Happy Birtday Ej

It was 31 years ago today that my first born came into the world. He made a very dramatic arrival. I was actually due on my birthday. Ej's dad and I went to the movie, Rocky, for a treat. I really got into that movie even going as far as throwing a few punches myself during the fight scenes. I must have tensed up pretty good because as we exited through the lobby, my water broke. It broke so much that I was standing in a puddle. We left promptly for the hospital. Five hours later, they put this darling little guy in my arms. He was perfect. He had enormous eyes and a head full of black hair.
Ej was known as his middle name, Justin, for all those years. It was when we moved to Indianapolis that on the first day of school...he changed his name...and has been called Ej ever since.
Ej grew up to be quite a talented drummer. He left home and traveled to Florida where he worked at Epcot as one of the premiere drummers in the Tapestry of Nations and Dreams parade. He was amazing.
He followed his heart to California where he presently lives in Redondo Beach. He is in the Underground Orchestra, a very cool band that won two LA Music Awards two years ago. I was lucky to go out and watch my very talented son walk the red carpet as seen on tv. I met Bruce Jenner and Leeza Gibbons during the festivities. It was very cool.
Today is his birthday. I celebrate his integrity as a man, his talent as a musician, and his love of his family. Though we aren't together today, we celebrate each other's birthday and that is very special.
Happy Birthday, Son, I am so very proud of you and love you with all my heart!

Hearing a Who

Every once in a while a movie comes out that seems to have a very childlike message such as in Dr. Seuss books. Sometimes, however, within those simple easy to understand stories, there lies a more indepth story that impacts many people. Horton Hears A Who is just such a movie. The popular children's book has hit the big screen complete with big names such as Jim Carry (Horton) and Steve Carrel (as the Mayor of Whoville). Beautiful animation style enhances the story of Horton and the small speck that carries the little town of Whoville on it. Horton finds a way to communicate with the tiny inhabitants much to the disgust of his friends and critics who simply do not hear the little Whoville members as they communicate with Horton. The town matriarch (Carol Burnett) leads others to overtake and destroy Horton and his seemingly ficticious friends on the puffy flower because "if you can't see it, feel it, touch it, it must not exist". Apparently she does not attend church and have a relationship with Jesus. In the physical sense, many might doubt His existence because of these ideals but Christians know different. I love how the media and the arts can sometimes reveal some pretty deep thoughts through the entertainment it can produce.

We are all different...and some are giants and really out there with sound and actions and some seem somewhat insignificant because they aren't. Never underestimate the worth of the small and meek...as what they can bring to the table is sometimes monumental.

Through my jobs, I have always sought out the ones that needed to have a "Horton" in their lives. Someone that believes in them and "listens" to them caring about what they have to say. Inclusion means everyone is important, is heard, and is significant. This movie summed that all up in a delightful way.

Now the question remains, are you a Horton......a Who.....or the part of the crowd that doesn't take the time to believe and listen?

My hair dresser calls me "Dixie Lou Who" and I always thought it was cute....but now....it takes on a whole new meaning..... CAN YOU "HEAR" ME NOW?