Three things happened this week like that. My wife, Ginny, put up Godspell, a musical which included most of the hundred kids in the Y- Arts chorus and I got to pop their popcorn while I watched this incredible show. In a meeting in Augusta, I was empowered to help bring about those changes that will reduce and hopefully end the violence of domestic abuse. And, I received my letter from Rebuilding Together announcing May 7 as the date of the annual volunteer day.

Once a year Rebuilding Together identifies homeowners who need but can't afford simple upkeep of their dwellings. With skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled volunteers we spend a Saturday helping those unable to do it themselves. If you would like to join us please call 633-5538.

As for domestic abuse, we need to understand it is not a socio-economic, rural versus urban, education level, or racial problem. Rather it appears in every state, city and town and it is the abuse (verbal or physical) and battering by one person to control the actions and feelings of another person in a relationship. While most victims are women who are domestic partners, children and even our aging elder adults can become the subjects of abusers who may even include adult children and other caregivers. We all need to learn about and become responsible for the prevention of this insidious form of control that often erupts in domestic violence. If you want more information please call 594-2128 or for a 24-hour hotline, call 1-800-522-3304.

Finally, I want to thank all the kids and parents who made Godspell possible. What an uplifting positive experience! The energy, expertise, and heart on that stage brought most of us to tears. The message of God's love and our love for each other could not be much clearer. This may sound silly but I just couldn't think of a more effective way to describe how I walked away from that amazing performance than simply saying my glass went from being half empty to half full. Thank you, all of you, for helping all of us.