10/9/09

The Right to Love

- Ever since “And Tango Makes Three,” a children’s book detailing the story of two male penguins and the baby chick they hatched, has been published, in 2005, more people have requested the book’s removal each year from schools and libraries than any other book in the United States, according to the American Library Association [..] Now the authors of the book, Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, have their own baby Tango. In February, the gay couple, who live in the West Village, had their first child. - Read full article: "A Baby for the Gay Authors Behind the Daddy Penguins" By Jennifer 8. Lee

- But if homosexuality occurs among animals, does that necessarily mean that it is natural for humans, too? And that raises a familiar question: if homosexuality is not a choice, but a result of natural forces that cannot be controlled, can it be immoral? - Read full article: "
Love That Dare Not Squeak Its Name" By Dinitia Smith

- Rob Calhoun and his partner, Clay Calhoun, of Avondale Estates, Georgia, have two adopted children -- 4-year-old daughter Rainey and son, Jimmy, who is 18 months old. The children share the same biological mother.

"We're not moms, we're not heterosexual. We're not biological parents," Rob Calhoun said. But "we're totally equal and just as loving as female parents, as straight parents, and biological parents."

"Love makes a family, not biology or gender," he added. - Read full article:"Gay Adoption: A new take on the American family" By Taylor Gandossy

10/8/09

Another Day in Paradise

“She calls out to the man on the street
"Sir, can you help me?
It's cold and I've nowhere to sleep,
Is there somewhere you can tell me?"
He walks on, doesn't look back
He pretends he can't hear her
Starts to whistle as he crosses the street
Seems embarrassed to be there
Oh think twice, it's another day for
You and me in paradise
Oh think twice, it's just another day for you,
You and me in paradise...” - Another Day in Paradise (Lyrics by Phil Collins)

“When a poor person dies of hunger, it has not happened because God did not take care of him or her. It has happened because neither you nor I wanted to give that person what he or she needed.”

“Love begins at home , and it is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the action that we do.” - Mother Teresa of Calcutta


Turn around , someone may need your help. Not all of us are saints or a missionaries, ready to fly to Chad, but pay attention and you'll see someone who is down, a friend, a co-worker, a sibling. Be there for them. According to the Talmud to save one person is to save the World. A young person may need a mentor, a child may need a parent, a sick person may need comfort. Don't look the other way!

A man who turned around...

Last summer, my family and I were desperately searching for a cure for my sister Barbara. Many doors were shut on us, because of insurance reasons. My sister needed to prove that she was able to cover treatment costs, before being considered as a research patient.

Finally, Dr. Penson opened a door to hope. I spoke -- and cried my heart out -- to him on the phone. Two days later Barbara was on a flight to Boston, ready to start a treatment recommended by Dr. Penson.

The first time we met Dr. Penson was during a visit on August 2008. I was struck right away by his humanity and people-skills. He asked Barbara about her hobbies and what she enjoyed doing in life. It was only later in the discussion that he started talking about her disease and possible medical treatments. He wanted to meet Barbara as a person, first, then as a patient. We met him as a man, first, then as a doctor.

I am thankful to Dr. Penson for turning around and paying attention to someone I deeply love.