I was sitting in a theatre today watching a stunning film, Guadalupe,
and reflecting on humankind, bereavement, connection and this very
strange thread now running on ASA. I first want to thank all of you who
have posted in my behalf-it make me just slightly uncomfortable but is
also very affirming.  However, the thing that has been the strong point
of this group is a spirit of generosity that runs through the group-the
whole group.  This group I think is slightly atypical for a newsgroup
because of the generosity that has typified ASA.  Holiday cards, secret
sender projects, post cards, and all the other acts of kindness make
strong little cords of connections hat bond us.

After the movie, I went downtown and got to reflect n the true meaning
of this season which is giving.  God gives his son. .  God give a
Hanukkah miracle of enough oil.  Mother earth and father sky give back
the sun.  This is the time of year we reach deep into our souls and, no
matter what our traditions, we give.

Giving can never be suspect and of course we give with expectations of
return.  Every time I have sent supplements, gifts, etc. I get
something magical in return.  I get to remember that we are all part of
the collective and that we are all in this together. I could not even
begin to list the gifts that have come wafting my way.  Donna Holt, I
Love you.  You always knew the magical thing that would just make my
day.  Kelly Cobb's mom sent me jam that a few years ago that was
wonderful but more than that, it strengthened my sense of connection
with the whole Cobb family.  Several years ago, I had just been
diagnosed with a serious illness and was going to just skip a Christmas
tree.  Patty sent one in the mail.  It was a miracle.  Joe and Mary
sent a box of chocolates that came after a hard day, were a total
surprise and exemplified the spirit of reaching out that our fire chief
is known for.  Susan and Larry could always surprise me. Larry was a
legendary generous man. Jo's cards mean so much to all of us that I
can't imagine a group or a world without Jo.  Linda Taggert, DeeTee and
Bob's amazing daughter, so surprised me one year with candles but sent
me healing energy this year that was a turning point in my feeling of
"it's all going to be ok".  Walt and Wendy were so supportive with
Logan's ear/hearing difficulties and Walt is someone who I know will
always be there if I need to talk-it is in his nature.  Johnnie, well
you know how much I need you and love your gifts. Generosity can never
be suspect.  It is literally the glue that holds us together. Char
surprised us the year she sent those beautiful wreaths made from her
tree. When Alex sends those wishes, I feel them and Rosie's hugs are
freely given.  Kate sent me flowers and a teddy bear a few weeks ago
that let me know that all is right with the world and sent me out to
get a few more stockings from the bank's tree for poor children.  Kimmy
and KJ who have kept us informed with various websites and have gotten
nothing back except gratitude. Dr. Susan who always shared her
knowledge and experience. We have developed an expectation and a
culture of generosity.

There is not a religious tradition that I know of that does not make
sacred the process of giving.

I remember a talk with my kids when there were little about giving.
Alan wondered why he just didn't buy himself a present and Megan didn't
buy her own present.  We talked about the Native American giveaway
where everyone met and each tribe gave away there very best things to
the other tribe.  In the end, they probably went away with close to the
same amount of items but the connections made through that giving
process, the opportunity to give, strengthened the group.

I remember Bobby asking me once why I said thank you when I gave money
to someone panhandling on the street.   The answer is that person had
just provided me with an opportunity to be generous which I need more
than he/she needs my dollar.  Buddhists and the begging bowl are a
perfect example.  They provide an invaluable service to the community
who gets to experience the wonder of giving.

There was no more generous man than Jesus.

And so...I am thankful for this group that has provided opportunity for
all of us to be generous and that all of you have risen to the occasion
by generously sharing both your resources and spirit

Harv, you wonder why I would ever give someone something without
expecting something in return.  In fact, I don't.  I expect in return a
group that takes care of each other.  I expect a little easier and
healthier group of humans, which in the long run, strengthens me; I
expect
a shot at a culture that pays it forward; finally, I expect that we all
as we define ourselves as generous people, we strengthen our humanity.

My plea is that none of us ever have to justify why we send something
through the mail or through the ethers or why we give advice or share
knowledge.  It is Hanukkah, Solstice, Christmas and we are human.
There can be no better time to remember that it is our birthright to
give and a part of our nature to share all we can.

You all never disappoint me.  

m