Tenderness

First, I will be writing a biographical post for Father's Day soon, so if you want some Rowdy history be sure to tune back in for it.

But this post is about tenderness. For the past week I have had multiple, daily influences that have softened my heart. Made me feel an empathetic tenderness. Which is something new for me. And no, I am not "on meds" or anything else. Goodness, can't a guy have feelings?

But first a list of recent events in the world that just saddened me. (source: ForeignPolicy.com)
-Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood has begun deploying street-level workers to address everyday problems like bread distribution. People are still waiting in line for bread in this world. In a country that used to hold in physical from a majority of then known knowledge in the library at Alexandria.

-Mexican authorities rescued 51 migrants, mostly from Guatemala, who were allegedly kidnapped and held in Nogales, near the border with Arizona. 51! The effort, planning and environment that creates a place where this many disadvantaged people can be kidnapped is mind numbing.

-Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that the country's ability to continuously raise state spending has been "exhausted." Can you understand the implications of this? Globally and for the individual Russian citizen?

So when in see a famous motorcycle race show genuine compassion for people with Down Syndrome, really see it in his face. It's not a show, it touches me. I suppose someone who is at the pinnacle of their sport to be insular, above the common fray, traveling the world and making millions. Solely focused on what they do... And yet not. You've greatly risen in my estimation Jorge Lorenzo.

I hear a wife talk about her husband and their relationship in honest praise and love in how he chose to turn his life around and the impacts that has had on their personal relationship and family life. Honesty change and the humility to implement it. Sincerity.

The wife of one of my friends gave birth almost 8 weeks early. He called me to help give emotional and spiritual support the day she entered the hospital. Today he has his son at home. Growing and acting like a normal child, free from all that could befall a baby that premature. To see how he has reacted to this trial in his life, hear it in his voice as he talks about it son. Tears in my eyes.

I watch Super D be on call. Already having worked a regular 40 hour week she spends 12 hours then on a Saturday, doing emergent things to change people's lives. Tired, sore, sick and yet continuing to move forward doing something few people can do. And vastly impacting the lives of her patients. As someone who is "funemployed" to see this level of professional dedication up close, when I don't do the same, well I can see why she was doctor of the year for her specialty.

Saturday I volunteered 8 hours of my time to teach something I am good at to the general public. I interacted with hundreds of people from 7 to 70 and all walks of life. I was on my feet, in the sun, teaching non-stop. To work with people and directly impact their thoughts, actions and abilities helping them grow and learn with no judgement on my part felt great. I never tired. I never failed. And my efforts were met with genuine thanks and appreciation.

I hate the question "Why is this happening?" I could care less why something happens in my life, I care about HOW I wan do something about it or WHAT I can change. For the most part why is of the lowest order for me. I don't care why in the past week I've had my heart softened and that things have been more touching for me. I just know that they have.

Empathy, a tender heart. They are all developing more within me. Thankfully.