As a youth, I was privileged to know two very loving women, my mother and Ann Anderson. Both have been a major influence on my life. Also as a youth, I happened to read the "Ugly American" and another book "Black Like Me", both of which I highly recommend. 

The book "Black Like Me" is about a white newspaper reporter who possessed the courage and character to have the color of his skin changed, his hair dyed and curled, his lips and nose surgically thickened .... so that he could go undercover and experience what it was like to be a Black African-American in the 1950's. Upon finishing the book, I cried my eyes out because my heart was breaking. I didn’t realize until then what Ann Anderson must have experienced as a Black African-American ….. yet still be so loving. She is the first one I want to be reunited with when I get to heaven.

The racism and irresponsibility in the United States is unacceptable .... and there is plenty of blame to go around, on all sides. There is nothing that can be done to change history up to this point, but instead of wasting time continuing to play the blame game, and finding continual fault with each other .... perhaps we should embark on a new course: beginning with loving, personal relationships. Christ said, "Love ye one another as you do yourselves". If we put that into daily practice in this country perhaps racism wouldn't exist.

In the 1970's I began a career as an insurance agent in Dayton, Ohio. I wished to be nothing more than a good, honest, loving servant to the rich and poor alike ...... regardless of race, nationality, background or religion. Everyone received the finest services and coverage possible from me regardless.

In the process, I met truly wonderful people. Although they did not know each other, I came to know their hearts, dreams and aspirations .... and they came to know my heart as well. I always told them the truth, with loving sincerity and looked them directly in the eye when doing so. If I didn't know the answer, I told them so, but would research to find the correct answer for them. They always knew that I would do anything in my power to help them achieve their aspirations and happiness. If they needed me, even in the middle of the night, I would come .... even into dangerous neighborhoods.

My insurance clients stopped shaking my hand years ago. We began hugging one another instead. Personal relationships that share common universal bonds, beginning with loving one another, are the foundation for everything else.