i’ll be the judge of that
Calliope cleared her throat. “I have a question.”
Thalia nodded her encouragement.
Urania fought her impulse to toss a sarcastic comment at the Muse of Many Questions. Geez… Her nickname is The Muse of Many Questions. Must she announce that she has a question?
“Typist keeps seeing advice — surround yourself with five people who are more successful than you are — I want to know who decides the meaning of success, and who judges the attributes of the five people,” Cal continued.
Thalia jumped in, “I know why you’re asking! Wasn't yesterday’s lunch with Donna delightful. Can you believe it has been over three years since we’ve seen her?”
“Yes,” said Cal. “And Typist, err… we, learn so much from Donna about living a love-filled life.”
Urania nodded. “It was a confusing when Typist met Donna at the library that first day. She learned a woman with demographics almost identical to her own struggled with mental illness, side effects from a stroke, and wanted a reading tutor so that she could read books about medicinal herbs.”
“Typist kind of wanted to run,” said Thalia.
“But she didn’t! And Donna has shown Typist how to live with struggle, determination, grit, and joy — despite her challenges,” said Calliope.
“That was an excellent question!” Urania gave Cal a hug. “Thank you.”
Wonderful! Along with a lesson on “Success” (I almost said “teaching” but that could be a label difficult to own) you incorporated elements of judgment, first impressions, open-heartedness, and loving kindness into this post.
Years ago I volunteered on behalf of residents of a nearby State hospital that served as a warehouse for unwanted children. Ones born with a wide range of physical and mental defects. I’d accompany small groups in 15-passenger vans to movies, to assist as needed. This gave me the opportunity to learn not to judge a book by its cover.
The hospitals have long since closed, but when in operation were called “Sunland” hospitals. To me a touch of cruel irony. Yet, without Sunland, I believe many would have suffered neglect and deprivation of basic living assistance.
While Sunland was an institution, not a person, might they have been considered a “success”?
Now you’ve made me want to learn more about Donna!