A Tribute to a True Mountain Mover - Jack Layton

Words and songs, inspiring and genuine, can move the mountain from a heart. Not pointing to peddlers and charlatans, but the ones who follow their passion through compassionate gestures and actions, are the real mountain movers.

A world of frenzy. Men and women, in galore of clothing, going about their business. Where is the time for bluebonnet and the crumbling dreams? Moment by moment, life slips away. A beginning, that seems so far away, as if residing in a distant planet. Those noble goals, working for a fairer world, for equity and justice, submerge under the heavy lifting and daily grinding of struggle. Day by day, ideals vanish. Here comes the glittery allure of mighty wealth and self-indulgence.

A true mover of mountain refuses to acquiesce. Even facing the certainty of creeping death from unstoppable disease, frailty of human flesh and decay, the heart of a true fighter, for love and hope for all, keeps beating strong with radiant vibrancy. When that last moment of truth finally arrives, doctor pronounces the frightening words, when the tears of loved ones become too apparent, sparkling their assuring smile, spiritually humble but ideally defiant mountain mover writes his final words for the world:

“My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.”

May he rest in peace, a genuine mountain mover of compassion and love, Jack Layton, and may his words and memories bring inspiration to many to work together for a better world.