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of them), I know he was a human being trying his best to do something in the world based on his belief systems. Did he hurt people? Probably. Did he help people? Probably. But he was only a human like you and me. He may have had a higher station in life than many of us, but still a human with the same fears, demons of the past, and issues to overcome.

If you are gay, had an abortion, very liberal, anti-fundamentalist/or anti-Falwell, and do not forgive what you perceive he has "done to you", are you (or I) really any different than what we may have perceived him to have been? I think not. Again, I was not a fan of Jerry Falwell's philosophies, but, I am reconciled that he was a human being, trying to do his best, and help others and his family Even if you perceive he could not forgive you for "your sins", why not practice forgiving him? At the very least, give his family time to grieve; they loved him dearly, even if you or I judged him by his philosophy. He was still a man, and for us to label him "good" or "bad" is playing G-d. I am sure like the rest of us, he did some things very well and some things not so very well. He simply had more visibility. It was easier to look at him than look at "me" or "you".

As I grow older and (I hope) wiser, I am aware that there are many people who love me, hate me, or are ambivalent and have no feelings whatsoever about me (I imagine most are neutral). None of that matters.

What other's think of me is really none of my business (and my gut instinct tells me they don't think about me very often). Most people are much more engaged in what others are thinking about them than that eccentric writer named Rick London. It is really what I think of me, and when I discover the character defects in me (which are much easier at an older age, try my best to change them to become a better person. It doesn't always happen but when it does I am elated. Often-times others don't even notice (or care for that matter). But I care.

After about six years of being interested in it, and studying it, I have learned one very valuable lesson. When I decide to make a friend or not make a friend, it has nothing to do with his or her religion (or lack thereof); it is his or her treatment of other people, animals, and respect for other humans and life in general, and of course the planet in which we live.

Change is gradual. Two decades ago, my focus and only goal was to a. become rich and famous b. have my share of women but "trade them in" when I got tired of them, not even thinking of their feelings, and that was about it.

I, of course, look back at "that person" who was me with disdain, but as I talk to other adults my age, I find I am not alone.

I am a better person now, probably because life itself makes one humble and one finally realizes there is (most likely) a G-d in charge and no matter what I think I want or need, I am but a "player on the stage" (as Shakespeare said) trying to do my best. I hope you'll join me in trying to learn this very interesting thing called life.

Learn more about this author, Rick London.
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