Fear

An interesting reading of Ernest Holmes suggests that fear is the only evil there is; and if fear dominates our thoughts, that is what hell is. There must be truth to that because we have made it into truisms in our language: "The only thing to fear is fear itself." It seems to me that another hellish aspect of the human condition is negativity, but maybe that is fear also. Fear of hoping for the best, fear of success, fear of betrayal, fear of disapproval.

I watched a movie this week that I enjoyed so much, I watched it twice: "The Scarlet and The Black". Based on a true story of an Irish priest in the Vatican who was instrumental in saving thousands of lives during the time of the Nazi occupation of Rome. Fascinating to watch his courage. And amazing the difference that can be made by one human who demonstrates integrity and courage. I want to remember that. It only takes one person behaving with integrity and courage, focused on what is best for us all, to prevent bad things from happening.

Even in this chapter of life with Dwane having been diagnosed with dementia, the process is made different when I face this with integrity and courage, and make choices based on what is best for us all. Perhaps it is as important to behave this way in the small things of life, as in the big, more obvious challenges. One individual with dementia may pale in importance to saving thousands from death and torture, but perhaps it is the process that is what is important. Consciously choosing and acting with integrity and courage and making one's decisions based on what is best for all concerned.