A Compassion (and Courage) Tune-Up - This Is It

Last night, I learned that my best friend's oldest sister has died of cancer. Linda and I were never close (because she was quite a bit older), but she was a fun part of my childhood. Her death has shaken me, and my heart goes out to Kathey and her family.

This morning, I met (for the first time) the 7-month-old son of a dear young friend of mine. Griffin's mom, Holly, is a wonderful woman who has always made me feel good about people. Griffin's dad, who I also just met, admitted that he is not optimistic about a solution to the climate crisis. His reminder saddened me, too.

Yet the circle of life keeps turning. That's why I can't wallow in pessimism or spend too much time immobilized by sadness. I've got something cooking and will be inviting you to participate as soon as I can get it organized. (Here's one hint: I'll be asking you to give one hour of your time each week for the children.)

In the meantime, This Is It, by Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald, listened to with the climate change emergency in mind ("This is it... your back's to the corner"), reminds us to fight instead of waiting for some miracle ... that fighting will be our miracle! Enjoy this blast from the past, and I hope it makes you feel brave as well as compassionate. (Lyrics below.)

THIS IS IT

Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins

There have been times in my life
I've been wondering why
Still somehow I believed
We'd always survive
Now I'm not so sure
You're waiting to hear
One good reason to try
But what more can I say
What's left to provide
You think that maybe it's over
Only if you want it to be
Are you gonna wait for your sign, your miracle?
Stand up and fight
This is it
Make no mistake where you are
This is it
Your back's to the corner
This is it
Don't be a fool anymore
This is it
The waiting is over
No room to run
No way to hide
No time for wondering why
It's here
The moment is now
About to decide
Let him [the denier] believe
Or leave him behind
But keep me near in your heart
And know, whatever you do
I'm here by your side
You said that maybe it's over
Not if you don't want it to be
For once in your life, here's your miracle
Stand up and fight
This is it
Make no mistake where you are
This is it
You're going no further
This is it
Until it's over and done
No one can tell you what you know
Who makes the choice of how it goes
It's not up to me this time
You know
There comes a day in every life
This is it
Make no mistake where you are
This is it
You're going no further
This is it
Until it's over and done
This is it
One way or another

This is it
No one can tell what the future holds
This is it
Your back's to the corner
This is it
You make the choice of how it goes
This is it
The waiting is over
This is it
No one can tell what the future holds
This is it
You're going no further
This is it...