Diversity

Diversity is quite a lovely word and applicable to so much more than sexual mores.

It truly defines each of us and the invisible tote bag of characteristics we bring with us when we enter this glorious world.  None of us know exactly how full it is when we arrive, nor when it will be empty, and it will be our notice to move on.

There has been a great deal of dialogue in the past decade or so since the word diversity was applied to acceptance of sexual preference.  I truly wish there could be an equal discussion of acceptance of each other's gifts, contributions and inspiration in today's society.

Unfortunately, it seems easier to pass judgment rather than recognize the stimulus we receive from each other.

Recently I as in a room where a lovely woman was pouring coffee for other guests.  Since I was aware this gracious hostess was in the throes of a dreaded neurological disease, I could not help but draw strength from her valiant example and began to view her as a muse.

Each of the tote bags of ability that we carry is incredibly diverse.  Often some of them are perceived with negativity because they don't match or equal others.  How sad!  Wouldn't it be a boring world if every creature had similar assets and skills, liabilities and talents and could make equal contributions to society?

We certainly need a Jonas Salk in society, but perhaps we also learned quite a lesson from Forrest Gump. We venerate the political heroes whose pictures are on page One of national newspapers, but aren't the quiet patriots who keep our streets safe and protect us from fires equally important?

When my husband was ill, I learned about the quiet supermen and women in the health industry.  The surgeons were incredible and deserved every iota of praise, but so did the less acknowledged caregivers who arrived daily with constant efficiency and kindness and carried us both through four difficult years.  Their pictures will never be on any brochure or displayed in a plaque yet their memory will never fade in my heart.

Life is a series of valleys and mountains that every human being must climb.  There will always be the lead guide, acknowledged by all with respect, yet in the background are the unsung heroes who watch the rear, carry the supplies and whose ranks provide the brave responders whenever a disaster occurs.

Some of us carry equipment throughout life containing megaphones; others have vocal equipment that is far more muted.  Both voices are equally vital to the quality of lives they touch.

An acceptance of dissimilarities is not only incredibly important, but quite possibly a necessity in keeping our judgment of others within boundaries.  I am well aware of my own temptations when I encounter anything relevant to Kardashians, tattoos, or possibly when a romance novel is introduced into conversation.

Yet the truth is something perhaps I have not wanted to acknowledge.  Reality shows, i.e. Kardashians, do provide a form of entertainment therapy even if they are beyond my comprehension, and I do not have the right or authority to judge.  And equally so for the millions who choose to express themselves through body art.   If diversity is applicable to other areas of my life, I need to accept the true challenge of the word, and stop being negative about the role of romance novels in the field of literature.

After all, who was the prescient seer who said,

"That's what makes the world go round."

And I should concentrate on practicing what I preach.