HAPPY NEW YEAR

And we're back.  This blog took some time off for the holidays, but now it's time to get back to it and do some more Moebius musing. 

But you know, before we put the holidays behind us, think of this:  really, one of the little stories that our kids so enjoy during the Christmas holiday season should have a connection to us.  Which story?  Simple--the tale of Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer.

Think about it.  What happens?  Rudolph is born with a shiny red nose (you could even have said it glows!).  Translation:  he looked different.  As the hour-long animated show about Rudolph televised every Christmas season on CBS details, his parents at first couldn't deal with it.  They were ashamed of a physical difference.  They tried to hide it.  Of course, this doesn't work.

And then when Rudolph's red nose is exposed, the other reindeer laugh at him.  He becomes an object of ridicule.  They won't let him play in any more reindeer games!  Translation:  Rudolph is kind of bullied.

How many of us with Moebius have experienced at least some form of this kind of treatment?  Answer:  many of us have.

Now of course, for Rudolph everything turned out all right.  And how it turned out for him has lessons for us, too.  Rudolph's red nose helps get Santa out of a tight spot.  His difference then is just that--a difference.  It isn't bad.  It can even be good.  So can our Moebius (we for example can spread awareness of physical differences to our friends and acquaintances, and teach them about being more open and tolerant). 

Having a physical difference is nothing to be ashamed of.  There's no reason to hide it or pretend it doesn't exist.  Instead, we are who we are, and it's all good.  It was good for Rudolph, and it's good for us.  And as we take away our memories from this past holiday season, that lesson of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a good one to hold on to, as well.  Happy New Year to all!