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With crime, inflation and economic uncertainties and our nation's and region's divisive and acrimonious political climate, we all could use a break.
We all could use a few moments to be uplifted and inspired. To hear about overcoming obstacles and promoting unity and understanding.
On May 3, the Lycoming County Brotherhood Alliance will host its annual banquet -- and its annual opportunity to take a break from the troubles and strife for an uplifting message instead.
This year's keynote speaker, Loretta Claiborne, is a marathon runner and Special Olympics athlete who has advocated for people with intellectual and physical disabilities throughout the world.
As the Williamsport Sun-Gazette reported on Tuesday, she has earned many awards and honors. She received the Arthur Ashe ESPY Courage Award in 1996 and the t-shirt she wore at the Special Olympics 1972 International World Summer Games and torch she carried at the 2015 World Games were displayed at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of World History.
"I figured if my story could change a person's mind about another person, or especially a child's mind about another child, then it was the right thing to do," Claiborne says on her website about her work as an advocate.
Her story certainly changes minds. Her life shows the capacity, the ability of people with disabilities to achieve impressive things and the importance of giving all people, including people with disabilities, the opportunity to work toward such achievements.
And her story, we are certain, will be a welcome respite from the din of worry, cynicism and fear.
We hope all of our readers will consider listening to Loretta Claiborne's story and we look forward to sharing more details about this dinner as it approaches.