About me, Page 1

I bought a book recently titled "The Element Encyclopedia of Birthdays" by Theresa Cheung.  The first page that was opened was for the date of October 12th, the birthday of the effusive complexity!

It says my greatest challenge is...getting over yourself.  The way forward is to understand that although you may be at the center of your world, this does not mean that you are at the center of everyone else's.

The first sentence of the breakdown of the October 12 people is "Heads turn when the larger-than-life personalities of people born on October 12 enter a room."

I am unable to disagree with what has been presented, so far.  And those that know me and those that know me very well, would not be able to either!

I wonder if each of us feel that "we" are special, unique or different.  I have given thought to this and wonder if growing up in single parent family, in smaller towns, being surrounded by the people that I did, being gay, being adopted within my family, all of those life experiences, have helped me to make me feel that I have lived such a unique life that my journey has allowed me to feel that I am different from everyone else's experience.

I understand that I, like us all, have an ego.  And that ego needs to be checked (and sometimes re-checked.)  I also understand that putting others first brings power, humility, and growth like no other to ones own life.

It catches up with you

I was just sending a FaceBook message to a dear friend who stood up with me at our wedding this past July.  I shared with him that despite my many "automatic" posts to social media sites (pre-programmed the month before) and have not been "plugged" into the computer much since the middle of December.

I think, in retrospect, the holidays were VERY  V E R Y overwhelming for me this year.  Mom being permanently being placed in the care facility and not being home actually drained me a bit.  I had a couple of funerals, and many friends who lost loved ones and friends.

Sometimes being a person who hears a lot of grief, helps with those in grief and experiences grief just like everyone else, there comes a point when we have to take care of mind, body and spirit.  We are too often better givers of help then hearing it.

I have often said I do not know it all (religion) and the many things I do know mostly pertain to my very personal view, opinion, experience and thoughts about what I have learned in my 45 years of life.  And it is my hope, prayer and thought that my words, silence, touch, prayer and love well  help you in some way regardless of your religious, nonreligious or spiritual belief.  Your relationship with the sacred is just that...your relationship with the sacred.

I think I sum up life is about two things.  Understanding what makes you happy.  And, sharing that which makes you happy with others.  It is a gift, a present to share with all.

Up to 3rd Grade

The early 70's... a time when a parent didn't think twice about allowing a child to ride their bike a couple of miles to pick up a loaf of bread or a gallon of milk, from the local liquor store.  It was also a time that I believe that both parents and neighbors accepted the responsibility and notion that it "takes a village to raise a child"... My mom knew everything I did and didn't do before I told her (or didn't tell her!) HAHA

My first grade teacher was Ms. Warren.  I remember her smile.  She was nice.  I remember playing with my friends Mark Lane, Eddy Smith and Damian Dominic.  If I wasn't playing outside with one of them, I was probably in the house with mom.  I don't remember homework much.  I had to keep my room clean, but I did that anyway.  I don't like disorganization.  Yes, even then.

My second grade teacher was Mrs. Hebeil.  I believe she went on to become a principal for Bellevue Schools.  I had two third grade teachers, as I was held back a grade.  Mrs. Rubin and Mrs. Kowker.  Mrs. Rubin was nice, I remember her smile.  I don't think Mrs. Kowker had kids by this point in her life.  She tried very hard.  Although I know we didn't connect, she was a caring person.

I remember passing the Zaunka's house every day from school.  An old German couple.  Everyone said stay clear of them.  The town actually held a meeting to remove them from the city.  (I keep telling myself it was the early 70's.)  I stopped by all the time to pick up cookies, great chats and Mrs. Zaunka's smile.  She was a friendly, loving "grandma" in my book.  One day they were gone.  Their house is still there.  Maybe I will buy it one day.  A VERY small house, probably the size of a large garage!

I was surrounded by people who loved me, knew me (even if I didn't know them) and certainly knew who Mrs. Bush was!  I always felt safe.  I never felt a lone.  Yes, at times I felt that someone was watching me (not in creepy sort of way) more like mom looking out the crack of the curtain kind of way.  Even if I wasn't on my own street.

I remember swimming lessons.  They threw a quarter in the big pool and made us go get it.  Ya, right.  I had never been swimming before, really!  They were trying to drown me I tell you!  As you guessed, they didn't and I lived to tell about it.

A lot was getting ready to change.  We were getting ready to move from Bellevue to LaVista, we were going to share a house with my Sister Sharon (Birth mother) her husband Larry, Shawn, and Danny.  Talk about enough in the house.  At some point Larry Jr. and Jerry lived with us as well.  The year was 1976, hello LaVista, NE here we come!

2013 Week 1

I have decided to combine two disciplines, and yes I need to catch up a few.  I am going to share one photo each week and one word that represents what I am grateful for.

GRATEFUL WORD: Time
Week 1, 2013 photo:

Mildred Irene Bush (My Mommy)

About the writer…

Royal D. Bush was born and raised in the Omaha metro area raised in a single parent family, with his Mother Mildred.  His first many years of life were spent in Bellevue, where he and his mother attended church at the First Baptist Church of Bellevue.  Eventually Omaha became home, where as a young adult, Royal began attending various worship services with friends and family before finally calling MCC Omaha his home, where he went on to serve as Minister of Hospitality.

In 2009, Royal founded Inclusive Life; a Nebraska, nonprofit, multifaith based organization that offers care and services to all without exception; religious, nonreligious and spiritual.  He continues to share his belief and message that “You are beautiful, you are loved and you are worthy, just the way you are.  You are not alone.”

His current project is sharing a 2 hour “You Retreat” that will be offered monthly in Omaha.  It will focus on allowing people to experience themselves in ways perhaps not experienced before or often. 

INCLUSIVE LIFE PASTORAL SERVICES

Religious, nonreligious, spiritual, we serve all without exception.

3622 Leavenworth Street Omaha, NE 68105

OFFICE (402) 575-7006          TEXT (402) 909-1668

info@inclusivelife.org

http://www.inclusivelife.org           www.facebook.com/inclusivelife