I'm Major Jackson and this is the Slowdown.

I marvel at our capacity to love each other beyond artificial categories and social boundaries.

I am awed by how we fill in the gaps for each other.

I hope you, like me, have been the beneficiary of the many decent people walking this earth.

I hope you have encountered people who smile is broad as a boulevard when you walk into

a room who never judge.

I hope you have big hearted people in your life who make you laugh until laughing and

crying are indistinguishable.

The folks who love you when you find it difficult to praise yourself, who call you cousin, sister,

brother, auntie, uncle, when in fact you share no DNA at all.

Those whose compassion knows no boundaries, who exhibit selflessness, who check in on you,

unbidden.

The people who know the love we receive as children at home is just a starter kit for

the love that needs to manifest in the world.

People whose kindnesses resonate over time in ways they will never witness.

People who drive miles and show up at hospitals, children's games, or holiday gatherings, who

send long letters just because, whose gift giving needs no special occasion, who take

you dancing when you are feeling glum and alone.

Who, upon meeting for the first time, find you across a room and talk as if you are the

most interesting person on the planet.

Then follow up afterwards for coffee or dinner.

Who have not announced of competition, jealousy or envy on them.

...