Legends Report – New Lego Figure a Social Milestone | Women Helping Others to Die Well | Prince Harry’s Front-Line Service
By Kris Deichler, Associate Partner, Lighthouse International
The world famous toy giant LEGO has revealed something at the world’s biggest toy fair in Germany recently that is being hailed as a significant social step forwards in what we teach our children. For the first time in it’s history, Lego has released a disabled figure in a wheelchair among others as part of a “City” set. Children take in so much from adults and the world around them which determines their attitudes and characters as they develop. It’s wonderful to see an influential company taking the lead and being responsible with the options they are giving children and parents alike to help everyone in society feel included and represented. It’s a sign of the kind of society we would like to develop, with businesses helping to play a key role. Read more about this and a deaf journalist’s campaign to bring disabled toys into the mainsteam at Upworthy.com
Death and mortality is a fearful subject for many of us that is often avoided in western society, yet it is an undeniable and very natural part of our existence as mortal beings. There are many people suffering with terminal illnesses for whom avoiding this reality is no longer an option. Being able to live out their last days with care, courage and dignity is something a growing number of (mostly women) are signing up to support these people through. In a humbling Guardian article, the stories of women helping the NHS in the UK as Death Doulas shows how valuable this service is to people and how fulfilling it is for those involved, helping them appreciate life more.
“Nobody wants to die,” says Teresa Letimier. “But it can be about giving permission to express what is worrying them. Many fear too much medication or not enough. It is very personal. If people are younger, with children, you can talk about making memory boxes. It’s about allowing them to live life the best way they can with an illness.”
Rather than hiding from it, it’s something we can all learn from and appreciate as a reminder to value the time we have and the people around us. It also shows how being someone reliable and consistent with emotional strength, compassion and maturity can be to support those around us in times of challenge. Read the full Guardian article here…
An Insight on Prince Harry’s Front-Line Service
Even though it’s well-known that he served in Afghanistan, you probably wouldn’t expect that Prince Harry was genuinely allowed on the front-line or ever in any real danger. However, a recent account from a book being released by a fellow serviceman, Sergeant Tom Pal, reveals some insights into his time there, including their base coming under rocket attack from the Taliban. What’s most inspiring though is how Prince Harry is quoted about his sense of responsibility and increased desire to serve those who worked and fought alongside him, having seen the reality himself:
‘Returning to the UK after my first deployment, I shared the flight home with three critically injured British soldiers, all in induced comas, and the body of a Danish soldier, killed in action.
‘It hit me then that this flight was one of many, carrying home men and women whose lives would be changed forever, and some who had made the ultimate sacrifice.
‘From that moment, I knew I had a responsibility to help all veterans, who had made huge personal sacrifices for their countries, to lead healthy and dignified lives after service.’
There is much going on in the world that we are shielded from, but those who do choose to look at the realities people are facing are often those who are inspired to do more to make a difference. Imagine if we all felt a little bit more like Prince Harry, what more would be done to help solve the world’s issues. Read the full article here at the Mail Online…
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Header City Panorama Image by Damien du Toit @ Flickr / CC By 2.0,