Celeste Theis, Kevin Byrne, A Glorious Reconciliation

It had recently come to my attention that someone who has never met me, who knows nothing about me, my circumstances or the matter at hand, penned a scathing article about me in this publication for no other purpose than to disparage a friend running for a well-deserved re-election where he has fought diligently for his constituents. The current term for this is "political assault" or "character assassination." So, how do I respond? Do I defend myself, fight back or simply ignore the rant and hope it dissipates into the wind as does much of the vile vitriol spewed by extremists? No, that is not me. I don't walk that path. I am the odd individual who truly believes every human being is inherently good and that the toxic environment causes some to engage in hateful rhetoric. That having been said I needed to know that my assailant is not the malicious mongrel who mouthed that malevolent meme but rather a lovely lady with a heart that is truly genuine and sincere. And so, in my funky wig, goofy glasses and shabby apparel I went undercover as Adam Stanley Schwartz, a tortured soul, a victim of bullying and berating, a loner with few friends and little desire to live, desperately seeking salvation from a renowned psychologist as an alternative to driving off a cliff.
Prior to walking into her office I turned to my Mentor (who should be everyone's Mentor) for guidance: Almighty God, show me the essence behind this woman and demonstrate that her deplorable discourse is NOT who she truly is. And as Roma Downey once noted on an old episode of Touched By an Angel, "God answers all prayers."

And He did.

Celeste Theis was thoroughly gracious. Her guidance was informative and conducted with the utmost kindness and compassion. She meticulously sought to extract the deepest pain and suffering from "Adam" and was unequivocally professional. I relayed how I have been bullied all my life for being short, overweight, Jewish and perceived gay for having never married. I have been called a host of slurs and fought hard to overcome all of that, yet it persists even to this day. There is a long and sordid tale behind the charges I currently face and it is not for anyone in the court of public opinion to play juror, particularly with no concept of the facts. But it was jubilant to find Celeste so understanding. I truthfully conveyed how I was the victim of bank fraud and battled to regain title to real estate hijacked from me through a fraud scheme stealthily executed by individuals whom I had simply sought to help. She reiterated what I have heard from law enforcement and legal advocates, that I need to select a finer grade of individuals as friends. She gave me stellar advice on how to stand up to my oppressors and even discounted her fee for an uninsured patient (which is also true).

So, begs the question, why would such an extraordinary woman, so brimming with empathy, spout such a savage, sinister, scorching segment about me and use it to decimate the dignity of a devoted public servant? Is it simply an expression of what liberals stand for in this day and age?

I don't see any of that. I look past it and rise above it. I wish everyone had the capacity to do so.

Dr. Theis, I thank you most earnestly and apologize for what may be perceived as deceptive. I did what I did with absolutely no malintent. I say to you, you are a testament to your profession and a shining example of what we should all strive to be as neighbors. As for your hostile verbiage toward Assemblyman Byrne, all I ask is that you consider the big picture (as you and "Adam" discussed) and rethink your position. I help my friends in their campaigns solely for that reason; they are my friends and I know and trust them. They are honest, noble, dedicated and moral. Kevin has done more for his district in one term than most politicians do in their careers. You are certainly entitled to vote for Gashi if you prefer but please don't denigrate Kevin for simply doing what is good and decent. As for "taking contributions from a felon," well, seriously, let's all attempt to have learned a valuable lesson from the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation hearings. If you knew the facts you might be singing a different tune - something far more melodic than malicious.

And for the record I am perfectly well-funded to compensate my counsel. But thank you for the offer.

I am glad I did this. I, for one, never EVER wish to think ill of anyone. I see the world beaming in sunlight with lush, rolling hills, bright green pastures and meadows adorned with beautiful flowers. Of course that is not the world we live in, nor the one you and I have seen in Haiti or in Africa during our respective charity missions but if everyone could simply view the world as magnificent rather than malignant we could peacefully co-exist in splendor rather than squalor. You and I - or you and "Adam" - have visited some of the most desolate places on earth where we stared poverty in the face. We have seen communities where a family of ten resides in a makeshift structure in which you and I would not park our cars. We come home and realize how richly blessed we are and yet we act with bitterness and bear animus toward others. We are not all Christians but one need not be Christian to think and act like Christ. Even those of us who do not believe in Him should consider conducting ourselves as if we did.

Imagine the world in that light.

I encourage everyone to vote and when you do, consider the person, not the party. Do your research, think for yourselves, follow your hearts, be honorable and act with valor. Treat everyone as you would your beloved grandmother. Try it. It's worth it. It's the ultimate euphoria. You'll feel really good. Trust me on this.

May God bless us all and God bless America.

Steve Sabba