Heroes, Miracles, Neverland, Lost Boys and Peter Pan

This Christmas Holiday I had the privilege and blessing to be able to visit children presently in the hospital fighting the dragons of cancer or some other life-threatening illness. I have had the opportunity of doing this for some time now.  And no matter how many times I have visited children in the hospital fighting cancer, it never gets easy.  Yet, I cannot deny the deep amount of love that is shared and felt, and in this, there is no denying that God exists, has a plan, and it is one that is so complex and complicated that I do not understand it.

As a multiple cancer survivor, I do ask the God I believe in why did you allow me to stay while, sadly, painfully, and overwhelmingly tragically, some of these beautiful children will not?

I will be the first to admit that even though I consider my faith to be very strong, and that I do see the world with optimistic eyes, there are many times when I do not understand why this is the plan for some of these children?

And I know the battles that chidlren face first-hand, not just on my own account, but because of my beautiful niece - who today, over 5 years now past since she first fought the dragon - is a conqueror.

There are no words that could explain the complex feelings that swelled in my heart over the past few days that have caused a tireless current of various emotions that push and pull at my being. This feeling is not new, but one that is rather familiar. It is both sustaining and alarming. And like most things that cause an array of emotions, the feelings that hold me are magnified because of my own personal experiences with the events of the day.

All of you know me as Peter Thomas Senese, an author and advocate of children. But you see, many of the children I am dedicated to see me not as the adult that I try so hard not to be, but for who I am in spirit: Peter Pan -fighter of the dragon that tries to steal life in the form of cancer or some other nasty disease.

And the other day was one of those incredibly special days when my inner Peter Pan had taken flight and visited many children in the hospital who were in the midst of their own fight with the dragon. In my spirit, I carried the wonderful spirit of my niece, and the goodness of my friend Robert who was made of pure goodness before God called him to join him in Heaven a few weeks ago after a protracted fight with the dragon, and my friend Stacey who is fighting the dragon now ... and so many others ... but their spirits gave me 'lift'.

Fighting the dragon of cancer is something I am not new to. You see, I have had a share of cancer fights that over the years caused tumors to grow in areas of my body. In fact, I was diagnosed with a disease long ago that had a low survival rate, and chances were that my life-span was expected to be limited because of the high mortality rate of my cancer disease.

Well, my diagnosis of 15 years ago that included making sure I got my 'affairs' in order missed one important mark: I'm still here, extremely healthy, and a Conqueror of Cancer. In fact, the genetic testing of the gene strain that caused my very complex form of cancer to occur . . . and keep coming back is now gone from my body.

 Seriously: the dragon that ravaged my body is gone.

And if you didn't know that I fought the dragon on numerous occasions, then chances are that you would not know of my many battles because my body is strong, my scars have healed, and by no means have I become anything less than a warrior who shares with others wisdom I have learned and gained about how to see the magic in life, and how to use this magic to fight the dragon.

I know that the time I live here on this planet really is a gift.

I know that the wisdom I gained fighting a disease that by all odds, was suppose to take my life in a cruel way, but failed, has helped many others.

I know the precious value of celebrating life and seeing the magic.

And I know that the Peter Pan in me allows me to talk to children in a way that they understand.

So on days like yesterday, my inner Peter Pan takes flight and visits children who fight the dragon.

My visits to an assortment of hospitals are incredible journeys. I have now traveled for 13 years. Each year I learn many new things, yet I am reminded of many of the same wonderment's that existed or were taught the year before, including most importantly that life's magic and embracing this magic is the key to happiness.

My support to find a cure for cancer has been steadfast for well over a decade. I am quite proud that I have been able to find a way in my own life to be able to provide resources to help fight cancer, while also being able to assist others who fight the fight.

Yesterday, I had a chance to visit two New York City area hospitals that specialize in treating children with life-threatening illnesses.

It is a day I look forward to more than any other day of the year, though my visits to hospitals occur several times a year.

Perhaps the difference is that on this day I travel with many cool gifts that originate from the spirit of Neverland . . . gifts carefully saved for throughout the year by me and a few of my friends from Neverland.

And though I look forward to my visit, truth is fighting cancer or any life-threatening illness is not easy for anyone, yet alone for a child and their family.

Yet, I know first-hand just how important it is for anyone in the midst of the fight to 'Think of Happy Thoughts' ... because happy thoughts allows your spirit to fly and soar - and fight! And few know the importance of 'Happy Thoughts' more than Peter Pan.

My day was filled with a great amount of laughter and incredible love.

I am in awe of the true heroes to these children: their mothers and fathers and sisters and brothers.  I know each of these parents would do anything possible to help take away the danger their child faces. As I met with many of them, I remembered in vivid detail the time when I was Chasing The Cyclone of child abduction when two dragons showed up at my family's doorstep.  Nor will I ever forget the incredible love that existed as parents to child.

My life has been touched forever due to my battles with the dragon.  And I have often said that these battles, as it turned out, were a blessing in my life for they helped create who I am today.

For whatever reason, God allowed me to become a gifted storyteller capable of sharing enchanting stories with children.

And so my day, joined by my dear friend Patricia (Tinkerbell) and Fred (Twister), was filled with sharing stories that grasped at the children's and their parents' hearts. And we were so blessed because along the way we recruited a wonderful group of 'Lost Adults' as I called them from Iowa who came to New York on a ministry to help those impacted by Hurricane Sandy. Pastor Rick, Jane, Jenna, and Debbie had no idea what they were getting into when they stepped in the elevator, but we were sure glad they did because they were so incredibly helpful in so many ways. New friends were made that shared something so incredible.

Sometimes I would enter a room and look around and say, "Hey, you're in my old bed!" While other times, I would introduce myself by saying in a low voice, "Hi, I'm Peter Pan. And I came to see you from Neverland. And I have some presents for you from the Lost Boys and Girls. Do you think the adults can see me?" Or, "I'm Peter Pan, and I'm looking for someone who wants to come on an adventure and help me fight Captain James C. Hook. Are you interested in an adventure?"

For whatever the reason, the children I was blessed to visit appeared to connect with me.

There were stories told, really cool presents opened, prayers said, jokes told, and trust . . . a lot of trust. You see, when I told the children that I fought the cousin of the dragon that they were fighting and beat him, they became very interested in what I had to say.

It was then that the room became very small, and it felt as if it was just me and one of my new pals. And for the few minutes that we were locked in together, I allowed them to touch one of the scars on my head, and to feel the tight-ball of a muscle of my bicep, and to listen to my words of encouragement. And during this time, I explained some things that were so important, including how important it was for them to find their 'Happy Thoughts' all the time.

I can't begin to share with you the depth of what was given to me yesterday. Truth is for as much as I may have shared, it was the children that gave so much to me.

Hope is the most powerful tool in the world. When we learn to see the magic around us, we are able to see and embrace hope. When we embrace hope, our lives become enriched.

Faith is a very important part of my own life. In my faith, of course I questioned often why God would allow for these children to go through what they are. It was a similar set of questions I asked often during the time when one of my young family members had to fight the dragon (successfully).

Words the express my hope that the men and women who dedicate their lives to finding a cure for cancer travel with God speed on their quest could never be properly expressed. I am in awe of those individuals who have dedicated their lives to helping find cures to all diseases, and have been blessed to know over the years some of the world's leading genomic scientist who get up every day trying to make a difference.

But most of all, in the eyes of these amazing children I had the great privilege of visiting with yesterday, I saw the hope of mankind and the goodness that exists in each of us.

The lessons these children shared with me are lessons I will continue to embrace. One of which I would like to share with you:

We all have the ability of making a positive difference in the life of another. The magic of life is clearly found when we act compassionately.

Sadly, it would be unrealistic for me to think that all the children I met with will overcome the challenges they face, thought I have learned in life that anything is possible.  

I BELIEVE. 

I BELIEVE!

Still, my heart is heavy knowing the journey these children are on.

Yes, I try to take comfort knowing that the God I believe in does have a plan for each and every person. And I am smart enough to know that I do not have the capacity to understand all that God has in store for each of us. The heaviness of my heart is tempered by my belief in Heaven. I learned a long time ago I am not afraid of dying here . . . in fact, for a few seconds of my own life, during the time when I had the tumor in my noggin and was receiving experimental therapy treatment, my own heart did stop. And as I just said ... I do believe in Heaven.

My wish for each of you is that you embrace each and every moment of life. Life really is filled with magic. It appears that it comes down to how each of us decides to see.

I ask that you keep in your prayers all individuals who are not in good health, particularly children, because God really does listen.

And as for me . . . my 'Peter Pan' will continue to guide my life.  I am sure I will be visiting a few more hospitals over the coming weeks in Los Angeles and in Florida.

And I am now committed to create a traveling theater troupe of actors who are willing to play in an adaptation of Peter Pan I have in mind.

Over the coming days, and in my capacity as the Founding Director of the I CARE Foundation, I know that we are going to be extremely busy trying to assist parents who recently had their child internationally kidnapped during the Christmas holiday season.  The tragedy of having a child abducted to a foreign country is beyond a nightmare, and a true danger for innocent children.

Hopefully our preparation for these coming days will make a difference in the lives of us.  And so - we will fight for innocent children.

 Remember my friends . . . "Embrace Hope, Know Faith . . . And Think Happy Thoughts'.

Peter

Monsterous, Inhumane Suggested Hate Crimes Against Children On The Autism Spectrum Will Not Be Tolerated

In my life, I have never been more angry and stirred to act than I am at this point after reading recently on several social media sites a growing number of suggested hate crimes against innocent, trusting, defenseless children who are on the autism spectrum. 

These statements that include various forms of violence against children are far worse than the inhuman hellfire punishment of a Salem witch trial, more barbaric than the lynching of a person because of their color, and reminiscent of the heartless acts of mass genocide committed by pure evil.

 I am both deeply concerned that calls for violence against any type of child - any type of adult for that matter - that is different can escalate into widespread stupidity that leads to physical harm, and cause even greater challenges and worry to a large and growing community of children and their parents who must deal day-in and day-out with seeing the world uniquely because these children were born differently.

From the hours afters the tragedy that has occurred in Newton, Connecticut where innocent children and adults had their lives stolen from them at the hands of bullets that came from semi-automatic, military grade weapons, I have, personally and as a director of the non-profit I CARE Foundation which has helped reunite many internationally kidnapped children while working to create new laws that will protect children from abduction and trafficking, I have called for sweeping gun control reform that will remove the sale of semi-automatic weapons and high-impact bullets, amongst a cache of suggestions that will protect people of all ages. 

Sadly, tragically, and unquestionably, bullets shot from guns kill people.  I wonder out loud how many of gunmen suffered from depression?  How many gunmen who shot at or killed a law enforcement officer murdered a police officer because they had access to a gun?

From my standpoint growing up in Brooklyn, New York, guns kill people.  Remove the guns off the street and remove the accessibility to murder.  On this note, I can't applaud Hizzoner Mayor Bloomberg and New York Police Commissioner Kelly enough for their indefatigable campaign to get rid of guns on the New York streets.  And the I CARE Foundation has strongly supported Mayor Bloomberg's 'Demand A Plan To Stop Gun Violence'.

But back to the hate-mongers and those who may have acted impulsively and who are acting with little compassion, knowledge, and inhumanity in their souls who have suggested that physical harm be brought to children on the spectrum, I urge each of you who have made these statements to think long and hard about what you are suggesting.  Think if you had a brother or sister, or son or daughter who was on the spectrum: would you love or hate that person?  Would you walk away from their challenges or would you help them?  Would you stand up to bullies who try to abuse or take advantage of them when their in school, knowing that your brother or sister, or son or daughter were very trusting - because generally individuals on the spectrum are very trusting.

Unequivocally, any call to violence and bullying against any children predefined by any characteristics would, I imagine, become a rallying cry and call-to-action from parents of these children, and I suspect this is very true of parents who fight day-in and day-out for any child who has a handicap or disadvantage. 

There is no room, place, or tolerance for hate crimes in our society - and that is exponentially embraced when we are discussing the safety of innocent children. 

Personally, I know many wonderful children who are on the spectrum, including amazing, loving, and gifted family members and children of very close friends of mine.  And each of these children are blessings in my life.  And I can't even begin to explain how much I have learned because at times these wonderful children remind me and teach me about the wonderment that is in the world because they see the world in the honesty we hope it to be.  Nor could I ever begin to share just how deep my admiration goes to the parents of children who are on the spectrum.  Their love and commitment toward their child is beyond remarkable.

Amy Harmon of the New York Times recently wrote an article titled, 'Fearing a Stigma for People With Autism' where she writes, "Experts say there is no evidence that they are more likely than any other group to commit violent crimes."

The New York Times article goes on to say, “Aggression in autism spectrum disorders is almost never directed to people outside the family or immediate caregivers, is almost never planned, and almost never involves weapons,” said Dr. Catherine Lord, director of the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain at New York-Presbyterian hospital. “Each of these aspects of the current case is more common in other populations than autism.

      

"Dr. Lord said that in an unpublished review of data tracking several hundred adults with autism over at least the past five years, she and fellow researchers had found no use of weapons. Among more than 1,000 older children and adolescents in that study, only 2 percent were reported by parents to have used an implement aggressively toward a non family member — fewer than in a control group. That finding was repeated in another set of data that she analyzed over the weekend at the request of The New York Times."

      

So there is apparnetly no known correlation between violence and being on the autism spectrum.

 

The New York Times article points to a "most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate, one in 88 children in the United States have an autistic spectrum disorder, whose symptoms range in severity. For a time, it seemed almost faddish to be diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, or high-functioning autism, a condition in which individuals have normal or above-average language skills and intelligence but struggle to observe social rules, like when to make eye contact or to ask a reciprocal question, and to intuit the feelings of others."

  

Ms. Harmon's article provided insight into the world of adults who are on the autism spectrum when it stated, “When I tell someone I’m on the autism spectrum, there’s always a fear that they will judge me in a negative way because of it,” said Alex Plank, founder of WrongPlanet.net, a Web site where many individuals with Asperger syndrome have poured out their concerns in recent days.

 

“Fortunately, people think ‘Temple Grandin’ or even ‘Bill Gates’ and make a connection in their mind. I’d hate to have someone think ‘Adam Lanza.

      

"Some of the commenters on Mr. Plank’s site reflected an insider’s knowledge of life with an autism spectrum disorder:one wondered why the public school system was not providing Mr. Lanza with a “transition to adulthood” program through age 21, as required by federal law?"

 

Surely, and thankfully, the national conversation about gun control will bring about positive reform in our nation's gun control laws.  In this, I believe we all hope that innocent lives will be spared by an existing fate under the laws of today.  It is my strong hope that a second, and equally important national conversation continues to grow and sustains itself: and that is our nation's responsibility to assist all individuals on the spectrum regardless of age.

 

There have been an incredible number of highly gifted individuals who have made a tremendous impact on society who have been reported to have been or are on the spectrum. 

 

This list includes individuals who have been cited in a public report as possibly being on the spectrum includes Microsoft founder and renown philanthropist Bill Gates, along with scientist who changed the world such as Albert Einstein and Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Henry Cavendish as well as writers, entertainers, and artists such as Mozart, Michelangelo, Mark Twain, Jim Henson, Woody Allen and Jane Austin. Here is a list of some well-known individuals on the Autism Spectrum who have been associated with possibly being on the spectrum (cited from Wikipedia):

 

Asperger's Syndrome

• Jessica-Jane Applegate, Paralympic swimmer
• Henry Bond, writer and photographer^[2]
• Phillipa "Pip" Brown (aka Ladyhawke), indie rock musician^[3]
• Michael Burry, US investment fund manager^[4]
• Lizzy Clark, actress and campaigner^[5]
• Ryan Cleary, LulzSec hacker^[6]
• William Cottrell, student sentenced for fire-bombing SUV dealerships^[7]
• Paddy Considine, actor^[8]
• James Durbin, finalist on the tenth season of American Idol^[8]
• Robert Durst, American real estate developer accused of murder^[9]
• Tim Ellis, Australian magician and author^[10]
• Paula Hamilton, model^[11]
• Daryl Hannah, actress^[12]
• Peter Howson, Scottish painter^[13]
• Luke Jackson, author^[14]
• Heather Kuzmich, fashion model and reality show contestant on America's Next Top Model^[15]
• Adrian Lamo, American computer hacker^[16]
• Clay Marzo, American professional surfer^[17]
• Gary McKinnon, computer hacker who broke into high-security military and government sites^[18]
• Travis Meeks, lead singer, guitarist and song writer for acoustic rock band Days of the New^[19]
• Les Murray, Australian poet^[20]
• Robert Napper, British murderer^[21]
• Ari Ne'eman, American autism rights activist^[22]
• Jerry Newport, American author and mathematical savant, basis of the film Mozart and the Whale^[23]
• Craig Nicholls, frontman of the Australian alternative rock band, The Vines^[24]
• Gary Numan, British singer and songwriter^[25] (although he has not been medically diagnosed)^[26]
• Tim Page, Pulitzer Prize-winning critic and author^[27]
• Dawn Prince-Hughes, Ph.D., primate anthropologist, ethologist, and author^[28]
• Nicky Reilly, failed suicide bomber from Britain^[29]
• John Elder Robison, author of Look Me in the Eye^[30]
• Vernon L. Smith, Nobel Laureate in economics^[31]
• Raymond Thompson, New Zealand scriptwriter and TV producer^[32]
• Liane Holliday Willey, author^[33]
• Adam Young, multi-instrumentalist, producer and the founder of the electronic project Owl City^[34]

High-functioning autism

 

High-functioning autism is an informal term, not an official diagnostic category. Compared to diagnostic criteria for the official ASDs, descriptions of HFA tend to align most closely with Asperger syndrome.

• Michelle Dawson, autism researcher and autism rights activist^[35]
• Temple Grandin, food animal handling systems designer and author^[36]
• Caiseal Mór author, musician, and artist^[37]
• Hikari Ōe, Japanese composer^[38]
• Dylan Scott Pierce, wildlife illustrator^[39]
• Jim Sinclair, autism rights activist^[40]
• Donna Williams, Australian author.

Autism spectrum

• Amanda Baggs, advocate of rights for autistic people^[41]
• Marty Balin, singer and songwriter with Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship^[42]
• Lucy Blackman, university educated author^[43]
• Luca Brecel, Belgian professional snooker player.^[44]
• Alonzo Clemons, American clay sculptor^[45]
• Tony DeBlois, blind American musician^[46]
• Marc Evers, Paralympic swimmer^[47]
• James Hobley, British dancer and 2011 Britain's Got Talent finalist^[48]
• Jonathan Jayne, contestant on American Idol^[49]
• Christopher Knowles, American poet^[50]
• Bhumi Jensen, grandson of Bhumibol Adulyadej, King of Thailand^[51]
• Leslie Lemke, blind American musician^[52]
• Jonathan Lerman, American artist^[53]
• Jason McElwain, high school basketball player^[54]
• Thristan Mendoza, Filipino marimba prodigy^[55]
• Tito Mukhopadhyay, author, poet, and philosopher^[56]
• Derek Paravicini, blind British musician^[57]
• James Henry Pullen, gifted British carpenter^[58]
• Matt Savage, U.S. autistic jazz prodigy^[59]
• Birger Sellin, German author^[60]
• Henriett Seth F., Hungarian autistic savant, poet, writer and artist^[61]
• Daniel Tammet, British autistic savant^[62]
• 50 Tyson, rapper and autism activist^[63]
• Richard Wawro, Scottish artist^[52]
• Stephen Wiltshire, British architectural artist^[64]

 

 The Center For Disease Control and Prevention stated on it's website:

 

ASDs occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, but are almost five times more common among boys than among girls. CDC estimates that about 1 in 88 children has been identified with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

 

More people than ever before are being diagnosed with an ASD. It is unclear exactly how much of this increase is due to a broader definition of ASDs and better efforts in diagnosis. However, a true increase in the number of people with an ASD cannot be ruled out. We believe the increase in ASD diagnosis is likely due to a combination of these factors.
 
For over a decade, CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network has been estimating the number of people with an ASD in the U.S. We have learned a lot about how many children in the U.S. have an ASD. It will be important to use the same methods to track how the number of people with an ASD is changing over time in order to learn more about the disorders.

Most of all, we must all remember that any act of violence against another individual is wrong.  In light of the heavy hearts we all feel in the aftermath of the tragedy that occurred in Newtown, Connecticut, and with deep respect and compassion for all who have been impacted by what sadly occurred, including the loss of so many lives, and, the deep scarring of so many lives who were there, we must join together and say that no call for violence against any person or any group will be tolerated from the moment words of intolerance are spoken.

And we surely must remember that we do need new gun control laws that will ensure that tragedies such as what occurred in Newtown will not occur again.

My friend Susann Gehring is a highly respecte parenting blogger who has come to the aid of children  at risk of international parental child abduction in her advocacy of sharing the I CARE Foundation's social messages about abduction and trafficking.  On her wonderful MommaHopper Blog, Susann posted a very important article that begins with:

At 9:30 we took a moment of silence and said a prayer today to remember those that lost their life last week at the horrible event. People want to blame someone. From the time of Adam and Eve, the blame game has begun. I have heard it is the guns fault, the gun makers fault. Now last night I hear people are hurting children who have Autism because the shooter had it. I just want to scream, BAD THINGS HAPPEN…..somethings we can’t explain why. Then I read this last night on Facebook. Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Joy Scott — a student killed in the 1999 shootings at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado — did make this speech during testimony on May 27, 1999 before the Subcommittee on Crime of the House Judiciary Committee. 

The Speech of Darrell Scott follows:  I suggest you read it.

Peter Thomas Senese
Founding Director
The I CARE Foundation

My Parents Are Addicted To Video Games - How Did This Happen?

As a best-selling author and long-term supporter of literacy, not only am I an avid reader, but I am a person who enjoys recommending books I think my friends would enjoy. 

Though I love the feel and texture of bound books, I have come to also embrace the ease and accessibility of my e-readers (I have both an Amazon Kindle Fire and a Barnes & Noble Nook tablets).  This said, there is little I treasure more than my large and growing library collection of books.

My love of books and reading runs deep. I embrace the notion that a book is a free ticket to anywhere in the universe.  And so, as you may imagine, my life is filled with many adventures as I travel in the written words that my imagination fancifully embraces.

So over the past year, I thought that I would purchase my parents Kindle Fires.  At first I was unsure about getting my father a Kindle, but since my mother was an avid reader, I thought that she too would embrace the ease of using an e-reader as opposed to having to lug around her books.

With moderation in mind, I first purchased my mother a Kindle. 

And it was a giant hit.  My mother loves her Kindle.  She uses it to read, to check her email, to browse the news, and to sporadically connect with her friends on the social networks she belongs to.  She also loves doing something else with her Kindle . . .

Enter my father, who mind you, I purchased a Kindle after a short time of my mother receiving her Fire.  You see, it was only after about 3 weeks that my mother discovered that she enjoyed playing video games on her Kindle.

My father became curious, interested, and like my mother ... obsessed.

Seriously, my mother and father have become video game addicts.

Their primary game of choice?

Slotto Mania . . .

How bad is it?

Well, let me say this: every 2 or 4 hours  Slotto Mania gives away fictitious money to its players.  And if you miss the window to 'Collect Your Money', then you miss out on having additional money to play.   Now, fortunately, there is no real money involved, otherwise I would be real worried.

Nevertheless, my parents are very conscious to collect there money.  It's like they've become loan sharks making sure that the Kindle pays up . . .

So imagine, here are my two senior parents .... they're far from old .... and at midnight, one of them is up to make sure that they are collecting their Slotto Mania money.  Then, depending on if the 'Collect Your Money' notification is marked for 2 hours or 4 hours (it varies), the other one will be responsible for collecting their money at that time. 

Imagine you have the midnight shift, I'll take the 2 a.m. shift, and then you're on call for the 4 a.m. shift, etc.

Sure sounds like someone is taking care of  a newborn, but that can't be possible - my parents are or are approaching their 70's!

Now from what I understand, and what I have witnessed with my own eyes ... they play their video games for several hours during the day.  Now mind you, my parents are very active individuals ... I mean, very active.  Which makes it even that much more comical to know that during their downtime, they are playing video games.  And of course, getting up at 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. sure seems a bit obsessive.

I could only imagine what any parent would say to their young child if this type of behavior was exhibited.  But its not like I can ground my parents to take their Kindle away. 

And like children who first discover the wonderment of video games, my parents are beginning to branch out. 

I'm just waiting to walk into their house and see them playing Call Of Duty or Assassins Creed. 

As for using Kindle for what I hoped would be an enriching experience of reading, well, on occasion a book I recommend does get downloaded.  Thank God!

But in their senior years, and with Christmas approaching, my only question is do I purchase them a PlayStation, a Wii, or an Xbox?  In our home, we have all three - each has their merits.

So in case you're wondering what I will be doing this Saturday, I will be shopping for a video console and some games for my . . . mother and father!

As my soon-to-be 97 year old spectacular grandmother Ida has said to me often throughout my life, "Life is to mysterious to take is serious and if you do it will make you delirious."

Happy Holidays my friends,

Peter

Peter Thomas Senese: Christmas, Santa, Peter Pan, and Lessons Learned Fighting Cancer

Yesterday was a completely fulfilling day as I spent the vast majority of the day at Toys R Us and Best Buy shopping for children fighting cancer and other serious illnesses during what has become my annual Christmas tradition of visiting children at several hospitals during this time of year (Okay - I have been blessed to be able to make visits a few times each year: it is something I am sure I will continue to do).

To say the day was deeply gratifying would be an understatement: I do not see the illness these children face and run in despair.  Instead, I see the challenges they face as opportunity to help teach them how to empower themselves and move quicker on a road of good health. And I see a responsibility to share what I have come to learn.

As a multiple cancer conqueror who not only won some serious battles and eventually my own war, there were many things I learned along the way that helped me learn how to fight.

And fight I did during some heavy battles. The first was a tumor occurred 19 years ago and was suppose to cause my right leg to be amputated: today I swim hard, I run fast, and I don't know anyone who can navigate a New York street during rush hour the way I can.

I remember how nearly 16 years ago another tumor in my head was suppose to cause my life to end.  I remember the ordeal, and if you will, the ordeal on top of the ordeal to get healthy.  And I remember what it was like to have experimental treatment.  And to become so weak and so frail. And during this time, to have others show incredible financial greed because they thought I was going to die. And somehow, through it all, to become so damn strong, emotionally, physically, and trusting spiritually.  

And somehow - through that ordeal I was born.

To only face another dragon a year later.  And it was then, during that time, though I did not know it, that I would soon embark on Chasing The Cyclone, for my perspective on life changed, and that, in one sense made me gullible and vulnerable.

But not for long.  And that promise that I made when my life changed forever, drives me today as it did many years ago.  If anything, I have become a bit wiser, a bit stronger, a surely more capable. I know that I have been able to help many children in crisis facing a different threat: the horror of international abduction.  And I know that fate led me down that road of the last cancer fight in order for me to somehow become a person who would fight for these children - and keep fighting.

You see, through all of it, the one thing - and perhaps the most important  thing- was to find the magic that is in life each and every day: magic that surrounds each of us, and to share it.

It was by finding that magic that all other medical and spiritual treatments were elevated and became more tangible. 

Now, I have never wrote about this, but God knows I needed to find the magic because I was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis II: a disease that caused deadly cancerous tumors to grow on the body's nerve trunks.  Unfortunately, the vast majority of people pass from NF2. However, for the slim few who can survive during the high incubation period where the genome is highly active, there is a very good chance of living a long, long life because the genome that causes NF2 disappears all together.  I know this first-hand because I have had multiple genomic tests - and I have made it through.  I have conquered the dragon. And oddly, the NF2 is not gene related.  How I got this - I still don't know .. but it is gone.

So, I have to admit, I felt joyful shopping the way we did yesterday. And I am very pleased with the cool gifts we picked up the children.
 

But truth is the real joy for me will be found when I visit several hospitals from now until Christmas - and do something much more than just give out very cool Christmas gifts:  I will talk to some amazing, brave, and eager children and share with them how to see and use the magic in life, and how to use that magic and make it a sword that they can use to beat the dragon.

Sometimes, and with the children's parents permission, I let them touch my scars.  And we laugh about them.  But you see ... it seems they can laugh with me because I am no longer frail and week, but strong and filled with the power of life.  And they see and know this.
 

I know I have been blessed to beat back the dragon.  I know the promise I made to the God I believe in to help others should I be given the ability to have beaten the dragon.  I know that days like yesterday and the coming days help define my life, give it incredible value, allow me to meet amazing, mighty warriors, and gives me clear sight of the magic that is in all of our lives.

Some of you may be surprised to know that I had successfully fought a serious, life-threatening disease.  And this is the first time I really spoke about it outside of the walls of the hospitals I visit. So thank you for letting me share this - and thank you for allowing me to see the magic many of you have brought into my life: that magic seen is magic shared.

There is one last thing I want to say: the incredible friendships I have made and shared are amongst my most valued treasures.  My friendships have allowed me to be part of several amazing, flourishing communities, and these communities are filled with so much magic and magical people.  And it is what I have come to embrace in the communities I am a part of that I take with me and share with the children fighting the dragon.

It is easy to make a positive difference in another person's life.  All you have to do is believe . . .

-Peter-


P. S. - my dear friend Joel Walter is an amazing attorney who has dedicated so much of his life to helping children.  Children at risk of abduction are fortunate that Joel works diligently as a board member of the I CARE Foundation.  Joel has been with through all of my fights, and always acted in my best interest so that I could live.  His assistance in helping with the children is remarkable.  This season, we do what we do in honor of our dear friend Robert Medori, who passed away this past week.  Robert demonstrated what was the best qualities that was found in men.



 

Protecting Your Elderly Parents

A few nights ago, I was coming out of my home in New York when I noticed an elderly couple standing in the cold near one of my neighbor's homes.  I immediately noticed that both the man and woman were only wearing sweaters despite it being around 37 degrees outside.  I also noticed the man, who was a big guy despite apparently being in his mid-80's, was clutching to a four-pronged walking cane. I then noticed his wife, who had one arm on his hip, was wearing slippers.

So I immediately raced over to them because I knew something was wrong.

As I got closer, I noticed their skin was very pale: they had to be outside for some time.

So I said 'Hello.  My name is Peter. Are you okay?"

They smiled but didn't say a word back.

"Do you speak English?"

The man smiled before his wife said 'Very little," in her Russian voice.

I smiled, and asked where they lived.

The woman provided me with several street names, but did not provide any street address.

I asked if either had any identification.  They did not.  And I was careful to make sure they didn't.

So, here I was with this elderly couple who clearly was freezing, lost, confused, and who may have been suffering from dementia.

I suddenly noticed the  elderly gentlemen, Leo, began to shift his body, so I grabbed him before he fell.

Soon after, I brought them into my home, where I made sure to immediately give them hot tea with a lot of honey. As I prepared some minestrone soup for them, I could not think how important it is for children to ensure their elderly parents' safety.

While preparing the soup, I went down a long check list of questions in hope I might find out their last names (they gave their American version of their much longer Russian last name), a phone number (they did not have a cell phone - which is so important for all elderly people to carry), they did not know the names of their doctors, and they did not know the telephone number of their son.

My next line of questioning involved trying to identify what their house looks like.  At the time, I also called the NYPD and requested some assistance, particularly since these two elderly folks may have been reported as missing by their family.

As I waited for the NYPD to arrive, I made sure the couple was warm.  Then I got this idea on how I can find their home: I will use Google Map Search.

And so, I brought up a map of the community, and street by street I showed them pictures of the houses on Google Maps.

Wouldn't you know it - but I actually found their house - as soon as they saw their home, they both quickly pointed to the computer screen.

Well, after making sure they ate two full bowls of my minestrone soup, I called the NYPD, let them know i located the couple's home, ans was taking them there.  Apparantly, no missing person report had been filed.

So I got them in my car and drove them home.  They were very thankful, and I was more than relieved that the key the women had worked, and opened the door to her house.

After helping them get into their home, and letting them know I would be back the following day (yesterday: which I did), I left their home thankful that I had come out of my home when I did because this couple was lost.   And yesterday I was able to track down family members of theirs who will be mindful that the couple had a little walk-about.

In light of what happened, I wanted to share how important it is that the children of elderly parents take precautionary steps to ensure their safety.  Elderly people should have written down somewhere in their wallet or purse their address and telephone number of an emergency contact.  I think providing a cell phone to your parents and programming several phone number in it is also important.

The other day was pretty scary.  I could not help but think of my own grandfather, who suffered from dementia and Alzheimer's disease before he passed.

Please take precautionary steps to ensure your elderly parents' safety in whatever way you think they may need assistance. And remember, don't wait for an emergency or problem to occur before you act.

Peter

Miracles Happen: A Neurologist Protects Her Daughter From Abduction

Earlier today I received another beautiful letter from a parent who was a great risk of having their child internationally abducted.

As this particular mother who I am very fond of said, "If it were not for the assistance of several of the I CARE Foundation's team, my child would have been taken and my life ruined forever."

Well, her child was not taken, her life was not ruined, and she can continue with her concentrated studies of becoming a neurologist.  And that is pretty cool because as opposed to this amazing mother chasing the cyclone of abduction into a non-Hague country for her child, she is working on getting that beautiful 'M.D.' so she can one day soon create more than a few miracles herself.

C - I am very happy for you my friend.  And yes, I will take you up on the two slices of pizza and a rootbeer soda!

In case you're wondering why I believe in Miracles - This is why!

Words of my sincere thanks to every person involved in assisting the I CARE Foundation help protect children .... from our board of directors, to our lawyers who are members of our attorney network, to the incredible parenting writers/bloggers who have elevated the bar of awareness on IPCA, to the family that has been created due to a common purpose, I am so thankful to each of you.

My best wishes -

Peter Thomas Senese

Are We Getting Dumber?

Are we actually getting dumber?

As a novelist who has previously touched upon genetic science and mankind's desire to enhance our human condition in my theological thriller 'Cloning Christ', and in my upcoming work 'Quest', I have asked whether man is getting dumber?

Now, I have said for some time that over the past few decades, and in particular, the past 15 years, society has changed with way we consume information.  Generally, we now 'surf' the Internet for 2 to 3 minutes for a glossary sense of information, whereas in the past, we would spike deep into data by actually reading an entire book. 

I have maintained that in 'spiking' as opposed to 'surfing', our imaginations are cultivated, and ingenuity, invention, and progress take place.

Now, does this mean that the Internet is without benefit?  Of course not.  

But the question remains, are we smarter today than, let's say, 3,000 years ago?

Immediately, you can take a look at the landscape of inventions and technology in today's world and you might want to clearly say, "Are you kidding?  Of course we're smarter today than back then."

But I beg you to hold on. 

In a popular research magazine called 'Trends and Genetics' a new research report just published suggests that human gene development may have peaked thousands of years ago. In fact, Professor Crabtree of Stamford, who has studied human gene projectory and mutation states that human gene mutation or adaptability has slowed down significantly since the time we shifted away from being hunters and gathers of food.

This is all very interesting, especially since our IQ's continue to climb. We're getting bigger, taller, and our brain size is growing.  

But as many neurologist have said in study after study regarding your brain's capacity, if you don't use it you lose it.

But Dr. Crabtree has a lot to say, and it sure makes some sense. So, is the human species failure to mutate and adapt making us dumber?  Dr. Crabtree has a lot to say, and I think this is fascinating.

So is there a brain drain?  Has our gene pool been getting diluted? 

To listen to Dr. Crabtree's interview, click here.

LINCOLN is Brilliant Because Abraham Lincoln Was Brilliant

On rare occassion a film comes along that is so brilliant, so inspiring, and so well executed by the actors, director, writers, and production team that the lessons shared by the storytellers has a sweeping impact on how you see yourself and the world we live in.


Steven Spielberg's 'Lincoln' is one of the best films I have ever seen. 

To begin, the subject, 'Clever, Honest Abraham' as I would prefer to call our remarkable former president, is such a compelling character thrown into the mix of extraordinary circumstances during the time of civil unrest America faced nearly 150 years ago.


Lincoln, stars Mr. Daniel Day Lewis, who I believe is the best actor ever to appear in film.  And Mr. Day Lewis delievers another brilliant performance . . . one that may in fact be the most important role of his life till this point. How good of a performance did Mr. Day Lewis give?  He just raised the bar on 'Perfect'.

As expected, Mr. Spielberg's storyline, drawn from the extraordinary book publication about President Lincoln written by Doris Kearns Goodwin and the high-octane screenplay of Tony Kuschner (I once was a shareholder in one of Tony's production companies), portrayed a man so courageous, so benevolent, so intelligent, and so steeped in morals, that his life will forever change the course of the human race.

I was inspired.  I am inspired.

Clearly, Abraham Lincoln faced great challenges during his presidency, and Lewis delivers these challenges perfectly in Mr. Spielberg's brilliant film.

In these challenges, Lincoln never wavered.  He followed the course.  He believed.  And he let his faith in his belief guide him to do what was right.

As an advocate fighting to protect children from international abduction and human trafficking, there are times when it appears the wall we try to push back does not move.

I really appreciated seeing 'Lincoln' last night.

Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!

Do yourself a favor, seriously: go and see Lincoln.  It very well might make you ask yourself this question:  How can I be a better person?


                                                                           * * *

It has been about 6 years since I sat on the steps of the Lincoln Monument with my son, talking about freedom and belief in yourself and others the way our great President Abraham Lincoln did.  Two days ago, after a long day of meetings dealing with protecting children from abduction, I found myself sitting on those very same steps late at night thinking about this great man.

As we all know, the world is a much greater place because Abraham Lincoln existed.  I am sure these last few days will have a long-range impact on my life.

A Giant Miracle - HAPPY BIRTHDAY AHMARI !!!!!!!

Happy Birthday, Ahmari !!!!

Today, is an incredible day for one amazing little boy and his mother.   You see, today is Ahmari's 2nd birthday - and - he is celebrating it at home in the United States of America with his mother after a terrible ordeal that included having the child's mother do everything possible in order to bring her child home after he was internationally abducted under the rules of the Hague Convention.

I am so thrilled that today Ahmari and Brittany are celebrating the BIG # 2!!  Ahmari is such a beautiful little boy - who happens to be the child of a spectacular lady - my dear friend Brittany!

A Sneak Peak At My Upcoming Novel - PREDATORS GAMES Featuring ... -

Many individuals who follow and enjoy my novels have written to me asking various questions about my upcoming novel PREDATORS GAMES.  

Well, this video may answer some of your questions ....

Okay - I'm goofing around.  Stay tune ... I will be giving some real information.  In the meantime, if you have not read THE DEN OF THE ASSASSIN, consider picking up a copy today!

The Spirit Of New Yorkers In The Wake Of Hurricane Sandy - Cool People Help Others

It has been several weeks since Hurricane Sandy hit the eastern seaboard, causing much talked about but still hard to imagine and comprehend destruction.  In the aftermath of the incomprehensible rage that left behind insanity, something so much more powerful than the tempest appeared: the empowering human spirit that knows how to rise up and push forward to advance our human condition.  Call it what you want - but know it stems from the goodness each person has within - and it can be seen everywhere here in the New York metropolitan area and around the country.

Each day, as I try to play a humble role in helping others here, I see first-hand people from all walks of life banding together to assist those who felt the wrath of the perfect storm.

It is times such as this when we are reminded to the true capability of mankind, and, as demonstrated by our failures and faults, the need to do better.  Much better.

* * *

Yesterday was a meaningful day for Maria and I: we spent part of the day at a synagogue in Brooklyn helping load supplies and food onto trucks that were headed to the Queens peninsula.

We were amongst a diverse group of New Yorkers simply trying to help those in need.  And once again, I was reminded just how special it is to know the true meaning of being a New Yorker: to celebrate our differences and weave them together into the beauty that is the spirit of this magnificent city.

Why You Should Donate To Catholc Charities During Hurricane Sandy Releif Efforts | Discussing The Novels Of Peter Thomas Senese

In trying to determine which organizations that may be best to provide support to, I have concluded that Catholic Charities would be my first recommendation to give support. Please consider visiting their website or calling directly at 718.722.6202.

Here is why:

Why You Should Donate To Catholc Charities During Hurricane Sandy Releif Efforts | Discussing The Novels Of Peter Thomas Senese

Colorado and Washington State Legalize Pot: Tourist and Real Estate Boom Expected

Call me out of touch, call me a nerd, call me a prohibitionist, or call me smart . . . but I think that it was a very big mistake for the states of Colorado and Washington to legalize marijuana.  A Real big mistake.

Once the 2012 election is certified, residents of Colorado and Washington State can legally smoke marijuana.  Imagine that.

Yes, smoking a joint is still illegal under Federal Law.  But state law in the Rocky Mountain state now allows for people to light up whenever they want - without a medical prescription.  Same for Washington State.

Tourist are sure to flock to Colorado for this new recreational activity that may see more visitors roll up and than hit their amazing slopes. And if they don't want to travel to Colorado, they can travel to the Pacific Northwest - the new Amsterdam - and toke up while hiking Mount Baker or kyacking around Orca's island, or picking blueberries outside of Blaine.

As for me: I don't light-up.  I really don't want others to light up because of the impairment issues.  And I sure don't want my son to ever light up.

Of course, I understand there is a medicinal benefit to marijuana.  And I appreciate the benefits of the use of the drug for medical purposes.  So long as it is not abused.

But it hasn't really been abused, right? Hmm

It is also going to be interesting to see how the clash between federal and state law is going to oversee marijuana use in Colorado and Washington. 

Surely there are going to be many legal court battles . . . and many advocates on both sides of the issue are going to be weighing in.

Could the legalization be all part of a masterplan by real estate developers and hotel operators in Colorado and Washington State to increase business in this sluggish economy?  Will smokers and tokers decide to pick up and move to these two pot-friendly states that will allow residents to grow up to 6 pot plants of their own per household?  Will there be a new chain of state hotels that mix fine accomodations with licensed pot distributors?  Oh the possibilities.  Seriously . . . I'm not sold on any of this.

This was taken from the Denver Post . . . 

Voters approved an amendment legalizing recreational marijuana use in Colorado on Tuesday, making this one of two states to end prohibition of the drug but also raising new legal questions and setting up potential court battles.

The historic result, projected by The Denver Post on Tuesday night, drew raucous cheers and applause from the amendment's supporters, who gathered in hundreds at Casselman's in downtown Denver.

"We won! We won!" supporters cried as the results were splashed across a giant screen.

Amendment 64 led late Tuesday night with 53.3 percent voting yes and 46.7 percent voting no, with 1,863,535 votes or about 66 percent of active voters counted, according to the Colorado Secretary of State's office.

"This is really groundbreaking," said Beau Kilmer, co-director of the Rand Drug Policy Research Center. "No modern jurisdiction has ever removed the prohibition on the production and possession of marijuana for recreational purposes. ... Since no one has done this before, there are a lot of uncertainties."

Voters in Washington state approved a similar measure Tuesday; in Oregon a legalization issue failed.

The amendment will allow those 21 and older to purchase up to one ounce of the drug at specially regulated retail stores. Possession would be legal but not public use. Adults could grow up to six marijuana plants at home. It sets up a direct challenge to federal drug law, which regulates it as an illegal substance. Federal authorities have not said how they will respond.

"This demonstrates that the people of Colorado are just as smart as we thought they were," said Mason Tvert, one of the directors of the Yes on 64 Campaign. "They were fed up with prohibition and decided they want a more sensible approach."

Prohibition of drugs is a bad thing?  Really?

Critics argued that passing the amendment would make Colorado a destination for drug tourists and prompt a federal crackdown. They cited concerns about increased use of the drug by children and more drugged driving.

Among the opponents was Gov. John Hickenlooper, who said in a statement Tuesday night that "the voters have spoken and we have to respect their will. This will be a complicated process, but we intend to follow through. That said, federal law still says marijuana is an illegal drug so don't break out the Cheetos or gold fish too quickly."

State criminal penalties for possessing the drug won't disappear until the election is certified, which could take up to two months.

The amendment doesn't spell out the details of how the commercial marijuana industry will be regulated. It leaves that up to the state Department of Revenue, which would oversee the specialty shops. Proponents envision something similar to the state's system governing medical marijuana, which involves security requirements, the monitoring of plants as they are grown and shipped and auditors who perform site checks.

Who is in charge?

"Colorado has a lot of work to do quickly in terms of setting up the appropriate rules and structures," said Rosalie Pacula, another co-director for Rand's Drug Policy Research Center. She noted that because the measure is a constitutional amendment, it will have to go back to voters for repairs if there are problems; the legislature will be unable to intervene.

The federal government's response is anyone's guess, she said, but it will likely be resistant. Other experts have said federal agents could arrest individual users, though that would be a departure from their usual focus on large-scale dealers.

In the year before the first stores open, the federal government may choose to challenge the measure in court by arguing that it is pre-empted.

Whatever happens, I sure hope that if you are going to choose to light up in Colorado, just like drinking, that you do it in serious moderation and remember that your body's ability to react slows, your perception changes, and you increase the chances that you might hurt yourself and others. 

Be smart.

As for me, I will refrain from smoking.  Instead, I'll continue to embrace my own drug of choice:  pizza.