World Parliament, the Dalai Lama and my cousin
My cousin, Molly, is the Communications Director for The Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions. She works closely with some very important and interesting people. They, including Molly, have a deep conviction and passion to make this a better world.
This interfaith organization has done unbelievable work toward peace. Molly has been a huge part of that for the last few years. She works tirelessly, for very little and often to the detriment of personal relationships. There is no time that this is more true than working up to the parliament. Months of nearly round the clock work by her and the small team in Chicago, goes into making it a success.
This year the Dalai Lama was to be a main speaker. He is a master at invoking feelings of solidarity and peace. Very unfortunately, the Dalai Lama became ill once he made it to the US.
This very holy, peace loving and generous man, was admitted to Mayo Clinic. I don't know any details as to why or what was wrong. But whatever it is, or was, he cannot attend the World Parliament.
My cousin sent me a text the other night when she was standing outside the Mayo clinic. She told me how he, The Dalai Lama, had very generously offered to allow them to record him. They could then present the recording at the World Parliament.
Lo and behold, the next text I received was just a picture:
Molly on the left, holding hands with the Dalai Lama.
I couldn't be prouder of Molly. I've known her all her life. She went from being a little one I babysat, to a teenager I tried to help mentor and for whom I would advocate when those inevitable, teenage/parent problems appeared, to being a dear, loving friend. Sometimes it just works out that not being able to pick your relatives is the luckiest thing that could ever happen.
Molly's mother was my first cousin. She, also, was a dear friend. We lost her over nine years ago now. I can almost hear the excitement, joy and pride coming from Molly's mom. She would be doing cartwheels while on the phone with every relative in the world, bragging about her daughter. While I don't believe in God, I do believe in the energy that people put out. And I believe, that energy stays with us. In that aspect, I'm positive that Molly's mother is with her and her love is shining through Molly.
Here's a link to the World Parliament website.
http://www.parliamentofreligions.org/
I believe there are still tickets left. I'm hoping to attend to see Jane Goodall
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You're doing a great job supporting Molly. Her mother would give you a very grateful 
and a 
go.
Love the dali lama, pretty awesome dude! 