Carta de Pesame (Only In Spanish)

No hace mucho me puse a recordar de Zulma, una mujer a quien adopte como abuela y quien ella adopto como hijo.  en Marzo 5, 2009 ella paso a otra etapa de lo que es el ciclo de la vida.  Limpiando mi computadora de archivos inecesarios encontre esta carta escrito en el 9 de Marzo de 2009.  La quiero compartir con ustedes.

No sabes lo difícil que se me hace poder expresar el luto que siento y poder decirles cuanto siento lo que están pasando ustedes.

La relación que tuve con tu mama fue una que se inicio bajo otras circunstancias y la cual con los años poco a poco se iba transformándose como la vida de una mariposa.

Para mí fue una época alegre y de agradecimiento poder disfrutar mi tiempo con ella.  Sus cuentos se convirtió en mis cuentos, sus deseos los míos, sus penas, ansias y risas también se desenvolvieron convirtiéndose míos.

Atraves de los años ella en mi pensar y en mi sentir me acepto como parte de su núcleo familiar y en ocasiones hasta me decía “Hijo”  Se preocupaba de mi y cuando escuchaba noticias de huracanes en la Florida me llamaba para asegurarse que yo estuviera bien.

Cuando yo la veía, sus ojos (lo cuales me encantan) se llenaba de alegría.  Se reía de los cuentos míos no importando que tonto eran.  Al igual me daba consejos de mi vida enamorado…y yo le contestaba que le iba a conseguir marido y que Zarate estaba disponible, con eso cambiaba de tema.

En fin tuvimos muchas conversaciones hasta en el silencio me hablaba y las cosas que me decía era para siempre reírnos.

En muchos momentos contemplaba como llamarla, si abuela era adecuada, abue o hasta mami.  Decidí con “La Zulma” titulo de única.

En los últimos meses ya su dolor la molestaba a diario y de vez en cuando estando solo con ella, lloraba y ella se decía que era una inútil.  Yo trataba de consolarla sin poder lograrlo y personalmente me afligía.  Intente de mostrar confianza y seguridad con decirle que “dale tiempo…veras que estará mejor” se lo decía sin realmente saber el tiempo que le faltaba, pensé que ella podría estar en nuestros acompañamientos más tiempo y en eso “Me equivoque”.

Al llegar a verla en la cama y mirar en sus ojos, en mi corazón sentí el tiempo escapar, guardando en silencio lo que yo veía.  En un momento veía reconocimiento y en otra veía al otro lado de una ventana que no era esta vida.  El brillo que vi no era la mirada de mucho tiempo.

En una oportunidad cuando la vi despierta, entre en su cuarto y teniendo poco momentos a solas con ella, me acerque, el mirar en sus ojos vi que ella sabia quien era, con una sonrisa en mi cara le digo “Zulma no ves que tengo una barba” su mano bajo y me roció la barba.  Fue mi indicación que me entendía.  A ella no le gustaba cuando yo tenía barba y por esa razón se lo mencione.

Luego le tome la mano, y le dije te quiero, no imaginando que sería la última vez que ella lo escuchara de mi boca, ella me respondió con sus ojos como siempre hacíamos, sentí que ella también en su forma me quiso.

La voy a extrañar, mucho…

Peace - Paz

Español más a abajo

I want to share this with you all

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Quiero compartir esto con ustedes

Ve Serenamente entre el ruido y la prisa, y observa en la paz que se encuentra en el silencio. Encuanto te sea posible y sin rendirte es mejor que estés en buenos términos con todas las personas.

Habla tu verdad calladamente y clara, y escuche a otros; al torpe y el ignorante ellos igual tienen su historia.

Evite a personas ruidosas y agresivas que es molestoso al espíritu. Si te compara con otros, llegaría a ser vano o amargado, siempre habrá personas más grandes o más pequeñas que tú.

Disfrute de lo que haces y de tus planes, guarda el interés en tu propia carrera por humilde que sea, ella es una posesión de fortuna en el cambio de los tiempo.

Ten precaución en los asuntos de negocios porque el mundo es lleno de engaño, pero no permites que este te ate porque aventuras en ella tendrás.

Hay muchas personas que muere con alto ideales y por todas partes la vida hay vista de heroísmo. Sea sincero contigo mismo pero sobre todo no finja el afecto y no seas cínico en el amor por en la cara de toda su rivalidad y desilusión es tan perenne como el alma.

Tome bondadosamente el concejo de los años, abandonado con gracia las cosas de la juventud. La naturaleza refuerza el espíritu protegiéndolo en momentos de infortunas, pero no te apenes tú con imaginación desbocada.

Muchos sienten el estampido de fatiga y la soledad más allá de la disciplina, ten paz contigo mismo. Tu eres una criatura del universo no inferior que los árboles y las estrellas, tu tiene derecho a estar aquí, y si o no está claro a ti, no hay duda que el universo se desarrolla en su momento.

Por eso debe de estar en paz con Dios, o cualquiera que sea tu idea de el, y cualesquiera que sea tu trabajo y aspiraciones, en la ruidosa confusión de la vida, guarda paz en tu alma.

Con todo sus falsas, juicios y sueños rotos, sepas que todavía estás en un

Mundo bello.

Alégrate y reesfuérzate a estar feliz.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata 1927

Just Curious

Still working out the wrinkles in whatever my faith is or is not....

Do you believe in God/ Crees En Dios
	Yes/Si
	No/No
	Not Sure/ No estoy seguro
pollcode.com free polls

The Bible

The Bible is a collection of texts that has inspired and influenced many people throughout history. It is a series of books that has sparked debates and discussions around the world. There are two main versions of the Bible: The Protestant version, which consists of sixty-six books, and the Catholic version, which includes seventy-three books, seven of which are called the deuterocanonical or "second law" books by Catholics and are referred to as the Apocrypha by Protestants. Because they considered these texts to be outside the canon of accepted scripture, Protestants referred to these books as the Apocrypha, which means "hidden books."

The Bible holds a special significance to me, beyond just being a collection of pages, chapters, verses, and words that many believers read in search of meaning and answers to their questions. It is a source of insight into history and politics, and it provides biographies of people who have shaped religion, humanity, and history. The texts describe nature and the concept of God in a poetic way and offer guidance on a range of topics, including relationships, family, money, and code of conduct. The Bible also provides advice on how to treat loved ones with respect and love, and it offers rules for both social and private life. It emphasizes the importance of the individual within the community and the need for mutual respect and understanding. Overall, the Bible is a valuable resource that has shaped my understanding of the world and my place in it.

The Bible consists of two main sections, the Old Testament, and the New Testament, and reading them helps me understand the value of both. The texts provide guidance on love and living a better life, no matter what religion I follow. The Old Testament includes a history of the world and the expansion of people, as well as rules of conduct and the Ten Commandments. It also has biographies of remarkable individuals, such as Job and Esther, and stories of kings like Saul, David, and Solomon. There are also books about prophets, including Jeremiah and Isaiah, which contain predictions and warnings of future events. Additionally, the Old Testament includes books of poetry, wisdom, and prophecy, as well as the book of Ecclesiastes and the Book of Songs. The Prophet's books offer messages to future generations about Christ and the fate of humanity. Overall, the Bible has shaped my understanding of the world and my place in it.

The New Testament of the Bible includes the story of Christ, as well as accounts of the apostles and their work spreading Christianity. It also includes letters from Paul to the churches, written during a time of persecution, on how to be a good Christian. All these stories are included in the same Bible. I have a special relationship with the Bible. Growing up in New Jersey with parents of Puerto Rican descent, Spanish was my first language and the only book we had in Spanish was the Bible, given to me by a pastor whose name I can only remember as "Hermano Suarez." I asked my father, who had only a seventh-grade level education, to teach me to read Spanish from the Bible. He sat me down at the kitchen table with a pad and pencil and a burning candle and taught me the alphabet and how to construct words in Spanish. He also explained the use of accents and the importance of language in expressing our inner thoughts. I learned to read Spanish at the kitchen table under the light of a flickering candle, with the words of the Bible illuminating my understanding of the language.

Growing up, I had a strong impression of the Bible as a large book with bold letters and beautiful photographs of the Holy Land and Michelangelo's paintings and sculptures in the Vatican. I was fascinated by the stories it contained, including those of Samson, Gideon, the Angel Gabriel, Abraham and Isaac, Joseph and Israel, and King David. At the age of twelve, I converted to Protestant, evangelical Christianity, and this marked a shift in my understanding of faith beyond just prayer. Over the past 37 years, the Spanish reading lessons I received from my father at the kitchen table have helped me in my studies and work in Latin America. These lessons also allowed me to deepen my understanding of religion and the concepts of good and evil, light and darkness, and love and hate. To this day, I own six Bibles and have a small library at home, including the tattered Bible that my father taught me to read in Spanish. Although it may not be as visually appealing as many of the other books on my shelves, it is the one that holds the most sentimental value to me. In fact, I have only ever read the Bible in Spanish.

DishNetworks Loyalty Program - No Loyalty

As I am looking for a better deal, I decided to speak with DishNetwork since I have been with them since 2005. I figured they have a loyalty program that would consider me a good customer and thus give me one of those promotions as if I was a new customer...so, here is the result of that conversations.



Chat Transcript

Please wait while we find a representative to assist you...

Welcome to DISH Network Chat.

Uddin (ID: B50): How may I help you today?

Francisco Colon: yes

Uddin (ID: B50): Sure.

Francisco Colon: I am looking to get a better deal....I am currently looking for new service....what can Dish offfer...and I am not looking for more programing

Uddin (ID: B50): I will be happy to assist you with your request.

Uddin (ID: B50): For security purposes, would you please verify the last four digits of the Social Security Number on the account?

Francisco Colon: 1120

Uddin (ID: B50): Thank you.

Uddin (ID: B50): Please give me a moment to access your account.

Francisco Colon: ok

Uddin (ID: B50): Thank you.

Uddin (ID: B50): Currently there is only one promotion running for our existing customers. I can offer you Cinemax free for one month on your account.

Francisco Colon: Like I mentioned not looking to Add....I have enough channels..I don't need another channel...

Uddin (ID: B50): Okay.

Uddin (ID: B50): I am sorry to say but currently we are not offering any discounts.

Francisco Colon: you know when I renewed my service....it was after it was disconnected for over a yr...and I never got a promotion...so...I am technically on a month to month

Uddin (ID: B50): One moment please.

Uddin (ID: B50): Your satisfaction is very important to us, so I would like to transfer you to a specialized department for further assistance. Please be online.

Uddin (ID: B50) has left the session.

Please wait while we find an agent from the (20) Loyalty department to assist you.

You have been successfully transferred to Mark (ID: LQ3) with the Loyalty department.

Mark (ID: LQ3): I will be handling your request today. Please give me a moment to access your account and review your conversation with the previous agent.

Francisco Colon: k

Mark (ID: LQ3): Your patience is greatly appreciated.

Mark (ID: LQ3): I understand you are wanting to lower your monthly cost.

Francisco Colon: k

Mark (ID: LQ3): I will be happy to assist you with your request.

Mark (ID: LQ3): We can remove HBO from the account, That would save you $16 monthly. How does that sound?

Mark (ID: LQ3): Sorry, If we remove just 1 premium that would lower the bill less then that.

Francisco Colon: not very lucrative....if I may say without saying profanity

Francisco Colon: since I watch HBO for Boxing....

Francisco Colon: you can take out about 50 other channels that I never use...

Mark (ID: LQ3): I'm sorry you feel that way. We could lower the core package to drop the price. Would that work for you?

Francisco Colon: what is the core package?

Mark (ID: LQ3): You have the Top 120 currently.

Francisco Colon: ok....

Mark (ID: LQ3): We can get you to the Dish Family package to save you $20 monthly.

Francisco Colon: but are we taking away...CNN, Discovery, History and Fox?

Mark (ID: LQ3): You would get locals and these other channels that are listed:

Mark (ID: LQ3): ____Dish Family Package_____ 9413 ALMA VISION HISPANIC NETWORK (ALMA) 262 ANGEL ONE (ANGEL) 266 ANGEL TWO (ANGL2) 184 ANIMAL PLANET (APL) 119 BIO (BIO) 203 BLOOMBERG TELEVISION (BITV) 175 BOOMERANG (BOOM) 9403 BYUTV (BYUTV) 210 C-SPAN (CSPAN) 211 C-SPAN2 (CSPN2) 152 CBS COLLEGE SPORTS TELEVISION (CBS C) 265 CCTV NEWS (CCTV NEWS) 695 CCTV-E (CCTVE) 976 CD-KIDTUNES (CD 27) 9399 CHRISTIAN TELEVISION NETWORK (CTN) 9406 CLASSIC ARTS SHOWCASE (ARTS) 9396 COLOURS TV (COLRS) 113 COOKING CHANNEL (COOK) 263 DAYSTAR (DYSTR) 111 DO IT YOURSELF (DIY) 197 DOCUMENTARY CHANNEL (DOC) 261 ETERNAL WORD TELEVISION NETWORK (EWTN) 9418 FEC/PAEC (PAEC) 110 FOOD NETWORK (FOOD) 205 FOX NEWS CHANNEL (FXNWS) 9415 FREE SPEECH TV (FSTV) 167 GREAT AMERICAN COUNTRY (GAC) 185 HALLMARK CHANNEL (HLMRK) 187 HALLMARK MOVIE CHANNEL (HMC) 202 HEADLINE NEWS NETWORK (HNN) 9401 HITN (HITN) 222 HSN (HSN) 230 ICTV (ICTV) 192 INVESTIGATION DISCOVERY (ID) 9394 KIDS & TEENS TELEVISION (KTV) 9410 LINK TV (LINK) 212 NASA (NASA) 178 NICK TOONS (NICKT) 170 NICKELODEON/NICK AT NITE (EAST) (NICK) 171 NICKELODEON/NICK AT NITE (WEST) (NICKW) 9411 NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY/UNIVERSITY HOUSE (NAUHS) 396 OUTDOOR CHANNEL (OTDCH) 9405 PENTAGON CHANNEL (PNTGN) 137 QVC (QVC) 9400 RESEARCH CHANNEL (RSRCH) 9398 RFDTV (RFDTV) 134 SHOPNBC (SHNBC) 179 THE HUB (HUB ) 193 THE SCIENCE CHANNEL (SCI) 214 THE WEATHER CHANNEL (TWC) 9393 THREE ANGELS BROADCASTING NETWORK (3ABN) 260 TRINITY BROADCASTING NETWORK (TBN) 106 TV LAND (TVLND) 9412 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA (UCTV)

Francisco Colon: I see you are running a promotion for top 120 for 29.99 for 12 months.....

Mark (ID: LQ3): Correct, that is a new customer promotion that is not available on existing accounts.

Francisco Colon: so....if I cancel the service I have to wait six months?

Mark (ID: LQ3): To qualify for the new customer promotions you would need to be with out service for 3 months.

Francisco Colon: so....let me take that phrase....and express something...

Mark (ID: LQ3): Okay.

Francisco Colon: why then...when I canceled the service in 2008 and restarted the service in 2010....was I not given the promotion?

Francisco Colon: your Loyalty program is no Loyalty Program...

Francisco Colon: you have a Loyalty department by name...not by actions

Mark (ID: LQ3): I'm not sure, the promotions have changes since 2010 though.

Francisco Colon: so....

Francisco Colon: After Feb 2010?

Francisco Colon: or Before?

Mark (ID: LQ3): Could be that you didn't qualify for that promotion at that time.

Mark (ID: LQ3): I apologize for the inconvenience.

Francisco Colon: as per your previous quote I did...

Francisco Colon: so...let me get this straight...

Francisco Colon: I cancel my service now....

Mark (ID: LQ3): Okay.

Francisco Colon: you don't get three month of money from me...

Francisco Colon: and then I restart service in 3 months....for the promotion

Francisco Colon: does that sound about right to you?

Mark (ID: LQ3): Well that would be up to you, the promotion may change in 3 months.

Francisco Colon: regardless....I am concerned with the now...

Francisco Colon: so...does that sound about right to you?

Francisco Colon: so where is my loyalty?

Francisco Colon: if Dish is Really not looking for it

Francisco Colon: I just want to make sure I am understanding this correctly....

Mark (ID: LQ3): Available offers can vary according to length of service, existing equipment, and are also affected by the offers you selected when you signed up originally. At this time, the offer you are referring to is not available.

Mark (ID: LQ3): How would you like to proceed?

Francisco Colon: I can't get the promotion....because I am not a NEWer customer...

Mark (ID: LQ3): You do not qualify for a new customer promotion, because you are not a new customer.

Mark (ID: LQ3): Is there anything else I can assist you with?

Francisco Colon: but I would if I cancel the Service for three months and then I am considered a NEWer customer then I would qualify as a NEWer customer and get the package?

Francisco Colon: yes?

Francisco Colon: just want to be clear

Mark (ID: LQ3): Correct.

Mark (ID: LQ3): Is there anything else I can assist you with?

Francisco Colon: yes...

Francisco Colon: Please request to change your departments as the NOT Loyalty Department.... Mark (ID: LQ3): Okay


Talking with Comcast now and see what they offer

On Losing

Not too long ago an old school friend placed an announcement about his father who was admitted to the hospital. The prognosis did not look very good and it seemed that everyone was expecting the worst but hoping for the best.


Not long after he placed an update on Facebook that his father had passed, when he did so it remind me of my own father's death only 25 yrs earlier and the feelings that I had experienced during the sudden death.


I was in the military then and shortly after had to travel back to Germany with my then-wife and infant daughter. While struggling with the loss, I found myself in the local community book store where I stumbled onto a book called "On Death and Dying".


Chapter One, I read the Poem which helped me cope and to understand the experience which would later prepare me for yet another loss. My mother...


I want to share that poem and dedicated this to my friend Felix Crespo and his family.


"Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers, but to be fearless in facing them.
Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain, but for the heart to conquer it.
Let me not look for allies in life's battlefield but to my own strength.
Let me not crave in anxious fear to be saved but hope for the patience win my freedom.
Grant me that I may not be a coward, feeling your mercy in my success alone, but let me find the grasp of your hand in my failure"

God bless you and your family.

Dia de San Valentin

El día de tarjeta del día de San Valentín no es todo sobre rosas, caramelos, y cenas costosas.

Tiene antecedentes históricos también.

Completamente el contrario a lo que puede creer, el día de tarjeta del día de San Valentín no fue creado por las empresas de tarjetas para vender tarjetas y caramelos. Es realmente un día de fiesta sancionado por la iglesia, el papa Gelasius en el 14 de febrero otorgo este día como dia de San Valentín cerca de 498 A.D.

Cubierto en misterio, los orígenes exactos de la celebración de la tarjeta del día de San Valentín, son algo confusos, según History.com. Mientras que la historia del día de fiesta está bien documentada con los años, el santo (o los santos) que ha sido nombrado para esta fiesta está en el aire.

Es todavía confusa exactamente quién era realmente el santo celebrado del amor, como la iglesia católica reconoce a 3 santos separados nombrados Valentine o Valentinus. Todos eran mártires.

De History.com:



Según una leyenda, Valentin mismo envio el la primera tarjeta del día de San Valentín. Mientras que s encontraba en la prisión, se cree que Valentín cayó en amor con una chica joven -- quién puede haber sido hija de sus encarcelador -- quién lo visitó durante su confinamiento. Antes de su muerte, se alega que él le escribió una carta, que él firmó “de tu Valentín,” una expresión que todavía sigue en su uso hoy.



El más Viejo poema del dia de San Valentin que existe hoy que se conoce es del Duque de Nueva Orleans, Charles (Carlos), quien escribió durante su encarcelamiento en la torre de Londres, siguiendo la batalla de Agincourt, según History.com. El poema fue escrito a su esposa.



El día de fiesta continuó ganando enorme renombre en el siglo 17mo y 18, pero consideró enorme renombre en épocas más recientes, con una comunicación más rápida. No era hasta los 1840s que las tarjetas del día de tarjeta del día de San Valentín comenzaron a ser producidas.

The Shinning Star Awards

On October 30, 2010 the Puerto Rican Hispanic Chamber celebrated its event, “The Shining Star Awards,” during which nine chamber members were honored with excellence in their fields of work.



The evening was a continuous flow of one surprise after another. It was a spectacular night.

At 6:30PM,

to

the surprise of those who attended the Gala event, everyone was greeted by 28 

beautiful young women from the NUESTRA BELLEZA HISPANA Pageant of the Palm Beaches. Each one of the women approached arriving guests with a warm smile and introduced herself and the Latin Country she represents as she led guests to the cocktail area. The cocktail area was filled with the wonderful Puerto Rican melodies of Ramiro Malagon, guitar player, teacher, composer, and co-

author of the book, Brief History of the Music in Puerto Rico. It made for a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere for mingling among established Chamber members and new members. 

As guests continued making their way through the ballroom, they were offered an eye-catching gallery of art from the Puerto Rican artist Elizabeth Erazo Baez. She displayed a wide collection of paintings that depict the Island of Puerto Rico.In that same cocktail area, each guest arrived at and was greeted by a staff member of Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies, a private non- profit organization that helps mothers receive the pre-natal care that they would otherwise not receive. Each guest was registered and provided the number of his or her table for the evening’s event.



At 8:15 the banquet room doors opened for the guests to locate their assigned tables and were once again greeted by those same 28 beautiful women standing and smiling as each one of the guests looked forward to the rest of the evening. 

The formal portion of the Gala commenced with news anchor Felicia Rodriguez introducing and thanking these 28 women from the NUESTRA BELLEZA HISPANA for volunteering their time, whereupon they received a well-deserved applause from all in attendance.

The Palm Beach Sherriff’s Office Chaplin Jose Rendon provided the initial prayers, after which Lou Galterio sang the National Anthem. Then, as a surprise gift from Mr. Galterio to the Puerto Rican Hispanic Chamber, and a surprise to most in attendance, Mr. Galterio beautifully sang the Puerto Rican National Anthem “La Borinquena” while a video displayed a transition from the Puerto Rican Hispanic Chamber logo to all of the National Flags of

the Hispanic countries.

Felicia Rodriguez commented on the goals of the Puerto Rican Hispanic Chamber and the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies and introduced the man responsible for organizing the Gala Shinning Star Award event, Santos Arroyo 

Santos Arroyo began by bringing forth Merryl Silverman Haber, who introduced Congressman Ted Deutch. Congressman Deutch praised the efforts, work and accomplishments of the Puerto Rican Hispanic Chamber.

After the succession of surprises, Felicia Rodriguez I began the award presentation. The plaques were beautifully handcrafted in Puerto Rico by artist Enrique Rafael Carreras, who took 10 hours to create each. . The recipients were selected by the Chamber as champions in their fields as follows:



Educational Award, Dr. David Zimet

Healthcare Award, Dr. Alina Alonso

Governmental Award, Sheriff Rick Bradshaw

Media Award, Bernadette O’Grady

Professional Award, Dina Rubio

Company of the Year Award, David Lopez

Student of the Year Award, Sully Brito

The Chamber also it’s presented a surprise award for Volunteer of the Year to Sam Roman.

On the final award

The Lifetime Achievement award went to a man well known by every major Puerto Rican recording artist, government official and major Puerto Rican scholar. Rafi Escudero, A poet, composer, musician and community activist, not only reminded us of the reality of the Hispanic growth in the United States, but also sang a self composed danza and played the piano for all who attended.

Just as the beginning of the night started with a surprise visit of the Nuestra Belleza Hispana candidates, the evening finished with a powerful surprise: a video of Ramona Rosaly, who on that day turned 64 years old and did not know of the video, was played showing her in her youth along with her husband, children and grandchildren. She was overwhelmed with emotion and could not control her tears of joy – joy that touched the entire room.

A video of audience member Ramona Rosaly was played showing her in her youth with her husband, children and grandchildren. Ramona, who was coincidentally celebrating her 64th birthday, was overwhelmed with emotion and could not control her tears of joy – joy that touched the entire room.

This Gala began honoring our guests and continued by honoring our community leaders and culminated by honoring our mothers. The event, hosted by the Puerto Rican Hispanic Chamber of Palm Beach and Healthy Mothers, Healthy babies, was a first class affair and all who participated returned home feeling the fulfillment of a good year.

Leaving with a smile, I wondered with anticipation: what surprises will next year’s Gala bring?

Buenos Aires in Color

I have been living in Buenos Aires almost a year. Just recently I discovered a new love, Photography and am enjoying every moment. I carry a camera everywhere I go and I have posted some pictures on my facebook, but I think that it's well worth sharing here.

Enjoy.

The Taxi Driver - In a Taxi via Santa Fe

The Pharmacy - Corner of Las Heras

The Palm - In Palermo Park

The Guitar - Taken in San Martin Park

The Corner - This was taken on Las Heras

The Clock - Taken in San Martin Park

Marriot Plaza - Taken from San Martin Park

Partial City - Taken on Las Heras and Ruggieri

Leandro Lem - Taken from San Martin Park

30 True Things You Need to Know Now

Article written by Alex Blackwell. Connect with me on Facebook.

It is never too late to bring about lasting change for your life. No matter your present circumstances, not matter what has happened in your past; no matter your age, gender, or socioeconomic status, you are the creator of the life you want to live.

Dr. Gordon Livingston, author of Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart, a Vietnam War veteran and practicing psychiatrist has experienced, first hand, the tragedies life can bring upon us. He has also found the necessity to keep joy and comfort alive regardless of the pain endured.

After learning more about Dr. Livingston’s life and the circumstances regarding how he lost his two sons within a thirteen month period, I have been moved by his commitment to preserve hope in a world capable of inflicting such great tragedy. His ability and strength to move forward in spite of the obstacles is inspirational.

Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart provides 30 essential truths to remind us that while we can’t escape who we are or what has happened to us; we are responsible for who we would like to be and where we want to go. I see incredible value in learning and living these truths.

Here is how each truth touches my heart; I hope you find hope and value in these, too:

1. If the map doesn’t agree with the ground, the map is wrong. We are given mental maps as children. Our parents and other adults tell us what is right and what is wrong – sometimes they don’t always get it, well, right. Now as adults, when we find the maps we have relied on for so long can get us lost, we need to recalibrate and create more reliable guides based on what we now know to be true and where we want to go.
2. We are what we do. We are not what we think, or what we feel, or what we say, we are what we do. Actions do indeed speak louder than words. If you are unhappy with a particular part of your life, take a strong look at what you are doing to be happier.
3. It is difficult to remove by logic an idea not placed there by logic in the first place. By nature, we are emotional creatures. Often we live and react based on feelings, not logic. Feelings are wonderful, but when we become tied to a particular thought or belief we tend to ignore the fact that change might be necessary. If a negative behavior is driven by an emotion, then we must find a way to still satisfy the emotional need while putting an end to the destructive behavior.
4. The statute of limitations has expired on most of our childhood traumas. For some, childhood was pleasant, almost idyllic. But for others, when there has been serious physical, sexual or emotional abuse it is important to recognize this and process this with a trained professional. No matter your past, change is the essence of life. In order to move forward in life we need to learn to live in the present.
5. Any relationship is under the control of the person who cares the least. When relationships end it is typically because of unmet expectations or one person is not feeling love or cherished by the other. For relationships to grow and last both members have to be equal with the love they give; and both should do it, not because they think they have to do it, but because they want to do it.
6. Feelings follow behavior. No matter how hard we try, we don’t control what we think or what we feel. But, we do know which actions bring us happiness, pleasure and confidence. So, we do the actions that make us feel good. It is the action, the behavior that comes first. Take the next few days to notice how you feel after doing a particular behavior. If you like the feeling, do more of it. If not, change the behavior.
7. Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid. When we step out and claim what we want from the world a wonderful thing happens – the Universe responds.
8. The perfect is the enemy of the good. While it’s important to have control over our lives, it can be counterproductive to attempt to control our lives. The energy spent trying to be perfect can keep us from enjoying and appreciating all the good things that exist right before us.
9. Life’s two most important questions are “Why?” and “Why not?” The trick is knowing which one to ask. Understanding why we do certain things is the first step to change. Until we understand what motivates us, what we get from doing a particular behavior, there is no momentum to begin the change process. Likewise, by asking “Why not?” we begin assessing the risk versus reward aspect which can lead to bringing about productive change in our lives.
10. Our greatest strengths are our greatest weaknesses. One of my biggest strengths as a person is I’m caring, sensitive and emotional – it is also my greatest weakness. While this strength helps me to build and maintain healthy relationships, it can also make me too reactive and less effective when dealing with conflict. This can create a confusing paradox for me from time-to-time, but having the awareness of the thin line between the two better prepares me to either use my strength or be mindful of my weakness.
11. The most secure prisons are those we construct for ourselves. What is your fear of change costing you? Too often what keeps us stuck is the belief we can’t move forward. Our head-trash tells us we are not worthy to have our heart’s desire. This fear; this incarceration, prevents us from breaking free and having the life we desire. Remember this: Before you can do anything, you must be able to imagine it. Imagining who and what you want to be, and then taking action, is the key to begin freeing yourself of what is holding you back.
12. The problems of the elderly are frequently serious but seldom interesting. The thought of our own mortality and demise can be a frightening one. Therefore, our attitude towards the aging can be callous because they are unwanted reminders of what’s ahead for us. However, the elderly can hold great value and wisdom for us. We must remember to show respect and gratitude for those near the end so the cycle can be repeated when it is our turn.
13. Happiness is the ultimate risk. No matter how painful, sometimes what we know is more comfortable than what we don’t know, even if we are depressed and miserable. Our misery can feel safe because it has been a part of us for so long. To seek happiness, to do things to break free of the depression, is a risk because we don’t know what it looks like or feels like to be happy. The antidote for this is hope and faith.
14. True love is the apple of Eden. “When I look back, the Garden is a dream to me. It was beautiful, surpassingly beautiful, enchantingly beautiful; and now it is lost, and I shall never see it any more. The Garden is lost, but I have found him and am content. - from Mark Twain in Eve’s Diary. True love is fair compensation for the obstacles and burdens of being human.
15. Only bad things happen quickly. When we think about the things that can change our lives in an instant we usually think of the negative ones first: accidents, our employer going out of business, or the news of a loved one becoming seriously ill. There is plenty of room; however, for good things to happen too, we just have to be more patient. Losing weight, improving a relationship, or creating a rewarding career all take effort, but the life-long satisfaction these bring can help to fill our souls when they are emptied-out by the bad.
16. Not all who wander are lost. When we were children we were told what to do. In our jobs, we are assigned tasks and projects. Our culture even has expectations of what we should do. It’s OK to step outside of the lines in order to follow what your inner wisdom is suggesting you do with your life. It’s not that you are lost when you wander, it’s just the opposite: You know what you want and you are only attempting to find the best path to your destination.
17. Unrequited love is painful but not romantic. Love is meant to be shared. When you give your heart to someone who is uninterested, it will only result in loneliness and disappointment. Instead find someone who will share love with you. When you do, you will feel the real power of love.
18. There is nothing more pointless, or common, than doing the same things and expecting different results. This truth also provides a very good definition for insanity. When things are not working in your life, try different things. The rub comes when we become so comfortable with the familiar we refuse to try something new. To grow we must also embrace change. The question then becomes what level of fear you are willing to walk through in order to change, grow and create the life you want.
19. We flee from the truth in vain. Somewhere along the way there are truths about ourselves we never allow to see the light of day. Shame, guilt or embarrassment keeps these truths hidden and locked away. But remember, we cannot change or heal what we do not acknowledge.
20. It’s a poor idea to lie to oneself. We may say the words, the words of a lie, but inside we know better; we know the truth. The most damaging lie we can tell ourselves involves making a promise. While good intentions are important, living the truth has far greater value in our life. Do what you say you are going to do, not just to improve the quality of your life, but to be able to live your life with confidence and self-respect
21. We are all prone to the myth of the perfect stranger. Unless you are being victimized by your partner, chances are very good there are plenty of reasons to love your partner or spouse. It takes maturity, patience and trust to look across the fence and know your grass is greener.
22. Love is never lost, not even in death. To lose what means the most to us is the ultimate test of helplessness and survival. I have been very fortunate to not yet experience the death of a close relative. That day, however, will come. When it does, my hope is I can transfer all of the love I have for that person to others still with me. In that way, the love for the person lost will always be alive.
23. Nobody likes to be told what to do. As a parent it’s easy for me to sometimes tell one of my children what to do instead of just listen and offer advice, if requested. My need to control can trump their need to be heard and grow on their own. When this happens, communication is strained and trust can be eroded. Rather than telling my children what to do, my job as a parent is to give them hope that they can be successful in a very uncertain world. This can be achieved by limiting my lectures and by giving them the time and space to “figure it out,” while I’m standing by with a safety net.
24. The major advantage of illness is that it provides relief from responsibility. In an ironic twist, the days we feel under the weather can be some of the healthiest for us. We push, we rush and we often don’t take time to take care of ourselves. But when we are feeling ill, we are forced to to slow down, perhaps call in sick at work, and take it easy.
25. We are afraid of the wrong things. For the first 18 years of my marriage I feared the wrong things. I feared not earning enough money or not advancing quickly enough in my career. I should have feared losing my wife and family instead, because I almost did. Now, I try to live in the present moment and appreciate all I have. When I do this, I stay centered with hope and not distracted by fear.
26. Parents have a limited ability to shape children’s behavior, except for the worse. My wife and I often hope our greatest legacy to our children is to be able to break the cycle of pain and doubt we experienced as children. Our hope is our children will have the self-love and confidence needed to live a rich and full life. With that said, we are far from being perfect parents. But our focus is to help them be as happy as possible in a world that takes and demands so much of them.
27. The only real paradises are those we have lost. Too often we may view the past with a special fondness, perhaps reverence, too. But the past for most of us may be no different than the present, it just feels that way. To be honest, we may not always see the past for what it actually was. This view can be dangerous and it can keep us from living fully in the present, in the here and now.
28. Of all the forms of courage, the ability to laugh is the most profoundly therapeutic. Yes, things can go wrong in life. Yes, there are issues and problems to solve. But we have a choice. We can choose to become pessimistic and not see the value in what we experience, or we can choose to laugh as an admission to the fact we are not perfect and life can get the best of us at times. What a relief to know that no matter how bad things may look, a smile or a rift of laughter can begin to make the circumstances feel better.
29. Mental health requires freedom of choice. No matter how bleak or desperate a situation may appear to look, we always have choices. Even with the absence of answers or direction, we do have the power to choose what our next action is. We can choose to ask for help; we can choose to pray; we can choose to get up in the morning, get dressed and forge ahead. The ability to choose gives us power. We can use that power to begin removing the obstacles that confront us.
30. Forgiveness is a form of letting go, but they are not the same thing. To be clear, the purpose of forgiveness is not to let the person who harmed you off the hook, the purpose of forgiveness is to end the grief it has cost you. Don’t just let go, forgive and truly surrender the feelings of anger and pain. This may seem difficult, almost impossible, until you attempt to do it.