What a Welcome, But Unexpected Turn

The shocking Parkland School shooting may just be the catalyst to put this Country on a healthier trajectory. How ironic, and what a shame that we have to be taught and prompted by such tragedy. The energized students remind that too many of us have let down our guards and lost touch with the principles and values of healthy community. And when we shirk our communal responsibility, that vacuum is often filled by those who do not serve our best interests. We're experiencing that with government, business and strong special interests. Several recent large-scale face slaps have gotten our attention. Our children were the first to forcefully rise to our occasion. It's not too late for us to honor their challenge by summoning our Better Angels and joining them in charting a new course.

The Resilience, Courage and Strength of Our Children

My Grandson Graham vanquishing Darth Vader at Disney World, Orlando...

Graham may look courageous and brave in this staged confrontation, but we witnessed his unscripted battle with a serious strain of leukemia over the past two years. We marveled at the competence and compassion of the Dell Children's Hospital medical team, while observing the stress and strain of a family pushed to emotional and physical limits in support of this young man. We almost lost him less than a year ago, but he worked with the wonderful caregiver team to do whatever it took to progress and heal. And it worked. I witnessed the best essence of this child's character and determination at such a young age.

Graham was given a clean bill of health just a few months back, just in time to join his family for this Make-A-Wish dream trip to Disney World. His strength and resilience were so fresh on my mind and heart that I better understood the power unleashed by the Parkland school student protests. Their unfiltered righteous indignation and desire to honor their fallen comrades by speaking heart/soulfelt truths to many powers. To call out the hypocrisy of patronizing politicos who rush to offer "thoughts and prayers" while the obvious solution is common sense gun regulation.

Thanks, Kids, For Helping Us To Grow Up

This young man is the picture of the sweet innocence of youth. But this delightful image belies the torture of a tough treatment regimen, and two years of listening to caregivers and family members discussing the most serious of topics. Critical treatments, uncertain outcomes.

What a Turnaround. Our Kids Are Schooling Us.

When our normally "invincible" kids experience profound tragedy, they appreciate the fragility of life and are less inclined to waste their lives with the trivial. And they will frequently evidence wisdom beyond their years as they process and translate their experience. The tragic Florida shooting has prompted a powerful outpouring of anger, political challenge and thoughtful reflection. I'd caution that we ignore them to our detriment, but they're not going to let us dismiss them. Thank goodness.

The articulate, serious-minded student leaders are sharing unfiltered challenges to politicos at every level. Their immediate issue is serious COMPREHENSIVE firearm regulation. Not just bump stocks and background checks. And this struggle is a great metaphor for several other critical issues of the day. 

Besides common sense gun regulation, our PRIORITY concerns are such as education, economic opportunity, accessible/affordable healthcare, public safety, infrastructure, immigration, social justice, effective regulatory structure and environmental integrity. NOT bathroom policing, transgender military service, street gangs and second-guessing Hillary and Obama. Our kids are calling "BS" on our wasting resources and debate time on the trivial.

A MOSEY CHALLENGE TO HONOR OUR KIDS BY BEING BETTER COMMUNITY STEWARDS

These Florida students are effective spokespersons for doing the right thing. We owe them no less. Let's challenge our Friend In The Mirror to rise to their occasion. As parents, citizens, neighbors, non-profit volunteers and voters. These kids have made us proud. Let's return the favor. LET'S MOSEY!