow together in profits, the gas station business is now owned by this once humble clerk and the honest customer continues with modest profits from his ever growing business. Both small businesses are now much larger and they both continue to grow and flourish yearly!!!!!

Quite a success story!!!!! Very impressive indeed!!!!! Let us be the same way!

Honestly! May we brave the opinions of others and do the “daring deed of rightfulness”, just like our hero, Sweet Feet Phillips. Because of his honesty, despite losing that minor league game, everyone watching became even more respectful of Sweet Feet Phillips. Although losing, the scouts observing this playoff game were all eager to offer him handsome major league contracts!!!!! BIG CONTRACTS!!!!! All, very attractive!!!!!

First, he had to adapt to his new nickname. Yes, a new nickname. A new nickname that shall follow him for the rest of his days!!!! Yes, indeed!!!! That uniform number that he wore?….remember….?….that special number?…..the sign of infinity standing straight up?Yes, that number 8?.…

Well, from this day forward, he will forever be known as

“Honest number eight”!!!!!!!!

Fans REALLY love him now!!!!!! Even more than before!!!!! They say that his honesty lasts “for an eternity”!!!! May we all transform into such a wonderful young person. May we all be just like …

“Honest Number Eight”… PLAY BALL !!!!!!

* Each individual work in HEALTHY PERSPECTIVES written by Desire .

* All short stories and words of inspiration are protected by Copyrighted 2001.

OLD WESTERN INTIMIDATION

Early Nevada, 1864. This is the year that Nevada has official become a state.

It is now part of the Union even during this most unfortunate time known as the Civil War. There are not too many bright or positive characteristics that can be found during this embattled era of "brother against brother" and gun powder.

However, despite the turbulent lifestyle of troops marching through village after village, various confrontations between "gray and blue" and cannons blasting across the countryside, happily, there is one outstanding and uplifting individual who is a calming force of love and decent, good living.

He is a very tall man of excellent qualities and smiles everyday to everyone. He is a man of peace. Truthful. Honest.

All seven feet and nine inches of him! Wow!

Here is a man who walked with all eyes looking upward!

When he walked into town to purchase his goods from the local store, needless to say, everyone was fully aware of his presence and grand stature!

Well, one day at the market, he bought for himself the basic weekly needs. Huge bags of rice and grain, sugar and flour, tools for his gardening chores and oh, what the heck, perhaps a new brown hat to add to his already growing collection. The town loved this friendly man so much!

"Good morning!", he said with all of his heart. The townspeople admired his strong and pleasant voice!

He is the kind of man who can say, "Good day", and really mean it!

Kids played with him! Ladies would blush and point towards his direction and whisper to one another with giggles at a low volume.

He truly is a man of wonder, a man of joy and he allowed for his powerful and pleasant nature to be seen by all.

He loaded all of his merchandise aboard his one-horse carriage to head back home to his loving family and everyone in town waved goodbye to that shining light of walking and smiling encouragement.

As he traveled back to his happy and humble dwellings, riding down a very, very, narrow dirt road, heading up towards him from the opposite direction was another one-horse driven carriage. The driver of this carriage was not in a very good mood. He was a black mustache wearing, unshaven and brutish, stocky looking man, only five feet and eight inches tall but, with some muscles.

This grumpy little man was always in a nasty disposition and had a negative outlook towards life.

Sour. Loud. Cranky. Lewd. Complaining everyday.

No one liked him, period. The two mid-afternoon travelers soon approached each other to meet horse head to horse head in the middle of that very thin dirt road and then, the exchange of good and bad begun. "Move out of my way!", the little bully demanded.

"Right now! I don't have all day!" The tall, kind-hearted gentle giant softly replied, "My good man, greetings. I......." Before he could finish his neighborly salutation, his kindness was rudely interrupted.

"I said move!!!!!! Right now!!!!! Not now, ..... right now!!!!" Now, the tall gentleman humbly tried to reason with the ugly sounding grunt but, to no avail.

"Move!!!!!!!! Hurry up, you fool!!!!! I demand that you get out of my way!!!!!!

Now, you moron!!!!!! "

Again, the tall gentleman attempted to explain in soft words this simple situation, trying to resolve it quickly and peacefully.

"Kind sir," he responded in a soothing, polite tone. "If we just work to......."

His nice words of compliance were smitten by a bullying verbal burst .

"Are you deaf????? Move it!!!!!! You dummy!!!! You loon!!!!!!

Move out of my way!!!!!! "

Once more, the tall gentleman smiled as he sat ever so patiently on his one-horse carriage and pointed out, "This narrow dirt road is most unfortunate. If I were to move out of your way, then that would mean that I must steer my horse and carriage towards the side of this narrow path. My horse and carriage will be stuck in the mud. That would be most unfortunate.....therefore, what we can do together, you and I, as a team, would be for either you backing up all the way and allowing me passage through or I will grant you favor. Perhaps I will back all the way up and allow you safe passage through."

It had rained enormously the day before. The rainstorm yesterday was massive! That's why there was so much mud on both sides of that thin dirt road where we now find both men.

The little punk spewed out," No!!!!!!!!!" He insisted that the nice, peaceful tall man made haste.....to backup......to make way..... and allow for him to ride through first.

He began to curse and scream.

His vulgarity became more fierce! Words that could not be spoken to any child or lovely lady! Words of garbage and filth! He became more and more vile! "Move it, you lug!!!! You vermin!!!!! You worthless hog!!!! You hump!!!! You..... you.... you......"

That was it! That was the last and final straw!

Our hero, our kind and tall gentle giant could take absolutely no more.

He yelled.... yes, .... he yelled back.... at the top of his lungs!

"Now wait one moment! Just you wait! I tried to tame your curses with words of tenderness and professionalism! I attempted to ease this odd and twisted situation with loving kindness and fashionable goodness! But you would not allow me that slight common courtesy! Now, I am very angry!

You leave me no choice!"

The face on the tall man became pink with anger and his teeth began to grind! His eyes turned ghostly white with scary black dots which seem to strike at the heart of this little troublemaker! The voice of our tall friend grew more relentless by each minute and then, it happened.........

This man, this tall force of nature slowly began to stand up on his carriage!!!!!!

Uh, oh.........As he slowly stood up, he yelled out very loudly, "Since you denied my loving words of benevolence and my attempted act of resolution, then you leave me no alternative!!!!!!"

He continue to slowly stand up!!!!!! The little bully began to shake in fear!!!!!

The eyes of this bully opened wide and he quaked with nervous horror!!!!!

He regretted every foul word that he had thrown at this giant of a man!!!!!!

"Now, you little man with a big mouth......

if....... you....... do....... not......... back....... up....... and...... allow...... me.......... to....... ride......... through,........ THEN,...... SO..... HELP......... ME............ "........

Before the tall man could finish, the little coward threw both of his hands up in trembling surrender, crying out,

"Alright! Alright! Yes, sir!!!!!! Yes, sir!!!!!!! Please....pl.…pl.....please......stop!"

The little guy was a trembling wreck!!!!!

"Please, sir.....pl....pl....please....stop growing!!!! I.... w.... w.... will... I will....... ride to the side.... and let you through first.......Please stop growing!!!!!!! Sorry, … ssss..... sss....... sir!!!! So..... so... sss ....ssss....sorry, s…s… sir".

The tall man sat back down, the little bully steered his horse and carriage to the very muddy side and the victorious, tall gentleman rode pass the small, so-called "tough guy".

As he rode down the narrow dirt path with a smile of pride on his face from "besting" that little tyrant, that little frightful man, with his curiosity getting the best of him could not resist asking,

"Excuse me, sir......b....b....b......but, wha....wha.....wha........what would you have done to me if I did not move to the side of the road.....into the mud.....to let you through first?" The tall man stopped his horse and carriage, sternly looked backed to the defeated little man and the gentle giant said,

" IF.... YOU....... CHOSE....... NOT...... TO......... LET....... ME......... THROUGH........ FIRST............, THEN...........................

I would have rode to the side and let YOU go through first instead !"

END

What is the lesson that can easily be learned from this humorous story?

What can be earned from this healthy perspective?

This one is quite easy........

Sad to say but, it is true.....Today, we live in a world where there are people who demand that you do things that they want you to do.

There are bullies. There are troublemakers. That is why the world is in the shape that it is in today. Nations differ. Beliefs conflict.

Those who are smaller believe that maybe they have no choice but to "act tough" so that they are not "taken advantage of". Others are just jealous.

Then, there are those certain types of bullies who have nothing better to do. Other bullies just "want to have fun" at the expense of innocent bystanders and good living folks. This is very true.

All of us had to face that school yard bully in one way or another.

Some just test you for the heck of it. Troublemakers don't like you looks. For some insane reason, they were and are jealous......how sad. They provoke altercations for the sake of a puny reputation that they hope to build upon. Again, how sad.

There are many ways to combat this.

Use what is unique about yourself to come out ahead in these bad and belligerent episodes. Learn what is defining about yourself.

It could be your height, as pointed out in this story. It could be your loud voice. It could be the way that you look at someone which could easily ward off villains. Whatever gimmick or clever maneuver that you can manipulate towards your advantage then, by all means, do it! Some people today own not one, but two big dogs! Today, there are neighborhood watchers that patrol their housing communities late at night. Whatever it takes. You do not have to be tall or strong. No, no, no. Simply use the great gifts that you already have.

A sharp wit. A fast sense of humor. Craftiness beyond belief. Deter bad people with your incredible sense of restraint and powerful set of mind.

If your soft words can not extinguish the flames of hatred and embattlement then, get rough and tough in a respectful, sneaky way that will earn the respect of your oppressor. Bruce Lee stated that he always "practiced the art of fighting without fighting."

Remember, fighting is always the last resort to solve a problem.

May we as humble and good people try our best to seek that resolve on a daily basis. May the meekness of our ways and the kindness of our travels be witnessed to all so that they will follow likewise. May our pleasant attributes begin to rub off onto the world so that we can all be pleasant towards one another. May we treat everyone the same exact way that we truly like to be treated ourselves. May we all use all of our talents in a slick and impressive way that will earn us respect by both the strong and the weak. May we have the knowledge to protect ourselves with a singular wit throughout all the corners of the world. May we all learn how to protect ourselves from worldwide threats and powers with wisdom that will win them over to our love and insight. May we protect ourselves with brain power, pure love, mental strength, childlike behavior and incredible conduct that will leave the world speechless with sweet surprise.

May we all protect ourselves from Old Northern, Old Southern, Old Eastern and...........Old Western Intimidation.

* Each individual work in HEALTHY PERSPECTIVES written by Desire .

* All short stories and words of inspiration are protected by Copyrighted 2001.

THAT INVISIBLE LINE

I love bicycles!!!! To this date, I now have a collection of bicycles and scooters ready for riding enjoyment. On numerous occasions, I love to dart through the New Jersey streets in the early hours to enjoy the morning sun slowly rising. Also, there is a delightful feeling that rolls over my heart when I witness the full moon shining on the Boardwalk late at night as I ride on my electric scooter. Truly, it is a magnificent treat.

It is a fantastic gift to behold with my humble vision. I am grateful for such sights. Well, on one scorching and sunny, summer day, I was slowly riding on one of my bicycles through a very vacant city. Atlantic City is indeed quite a populous community. Millions and millions of countless visitors tour throughout this illuminating mini-metropolis to feast on the delicious dinners, to ride on the amusement park features, to soak in the rays on our attractive beaches, to try their gaming skills out there on the many casino floors and to even munch and chew that famous salt water taffy! There I was.

However, on this unusual day, apparently there were practically no people walking around. That is extremely odd. Very strange and even a little bit eerie. Without question, I felt cold, even on a very hot day. No tourists were there to be seen. It was like I was the only occupant in this brightly lit community. So, be it ever so weird, I continued onward, conducting my light chores. Trips to the supermarket, the neighborhood dry cleaners, the local delicatessen, the post office and every other friendly place of modest business transactions. On my bicycle, there I rode. Looking around with some concern and slight nervousness. Where were all of the good citizens? What ever happened to the pedestrians and the average, everyday passerby? Strange. Indeed, very odd. Well, I always wanted to try something daring. Something wild. Something uncanny. Something unnerving.

I always wanted to speed, and I do mean SPEED……throughout the city streets of Atlantic City!!!! With reckless abandon!!!! Up and down the streets, on the sidewalks, through parking lots and their adjoining parking garages, in every direction, in every untamed motion, I wanted to propel my cycle up and down on the shaky, unstable, wooden platforms of our Boardwalk. No more “Mr. Slow poke”, obeying the rules of “boring society”……no, no, no, no, no, no, no, NO!!!!! Now, I will “spread my wings and fly!” ……on wheels, of course. Why not? Tell me, why not? No one is around anyway. There are no people in my direct path. No innocent bystanders will be mowed down by my zany immaturity. So, why not “go for it” for just this one lonesome day?

I seem to be riding in a ghost town anyway. So be it.

My mind is made up. It is settled…………

Off I go!!!!!!!! At top notch speeds!!!!!!! As fast as my two legs could take me!!!!!! The two legs that I have carried me at speeds that I did not realize I could achieve on a simple $300 sports bike. The wind fiercely upon my face, brow and cheekbones, nothing could stop me. In the streets, on the sidewalks, back in the streets and back on the sidewalks. My heavy and huge headphones pumped out tunes into my ears as I blocked out reality and the rest of the world. Through red lights, through yellow lights and I never even noticed the green lights!!!!! Then, most unexpectedly, unfortunately, it happened……. On the sidewalk, at a blinding and blazing speed, with my heart beating as fast as my rugged pace, it happened…….. While zipping and zooming on a sidewalk that appeared to be void of any occupants, emerging from a check cashing place with a half a cup of soda and listening to his slick I-pod appeared a dark-skinned man. It was like slow motion. My eyes opened wider than headlights on a Buick. Both of my hands squeezed on the two bicycle breaks as hard

I as could which caused both tires to create dual skid marks on the sidewalk. As the sounds of these loud screeching noises polluted the peaceful, daytime atmosphere, this very innocent and unsuspecting man quickly glanced over to his left hand side as I screeched towards him at a dangerous speed. My bike slowed, somewhat. However, he was still in danger of this careless act on my part. I WAS going to crash into him. Our “painful get together” was imminent. Thank goodness that the soda was being carried with his RIGHT HAND and not his left hand. That made a world of difference!!!!!!! Furthermore, he had lightning fast reflexes. In addition, he had a muscular bulk to his physique and a very polite, benevolent and kind attitude to boot. His FREED LEFT HAND slammed down on the handle bars of my bike as I continued to apply both breaks strenuously. Plus, he had the excellent frame of mind to also leap backwards to cushion the light collision between the two of us. Wow!!!!!!! Disaster averted!!!!! Both parties saved from injuries!!!!!!!!! WHEW!!!!!!!!!

END

I repeat, “WHEW!!!!!!!!!!” Now, needless to say, this could have been a colossal mess. (Especially for yours truly.) Ohhhhhhhh, I would have been hurled off of that bicycle quicker than greasy bacon from a frying pan in a busy diner on an early, busy Monday morning!!!!!!!!! My forward progress was so powerful that I would have landed chin first if not for the strong, firm LEFT HAND of this gentleman.

And would you believe that he did not spill one drop???? How cool is that? He alertly put a halt to my skidding and screeching and belted out a loud, “WWWHHHOOOOOOOOOAAAAA!!!!!!!!”

I stopped. Dazed and breathless from such a horrid pace, I had come to a welcomed, disruptive halt. “Whoa!” is right! “Whoa!” is a correct analysis of this predicament. “Whoa!” to say the least. “Whoa!” doesn’t quite cut it. This stranger, (and my NEW BEST FRIEND), looked up to me and said loudly with a friendly tone,

“SSSLLLLLOOOOOWWWW DOOOOOOOWWWWWWNNNNNN!!!!!!!”

He could’ve said something like, ‘Fool! Stay in the streets!’ or ‘Sidewalks are for people, idiot!’ or ‘Are you sitting on your brains?’ Any comment to that effect. It would have been deserved and rightfully so. Not from this expert in accident prevention. He was gracious and more than just simply nice, a trait so uncommon nowadays. His easy and corrective vibes were serving mental calmness to a flustered episode right there on this practically bare sidewalk. Then, mixed with low laughter, he said, “Lance Armstrong would be proud to have you on his team. Would you like to sign up?” An embarrassing reply came from me with a slight smile. “Are you alright?” All comedy aside, my primary interest was his well being and health. Both of us could have been twisted and jarred on that empty sidewalk and no one would’ve witness that crazy crash to laugh out loud. That was the only “funny” thing about this near catastrophe………only spectators would be giggling and chuckling. But, it was just him and I. I repeated, “Are you alright?” His answer was again, pleasant and humorous. “Everything important is still in place.”

After exchanging pleasantries for about three and a half minutes, he began to stare at me. He asked if we had met somewhere. After more staring, he finally recognized me. “Yeah!!!!!”, he shouted. “You are that musician!!!! I’ve seen you on TV!!!!!” The cat was out of the bag……… “I heard your radio commercials and heard your music on the radio!!!!!” I smiled and looked away, trying to act modest over his praise. “Your work is out of sight!!!!!!” he continued. We conversed for about forty more seconds or so and when we were both convinced of each others solid, perfect health and uninjured conditions, we finally went our separate ways, lightly laughing to ourselves. This story simply points out………….always try not to cross over that invisible, mental and dangerous line of safety, goodness and self-awareness. This is a line that we do not see in life. Yes, that line is invisible but, so many times, we cross over that invisible line in a very destructive manner. Some people dare to stick their fork into a plugged toaster to retrieve their stuck toast when they are fully aware that they may get shocked or worst, even electrocuted. We all know that we should unplug the toaster appliance and yet, no, we feel “bold” or “daring” enough to quickly chance it.

Then, there are some drivers who go 70 when they clearly should go 60, especially when there is heavy rain. Others are determined to disobey the orders of our doctors. Stay away from certain foods, watch that blood pressure, watch your pace and get more rest, take your medication on time, abstain from certain activities, etc. etc. There are countless examples! I crossed that invisible line when I decided to become daring on a very boring and uneventful day. There is no good excuse for me. None. I should’ve played it safe by adhering to that “safe zone” of being careful for no reason. A slow speed would’ve sufficed just beautifully. But, no. Instead, I elected to ride dangerously on the sidewalks and through the streets of A. C. and disregarded the safety of others. Not only did I put my own safety at risk, but I risked the safety of those around me. Oh, please, good people… let us not fall victims of boredom and hence, become devious in our ways. May we all recognize a breach in our safe living by not challenging that which is truly important to us all. Remain safe and prudent. Know thy ways.

Take the low key approach. Never expand beyond the safety factor and stand steadfast in safe territory. This is just what I should’ve done on that hot, blazing day with no one outside walking the streets of Atlantic City. No more, my friends……no more zooming unnecessarily. No more, my brethren .......

no more racing “with myself” anymore. No more, my colleagues. No more dangerous, profound, outlandish risk taking. No more, no more, no more, no more aimlessly, destructively, dangerously crossing ............

........that invisible line.

* Each individual work in HEALTHY PERSPECTIVES written by Desire .

* All short stories and words of inspiration are protected by Copyrighted 2001.

THE ONLY WARM PLACE

Nine degrees below zero!!!! Wow!!!! Now, that is frigid weather!!!!!

Such cold days were expected here in this month of December in Montreal, Canada. Nothing but only colorless sheets and chunks of ice as far as you can see, an unforgiving wind chill that strikes the marrow of your bones and the blinding force behind the bright and overwhelming power of snow, limitless snow, all around the province.

"Wwooooooo wweeeeeee!!!!!!"

That was the ear drum piercing shout of frosty pain from one winter time fisherman.

"It's so cold today that if a pickpocket expert tried to pick my pocket, his hand would freeze to the inside of my pants!!!!"

He joked with his fishing partner who also jokingly replied, "Yeah!!!! It's so cold, I can't even blink my eyes!!!!!!”

The two men began to purchase all of their fishing necessities at their favorite fishing shop for the essential fishing needs. Rods and reels, a number of hooks in all styles and shapes, baskets in which to store their earnings from that long, hard day of fishing in the middle of a rock hard, solid bay of ice and, of course, the worms that were needed to snare their hungry early morning fish. The two had exchanged more friendly, light hearted jokes and humor as they grabbed their equipment and walked outside into the unfriendly and very cold day.

The two had settled down in front of one of their favorite fishing holes in the middle of the frozen water and prepared for perhaps a long and productive session.

The two men, both in their mid-50s had known each other for quite some time. They have been good friends all throughout their youthful adventures in high school, their wild college nights on campus and the fun times with each of their family members. Now, the good friends that they are, continued their lives together at this quiet and meager fishing spot.

After quite awhile, the two had noticed that neither one of them had accomplished baiting one fish. None.

Still , they calmly remained faithful to their hobby and devout to the simple task at hand. The day had dragged on.

Minutes turned into hours.......hours had turned into aches in their backs and grumpy looks on their faces. Not one bite!!!!!!

All day fishing and nothing to show for it!!!!!! Darn it!!!!!!

Then , appearing out of seemingly nowhere, approached a very young man, about the age of eleven.

He, likewise, had his body wrapped up in numerous articles of outdoor wear that protected him from the harsh weather that surrounded and spared no one. The youngster had approached one fishing hole all by himself. Then, after quickly preparing his fishing gear, the young lad began to fish.

Boy, did he ever!!!! This young man could have taught the older gentlemen how to fish!!!!! The little boy caught fish after fish after fish after fish!!!!!

Wow!!!!! He caught fish at a record pace!!!

The two older men did not believe what they were witnessing!!!!!

No more than twenty minutes had passed before he had nabbed nearly one hundred and forty fish!!!!!!!! All to keep for himself!!!!

The two men had seen enough! That was it!!! Enough already!!!

When the boy loaded all of his winnings from a very sweet day of fishing and, as the sun slowly began to set from a horrific day of awful winds and teeth chattering all the day long, the men decided to speak with the young man.

As the boy walked away, the two men yelled out, "Hey! Stop right there! We would like to talk to you!!! ........"

Breathlessly, the two demanded to know, "How?......how is it that you were so fortunate today? ... ….why did this work for you in such a short period of time?....what is the secret of your fishing success?.......why is it that we were here all day and caught nothing.....

.....and you managed to whip up a countless amount of fish in such an incredible short amount of time?"

The boy gazed upward to the cold, shaken men and said, "Bbblllrrprrrrpphhh, bbllrrpphhh brrrlllrphhhh."

The two men just did not understand all of that verbal gibberish. "What?" They requested an easier translation.

But still, the boy said , " Bbblllrrhhprprpprp bbbrrripgghhrrhgpbph ."

Dazed at such a ridiculous response, the men said more loudly, "Come on!" Loudly they asked,

"Will you please tell us your secret? "

Still, the boy said, "Bbbllrlrlrpphhrbphlrrh bbbllrlrlrpghhrhgiighblrrph."

Losing their patience, the two men screamed, "Stop playing these foolish games, kid. Enough with the childish antics! Tell us, how is it that you were so successful, so victorious and so easily caught all of those fish without one problem?

How, please, how, please tell us, how did you do it? What is your great, mysterious and unknown secret?"

Frustrated with their endless questioning, the boy paused, looked down to the strong sheets of ice below, he then spat out what seemed to be maybe twenty thick, brown wiggling worms on to the ice floor and then, breathing hard, breath after deep breath, looking up to his elders, the young man finally responded,

"I said, 'You gotta keep your worms warm !!!!!!!!!!"

END

Yyyyyyeeeeeeccchhhh!!!!!! Alright, alright, alright........

Which lessons did we learn from this healthy perspective?

Yes, it's true.....we did learn something from this cute little story.

In life, in order to achieve positive results, many times a huge sacrifice must be made. Such is the way with all men and women, rich and poor, large in life or small.

How many times have you walked by a garage sale in your neighborhood?....some raffle?......a flea market......?......some contest giveaway? Well, in most cases, that family might be feeling financial difficulties and the sudden crunch of bills all around them. To meet deadlines, to repay debts, to obtain emergency money in a time of need then, sacrifices must be made. This happens in almost every neighborhood around.

We have all seen the sales, the lemonade stands, the "rent parties", the neighborhood car washes, the block parties, etc. etc. etc. All of these functions are solely to gain a certain amount of money in order to help someone in need.

We all went to the pawn shop at least once. Some exchanged compact discs and others, musical instruments.

In our lives, there must be some device, some wholesome item, something that we can exchange for some strong and more productive result.

In this humorous tale, the sacrifice was made in the form of a gross and unthinkable act! Even though it was unbearable for most, it yielded profit.

May we all brace ourselves for "tight" times.

May we all tighten our belts and "suck in some air".

Oh, yes, my friends. It might be tight but you know it's right!!!!

You may not have to do something as horrible as what this brave little boy did but, you may have to do something similar to it in the future.

When or if that times comes, don't be afraid to grab a handful of thick, dirty, disgusting brown earthworms, all of them wiggling about, and then, don't be afraid to open your mouth as wide as you can and then, place those squirming little creatures into .....................the only warm place.

( Say , "Aaaaaaaaahhhhh !" and try not to swallow! )

* Each individual work in HEALTHY PERSPECTIVES written by Desire .

* All short stories and words of inspiration are protected by Copyrighted 2001.

THE STRAWBERRY

There was once a decent, upright, somewhat quiet and self assured man who took an occasional hike through the wilderness. His humbling journey took him from his very quaint cottage at the top of a grassy mountain peak where the air is clear and inviting, all the way to a very small village located at the foot of the hills, where the trees are welcoming and the surroundings brilliant and colorful.

Once, in the awakening hours of a dew soaked morning, this six foot tall, clean and somewhat rugged individual in his early forties , began his casual twelve mile journey from the village back up to his self made haven of honest brick and clay .

When suddenly, almost half way to his humble abode, there appeared the glimmering of numerous eyes upon his person, evil eyes, secretive stares from the rocks along the trail of the mountain path. The stench of wild hair filled the air around him as he felt his heart beat quicker. Likewise, his walk quickened. His nerves began to race and he knew that he was in a threatening situation. His life was now at the mercy of a very unforgiving wilderness which was about to test his toughness and nerve.

Wolves! Twenty five minimum! Hungry! Relentless!

All determined to get the best of this stranger, this meddler, this intruder to what they believed to be their domain. How dare he? How dare this foolish human invade their territory?

The fool! The scoundrel! The chase!

Yes, needless to say, the chase between this pack of fur covered bullies and this sincere and most innocent loner has started. As quickly as it begun, it came to a welcomed and disrupt end.

For this hiker is one very fast runner!

He sprinted as fast as he possibly could to the edge of a nearby cliff, which was a little bit to the side of the mountain trail.

With no where to go and the breath of the wolves gaining quickly, he tossed himself over the edge of the cliff just in time to avoid both tooth and paw.

Not a foolish move for you see, growing out of the edge of the cliff, perhaps about twenty feet down, was a very strong and sturdy branch, a branch that was thick and reliable. A branch that welcomed this clever man and a branch that will not dismiss him.

The wolves, looking down on their potential future victim, could only bark loudly and growl their anger down to him. They were not going anywhere. He held tightly for his dear life and gazed downward at what appeared to be a sixty foot drop. To make this predicament even the more harrowing, down below, no!

Cougars! Hungry cougars, this can not be!

A total of nine, all of them looking up, waiting for one error from his trembling, rough hands. The fall from such a height would be painful enough! Now there are more mountain creatures present to spew forth their natural hatred. After a deep breath to gather his reeling senses, this adventurer gazed upward. Beyond the teeth of the wolves above him whose fangs dripped with saliva and eagerness. He, instead, looked up to the sky to notice that, no, this can not be, no!

Three vultures had begun to circle up in the sky, way above this most unfortunate episode of danger and this scene of patience and pending doom.

"What now?"

Oh , he thought to himself and attempted to calculate what good move he could make. "This is unbelievable and sad, so sad, oh, my......"

What seemed to be an eternity passed and this poor man wept terribly.

There, he hung. Alone. Nervous. The wolves, cougars and vultures were not going anywhere.

Then, in the corner of his eye, growing from out of this sturdy branch which supported his emergency, from the branch both beautiful and attractive, growing ever so rich and plump, ripe, pink and red with fresh leaves over it was......a strawberry.

Yes. A huge strawberry.

One of the most sweetest pieces of fruit in all the world. Tasty. Juicy. Satisfying. How odd for one single piece of fruit to be there, of all places, how surprising.

However, like the wolves above him, like the cougars below him and like the vultures way above in the sky, all of them awaiting his fall, this strawberry was out of his reach.

He could not grab it for it was just out of his reach barely. No. He could only look upon it.

It was a beautiful and marvelous strawberry, so appealing to the eyes. So pretty and welcoming, unlike the fierce wilderness.

If only he could take it for himself to cherish briefly, to eat and enjoy. No. That was not the case.

No, he could only gaze upon it .

Just look, that's it. Nothing more.

The poor man. And as he tired and tired, as he felt his hands growing even more tired, with incredibly huge tears streaming down his face, the man looked at that one magnificent strawberry ......that one amazing strawberry......that one fabulous strawberry......that one perfect strawberry..... and said, "My......oh, my........that is a gorgeous strawberry......a brilliant strawberry.....oh, my goodness. That is perhaps the most beautiful strawberry I have ever seen in my entire life......... "

END

What is the message found in this story? What is the truth found in this story that we can take with us?

What is it about this story that can make our lives more enriching and enjoying?

What is that which can make our lives splendid and prominent?

Simply this.........

All of us in life, all of us walking along on this mysterious journey that we call existence, all of us who are daily attempting to enjoy the splendor of life and the glamour that can be found in it, are all just like that hiker up in the mountains. We are all just like him. Exactly like him.

We all go about our ways, no matter how hard working that they are, no matter how honest that they are and no matter how private and secretive that they are.

Eventually, in life, all of us will most definitely approach and experience troublesome times. Most problems will be more hectic than others.

That is the substance and the quantity of life, yes, even the essence of our everyday routines.

It rains on everyone. Rich and poor. The sun shines on every person. Fortunate and unfortunate.

According to this tale, problems are in the form of ravenous animals or creatures from the wilderness. We can easily run. Of course.

Running from problems is the normal human reaction towards conflict, especially when our lives depend upon it.

Negativity shall surface, be it major or minor scenarios. However, and this is very important, however, how we deal with such discord is strictly up to us. That is key. That is vital. That is the resolving equation to the problem. I can not emphasize this truth any stronger.

It does not matter what your belief in life is. We all have certain beliefs that we feel comfortable in.

I do not know too much about religion or how we all came to be. I am not an expert. Trust me.

If anyone has answers, it is not me. Of that, I am certain! Yet, I do know this....and feel free to agree or disagree.....

.....when we are all faced with yelling, screaming, unfairness, wrath, turmoil, persecution, bullying, indignation, hatred and so many different degrees of nastiness that one person could ever think of, then,

look upon that which can ease your anguish, that which can calm your stress, that which can soothe your anxiety or anxieties.

Truth be told. Good people, good people.....we all need "a crutch" that we can lean on. Our own special "strawberry...."

Anything that can ease our suffering. One tangible object that eliminates stark surroundings. Any element of brightness that could drive away darkness and gloom.

It could be a sporting event with many of your favorite teams.

It could be just watching one of your favorite movie performers.

A song that lightens your mood.

Many people go to so many different churches and others join certain lodges.

There are those who take up cooking.

Some youngsters retreat to the library, believe it or not!

We are all the hiker, slowly slipping from that branch which represents "life."

Eventually, we will all lose our grip around the strong comfort of life and, sooner or later, slip.

But, before we slip, before we lose our grip, before we finally succumb to bad elements in all directions, may we all look upon that which brings us solace, even if for a moment.

May we all look upon the white dove of peace that is so special to the world today.

May we all look upon the Lincoln Memorial and ponder, "What if.......…?"

May we all look upon soldiers and wish that their weapons were replaced with long stemmed roses instead.

May we all look upon the Eternal Flame located on the grave of former U.S. President John Fitzgerald Kennedy and ponder, "What if...........?"

May we all ease our problems by looking on that which brings ease, calm, restfulness, bliss, tenderness and mental escape.

May we all look upon........

the strawberry.

* Each individual work in HEALTHY PERSPECTIVES written by Desire .

* All short stories and words of inspiration are protected by Copyrighted 2001.

THE TERRITORY BEYOND THE MAP

Subway train . Rear car . Long ride . All alone .

At 6:45 p. m. , a young man had completed yet another long day of what appeared to be endless hours along with painful , slow and enduring minutes to a torrid Monday back at work .

He tried to forget about the screaming on the floor of the market and research room. He tried to calm his mind from the abusive tones that echoed down the hallways from the boardroom chambers.

He tried to erase the memory of the ghastly and grim verbal exchanges made by so-called, "business associates", even though these so-called "associates" took it upon themselves to use vulgarity and profane words against one another.

This young man ....... this breathless young man ........ this weary young man , once strapped down by the ropes of a vicious Blue Monday now finds himself freed from those tight business restraints and now , finally , now , from a day which began at 7:25 a. m. and ended much too late , he can now exhale and enjoy his journey home .

Yes , home . Peaceful home . His palace of peace . His castle of contentment . He did not even mind the "hard as rock" seats aboard the subway train that he sat on . This nicely dressed twenty - seven year old individual did not mind one single bit . He was so tired from an exhausting day that he did not even mount up enough strength to take off his costly and comfortable , dark blue trench coat to fold

over and over into a " soft - like pillow " to somewhat " cushion " himself from the hard subway seat .

No , he was not moving . No . In fact , he preferred not to .

" Aaaaahhhh ......... " He thought to himself , " Finally ....... peace and quiet . This is nice .... very nice . "

Only the unavoidable screeching of the iron wheels against the cold , rusty tracks and the slightly disruptive , static - filled voice over the loud speaker system interrupting his " power nap " were tolerated . Just for now .

Yes , he can take that . He can bare and withstand the low , humming bell gently sounding off . The subway car doors rumbling open .

The same " ding - dong " sound as the doors rumble again as they tightly shut .... these sounds are beyond escape . But for now , acceptable . He had no choice in that matter ........

Then , at one train stop , boarding into his peaceful subway car , was a charging and ear - shattering group of very , wild , extremely noisy little children . They were all dressed in little black jackets and they started to act like small children do ..... rambling about the subway car yelling aimlessly and babbling loudly . Some climbed on and off of the subway seats , some hung on with one hand on the tall silver poles and spun their entire bodies around and around and around .........

" What is this ....... ??!?!??? ", the young man said to himself in total disbelief .

" No !!!! " , he inwardly screamed .

" Is this the reward for my outlandish day ? This .... this noise ??!!?

This tumultuous racket ? No !!! "

However , as most mature men would in this instance , he took it upon himself to keep his cool . He kept his composure . He closed his eyes tight , tucked his chin low , down to his neck and , with his arms crossed and the noise growing and growing , he attempted to " mute " the noise from the children completed out !

Then , from the corner of his eye , sitting far to his left , all the way

down at the very end of the subway train , sitting very quietly in the corner of this end car , was someone who appeared to be the parent of these crazed , undisciplined little boys and girls .

He may no attempt to silence them . None . He did not gather them calmly . He made no attempt to collect them and correct their misbehaving ways . This man would rather stare and stare and stare .......... that's it . He would stare up at old , ripped posters up on the subway train walls instead of properly using his parental authority .

This went on and on and on and on and on ....... the children became wilder and wilder and wilder ....... and noisier and noisier and noisier .

" That did it ! " , the young victim of this mad scene thought to himself .

" Enough is enough ! " , he quietly thought to himself .

He then stood up and as only as his dreary body would allow him to, struggled over to that silent man who he had definitely , without any doubt , determined to be the father of these children .

" Excuse me , sir ! ", he asked in a sharp ,

demanding and uncomforting voice .

" Why is it that you silently remain quietly there , sitting uninterested in the fact that your children are very wreckless and disturbing ? Why do you sit there dormant and quiet ? Why do you do nothing to chastise them ? "

His loud , impolite and fierce questioning continued .

"Why? They are very bad and annoying!!!!! You are doing absolutely nothing!!!!! Why? Could you tell me that??!!? Why? Tell me!!!!! Why????!!!?"

There was a pause . Eerie . Almost gothic .

Then , the mysterious man slowly looked up to his interrogator . His eyes were very sad , sore and pink from a whole day of cold , mid October crying .

Yes , he had been sobbing all the day long . With those two weeping eyes that were still filled with debris from a sorrowful day , this calm man , this very gentle and soft spoken person , who was also dressed in lightly damp black clothes softly replied ,

" Sir , ........... please , forgive me . I apologize for my children if they have disturbed you . "

This somber man took one brief breath of air , swallowed hard , whimpered and continued . " So sorry , young man ....... forgive my children , all five of them . Sorry , sir . For you see , sir ....... , these children just came from a funeral . They had to attend the burial of their mother who had recently passed away . Now , at their tender age , in the middle of their innocence , without knowing the truth behind life or death , not knowing what it means to exist , I am allowing my sweet , young children to vent their feelings , good or

bad , loud or quiet , in whatever fashion or style that they feel most

comfortable in . They are all probably wondering why their mother was seen in a strange box and why so many people were crying with tight hugs of deep sorrow . Again , I apologize , kind sir . Forgive them for their young ways and enjoy your peaceful ride home . "

This poor and tearful man then stood , gather his young flock and they all proceeded to walk into the next subway car leaving the young and exhausted businessman by himself in the rear subway car to ponder his line of questioning .

END

What is the understanding message found in our healthy perspective ?

What can we learn from this story ? Simply this ........

In life , we all look at maps . Road maps , globes , city maps and ..... in this case , perhaps subway maps . When we find a certain street , road , avenue , city , township or region on that map , that does not mean that we are in that city or town .

Of course . That makes perfect sense . It is very simple and understanding .

Yes , very true .

A person reading a map in New York may look at it and see on that map the city of Los Angeles . That does not mean that he is in that city , of course .

We can easily agree with that !

The same can be applied with life situations .

We see " the map " , but not " the territory . " We may see a certain event and not know the real reason behind what we see . Pictures of everyday life can be oftentimes misinterpreted .

These misinterpretations can quite easily lead to bitter clashes between two individuals or even parties of three . Let every precious being on this earth calmly gather facts instead of rushing into our own misguided conclusions .

May we all as a society strive for quick , wholehearted understanding and compassion unlimited .

May we all look at each other and say , " Well , there might be a very good explanation behind such conduct . "

May we all give every man , woman and especially all children the benefit of the doubt .

May we all see with sympathetic kindness and not judge unfairly .

May we all see ........ the territory beyond the map .