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Spirit of Acuto Transformational Leadership Award 2010 Recipient Intro

Easter, life and death

In my early second trimester, 29 years ago today, I lost a child I was carrying.  This day, 29 years ago, is also when I had,what is called by most, the 'near death' experience. Since that time I have learned that the description of my experience is really similar to many others- the light, the questioning if I was ready, the presence of two people waiting for me - but, I have also learned that while the circumstances are similar each person's response is really uniquely their own.  This year the anniversary seems more poignant as it also falls on Easter. Easter, I have learned, has circumstances similar for most, is also very different for each person according to his/her response.  I hope that by sharing my view that others are encouraged to think about their own responses - to both Easter and life.

I still mourn the child I will never hold, but treasure the thought of their being.
Our life offers many rehearsals with series of small deaths and mini-rebirths.
Death isn't the end
Birth is only one beginning
Life holds both and is much more than either
We are really so loved

The Political Playground

The lives of many have been forever changed this weekend. The tragedy in Tucson reaches across the nation. Many are recognizing the need to end the extreme political rhetoric and renew our country's commitment to civil discourse, the core value of a strong democracy.  My son, Thomas Danler, and I were discussing how society can begin this shift. He offered the following example he had given to his eleven year old son.

There will always be people at opposite sides just like on a teeter totter. That is why it is very important that the people who make up the fulcrum are strong. The fulcrum has to be solid and of high integrity in order for the teeter totter to balance the opposite ends.

His explanation made me realize that I don't have to just hope that the "extremes" tone down their rhetoric. I can renew my commitment as an actively involved citizen. I can encourage all those who are also part of the wide fulcrum to remain stable, solid, and of high integrity. The role of the balancing fulcrum is more important during these times of polarizing stances.  Offering an opposing extreme view as an answer to another extreme only creates a false sense of balance which is easily toppled. A stable fulcrum of high integrity will move our country forward.