Thankful for all who help us

Posted on February 2, 2026 by msw blog

It’s always the little things that matter and that we need more of those these days.

I am thankful for drivers who give you a break and for the ones who give a friendly wave when you accommodate them. I am more thankful for those who drive safely and think of others.

I am thankful for clerks and receptionists who are pleasant and kind. I am thankful for all the delivery folks who leave packages and especially for the newspaper carrier who leaves my paper right near the house.I am thankful to get a live person on the phone to answer my business or medical questions. I am thankful for the shoppers who let you cut in line if you only have a few items. I am thankful for people who say “please,” “thank you” and “excuse me.”

On a loftier level, I am thankful for the sun that rises, the rains that quench, the earth that provides our daily bread, as well as the farmers who toil endlessly through the growing season. This is why we celebrate the harvest.

I am thankful for those who do not live their lives with hate and resentment.

In closing, I am thankful for those who keep peace in their hearts and hope alive.For all who help us. Thank you for our trash and recycling pickup. For our mail, package and newspaper deliveries. For all the people who work outside in all kinds of weather to maintain, repair and build. For our library and for curious people. For kids who challenge us and think of others besides themselves.

For everyone who smiles before I do!

— Jelmir Atkins, Sycamore, Illinois

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Why I love Black Women

Posted on February 2, 2026 by msw blog

Why I love Black Women by Michael Eric Dyson (2003,304 pages).  Looking at the cover I was under the impression this was going to be a book of individuals explaining why they not only loved Black women, but appreciated and respected them. I was partly wrong; the book is about Solo Professor Michael Eric Dyson’s experience. There appeared to be more about his experiences, and Black women just happened to be a part of it.  In learning that, this is a book I didn’t complete.  Not because it wasn’t a delightful read. I believe it’s more because I am a Black woman and have personally heard these words and compliments and complaints before. I would have enjoyed this being an anthology of individuals sharing their views and perspectives on Black women. If you want to learn more about this topic, this would be a wonderful place to start. A catalogue of virtues, an unapologetically cheerful view of Black women that rescues their strengths and beauties from callous denial or cruel indifference. It’s great that his research and interviews included all economic groups. It is wonderful when a man takes the time and effort to show appreciation for the women who love and support him. 

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No Aromas, Please

Posted on February 1, 2026 by msw blog

I recently spent the night with an old friend. We had a 50-year anniversary visit. We are thrilled to be reunited. My friend went out of her way to make me welcome and comfortable in her home overnight. That included washing the bed linens having used fabric softener and/or dryer sheets. The bed was overwhelmingly perfumed by these products to the extent that I was coughing and effectively lost a night‘s sleep.

The opportunity exists to spend more time in the future in her home, however, I cannot sleep in her guest room with those chemicals in play. How do you suggest I approach this one?– No Aromas, Please

Dear Aromas: The easiest way is probably to bring your own sheets/linens if you have the space in your luggage. And it’s fine to mention it in advance. “I’m sensitive to scents and chemicals, so I’m going to bring my own sheets. I just wanted to let you know. I don’t want you to go out of your way and I want to be rested enough to enjoy our time together.”

This also gives your friend the opportunity to modify the way she hosts. She might hear this and volunteer to wash the linens without fabric softener. It’s easy enough to do. The most direct option is to ask her: “would you mind not using any scented chemicals on the sheets in your guestroom?” I list this option last not to be passive, but because it may not completely solve your issue. If she’s using the fabric softener consistently on all her other laundry, there may be residual aromas that you pick up on. The bigger idea here is that good hosting and being a good guest are both reliant on clear communication. Guests and hosts shouldn’t be afraid to ask for what they need, respectfully, reasonably, and kindly. It sounds like your friend was happy to do whatever she could to make you feel at home. It stands to reason, then, that she’d be happy to make an adjustment if it made you even more comfortable. Likewise, it sounds like you’re happy to do what you can to clear the path for a more enjoyable time. This is all good news. Enjoy your next visit.

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Homelessness: ‘Step forward with love’

Posted on February 1, 2026 by msw blog

I love the Op-Ed section of the paper. I believe we all need to write at least one letter on something we’re passionate about in our lifetime. In saying that, I applaud this reader

At a time when public conversation so often highlights division and drama, I continue to witness something very different here in Seattle: people from across our city coming together to care for neighbors who are suffering on our streets.

Every day of the year I see volunteers, generous donors and everyday citizens of goodwill showing up with compassion — offering things like friendship, hot meals, emergency shelter and housing support, along with chaplaincy, case management and free medical care. These gestures change lives. They remind us of who we are when we choose to treat one another with dignity.

There are many wonderful organizations that help create spaces where this kind of care can happen. Powerful, life-affirming work is being done by community members who refuse to look away — refuse to treat people like problems to be solved — and instead step forward with love. Their commitment gives me hope.

There is good stuff happening in Seattle, even amid the suffering. Let’s keep noticing the good that is already unfolding — and keep finding ways to join in. At our organization we like to say that “we move at the pace of the community’s love of neighbor.”

Deacon Frank DiGirolamo

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imagination

Posted on January 31, 2026 by msw blog

Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.”
— Gloria Steinem

Positively Purging-I welcome your feedbacks in the comments and your likes and passing the real life wisdom on to others as I embark on this new venture of “positively purging“, as I know each of these pieces represents something…

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