The newspaper for which I work printed my article, which was also my last blog post about Glen Campbell and his decision to allow a feature/documentary film to be made about his struggle with Alzheimer's disease.
I was so honored when I opened the paper to the Opinion Page and saw my article featured. Key word there -- Opinion. Something some of the bravest men and women in this great country of ours have fought to keep: the freedom to express one's opinion.
But it seems my opinion about the need to put a face to the disease and about how others before Glen could have done the same, but chose not to, ruffled a few feathers, and in so doing, I was accused of being anti-American for saying "such inappropriate things about the greatest American to live, President Ronald Reagan."
When I first heard about the Facebook war being waged against me, I was stunned, as nothing in my post was ever intended to be taken that way. And when a friend shared the postings with me (I'm not a FB friend with the instigator), I was - frankly - devastated. I chose not to comment on any of his rantings, because I didn't want to feed his ego. I took the high road, but it surely felt like the road less traveled for a while.
I've since realized something: A week earlier I attended a luncheon at which this same man (the instigator) sat right next to me. Now, I'm a very fortunate person in that often times I'm treated quite well when I attend some of the many fundraising events in my community. I keep it all in perspective, because I know it's my title and not myself that often draws the attention, and that's okay. Because of my job, I've been able to help so many non-profits garner more attention to their missions, and that's -- as Martha Stewart says -- a good thing. The instigator is likely used to the same type of attention when he attends events, as he has a small radio show in his small town.
On this particular day, I attended this luncheon, because it was going to be the featured story on the cover of my publication's next edition, and everyone there knew it -- so everyone eventually made their way over to my table to meet and greet. It was very nice and welcoming, but I did notice the man who would become the instigator had a pouty face on. Of course, I didn't realize it at the time, but now I wonder if the lack of attention towards him was the true cause of his ruffled feathers.
Just wondering.
I'm pretty sure the instigator has now gone on to stir the pot on other issues. I don't listen to his radio show -- his air waves don't reach me.
Here's the really good news from that day, though.
The event was the Women of Distinction awards luncheon to benefit the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida, and it was held in a neighboring county. When I asked why they didn't do something similar in 'my county,' the reply was they couldn't get anyone interested.
I was a Girl Scout for many years, and my mother was either the leader or the assistant leader of my troops for most of those years. I loved scouting and - along with my parents - attribute much of who I am today to scouting.
I do believe Mom was speaking to me that day when I was told they couldn't get anyone interested in 'my county.' And she spoke to me for days following. So, in response, I have decided to chair a similar event to be held this time next year to also benefit the Girl Scouts. I'm positive this is what Mom wants me to do to pull myself out of the hole I've been stuck in.
So, you may be hearing from me real soon. I'm going to need as many of you as possible to help me out on this one, and I can't wait to get started.
