We are all living in such challenging times.  All of us have hardships that we face, and we must look to God and each other for strength and support.  Most of us find ways of enduring our challenges and the means to give to others (family, friends, and our community). We are living in the example of quite a President.  Even in the face of conflict and criticism, he still leads by example.  In deeds and policy, he's determined to continue to give to others and to encourage all of us to do the same.  No one is perfect.  I'm sure we can all find disagreement and disappointment with those we love, admire, and cherish the most.  If we're honest, we have to admit to times when we're not so happy with ourselves due to decisions we make and thoughts we may have about a variety of issues and circumstances we face.

Obama just keeps plugging along.  I'm so happy, as stated before, about the health care policy potential he created, the economic changes he's promoting, and the general health and well being that his and Michelle's actions and words promote to and for all of us.  I struggle with his decisions on nuclear policy, offshore drilling, and the amount of soldiers that we have engaged in conflicts throughout the world.  Presidents don't make popular decisions all the time for all the people.  I'm sure that he is discovering this on a daily basis.  And I can tell that it's not easy for him.  I still am confident that he's doing his best and ultimately will do good for all of us.  His example is to encourage us to do our part to make things better.  My life is a testimony to the good nature and contributions of our social policy, my family and friends.  I have lived a cherished and charmed life due to the contributions and support of others, so I know it exists and I see it every day.

I've spoken on many occasions of the contributions and support my mom has always given to me and especially what she's done for me in recent years.  I owe my survival to her and God, and the example that she sets for so many that continue to give to me makes my life worthwhile.  Most recently, I'm so proud of my father and his latest action demonstrating his belief in our responsibility to set an example and to give to each other in our community.  He has once again decided to run for city council in the place where our family has lived for more than 50 years.  He sees some deficiencies and limitations with regard to opportunities and support for a substantial portion of the population in our community.  He still believes enough in our system of government to put his reputation, time, and effort on the line to make a difference where he lives.  I'm so proud of him and I wish that everyone that can see his efforts will support him and emulate him in some way to try and make things better. 

I recently was visited by some people I care about that go out of their way to help others make things better.  My best friend Baron celebrated another birthday recently.  Since I've known him, he has given to his friends, family, and community to make it a more diverse, inclusive, and positive place for everyone.  He continues to support efforts that promote diversity and opportunity for others in the community and continues to make it possible for me to participate and show my support, by sponsoring various community and cultural activities for me to engage in.  I love him unconditionally and wish nothing but the best for him. 

My good friend from USC, Tony Brown, recently visited me.  We've known each other for 30 years.  Ever since I met him, his spiritual and practical core has been about supporting and promoting better living and more opportunity for others.  He recently had a child, but he remains committed to helping everyone he touches find economic and other fundamental opportunities for life betterment.

I also got a recent visit from a friend named Marianne.  She was my home care nurse while I attended UCLA some years ago.  We haven't seen each other in 5 years but we stay in touch.  Her friendship is most valued and her example is most profound.  She was a registered psychiatric nurse for more than 30 years when she accompanied her husband Willem, an educator, on a teaching fellowship to UCLA a few years back.  When they returned to their country, Holland, she decided to change her life of service in the area of nursing and tried something different.  She attended law school and now enjoys a contributory career in child health care advocacy in the Netherlands.  I'm so proud of her and so happy to know her.  So many can benefit from her service and her example of contribution.

I saw my friend Patrice last weekend.  She was as beautiful as ever.  I went to USC with her and her sister.  We became friends later on when we got reacquainted.  She comes from a family that loves jazz.  Most of her career, she has served as a mentor and most recently, as a mentor program administrator.  She has worked in New Jersey and Los Angeles, most recently with the L.A. Urban League.  I admire her.  She’s so beautiful and kind.  She was diagnosed with diabetes, but she perseveres with it.  She remains dedicated to advocating for diabetic research and mentorship programs.  Some people face challenges head on and remain committed to serving others instead of confining themselves to their own problems.  I love Patrice and I know she’s a role model and civic example to those of us that try to contribute to others in our community.

Another friend, Diana Guth, my past respiratory therapist, is a dynamo.  She has her own company to provide and promote respiratory healthcare to others.  She's had in her synagogues activities and she's the mother of an emotionally disabled son.  She recently contracted respiratory cancer herself.  By her determination, the prayers of many, and the grace of God, she's a cancer survivor, like my mom.  She continues to advocate for and promote health and wellness to many, including myself. 

Besides the many close friends that I have as examples of community servers, there's the example of my friend and former teacher, Mr. Joe Ferraina.  He continues to build quality schools and provide the ultimate in education possibilities for everyone in my town, thereby setting an example for school systems in the surrounding area.  He's due to retire this year, but I know and pray that he will go on to continue to serve and influence his growing community for years to come.  And speaking of great educators, I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the accomplishments of Jaime Escalante, the great math teacher and educator from L.A., whom we lost recently.  Mr. Escalante recognized and developed the capability and potential of many unrepresented minority students.  He will be missed, but his example will live on. 

I recently attended a concert by Alicia Keys at the Staples Center in L.A.  Her music and concerts convey a message of love, encouragement, and empowerment to women and minorities throughout the world.  She has a foundation that is dedicated to promoting health and wellness through AIDS research and medical assistance domestically and in Africa.  I also attended a concert by jazz trumpetist Terence Blanchard last week.  He's a protege of my friend and great musician Wynton Marsalis.  He's a product of the school of music of the great Billy Higgins, Art Blakey, and Wynton and Ellis Marsalis.  They constantly encourage, teach, and promote talented musicians throughout the world who provide musical and cultural nutrition ultimately to millions of people that enjoy and have access to their efforts.  Terence's current quintet features a pianist from Cuba, a bass player from Nigeria, a saxaphone player from Tucson, AZ, and a trumpeter from Houston, TX, and of course he's from that great pool of jazz musicians from New Orleans.  Their most recent CD release is called Choices, on the Concord label.  He's a musical performer and educator who services the need for the arts in all our lives. 

Last weekend, at the Masters golf tournament, Tiger Woods showed that through apology and commitment to rehabilitation, one can set an example for better service to one's family and the community at large.  He succeeded in finishing fourth in the Masters tournament after 5 months of dormancy on the professional circuit and countless hours and pages of criticism and ridicule about choices he's made in his personal life.  Another example of triumph that came from the Masters tournament is Phil Mickelson, who won the title after a year of enduring the tragedy and hardship of breast cancer suffered by his wife and mother.  Thankfully, they are both winning the fight against this disease, and he expressed his gratitude that he and his family could experience this triumph over medical adversity together and share it as an example to others struggling and battling with similar health crises.  Phil has been noted for much philanthropy and service to his community in San Diego and throughout the country, through his golf foundations.

I wrote this letter to express my gratitude for the contributions of so many and my determination to continue to do what I can to give back and to promote service throughout my life in the philosophy of a great President from the past, John Kennedy -- "everybody can do something," whether it's for your family, your friends, or the community at large.  The efforts that you make to serve others will have a tremendous effect on their lives and the lives of those that they touch.  Make an effort to serve.  It will be worth it!

Much love always,

DJ