Christmas Message
by Sebastian MacDonald
My dear friends,
This is my first appearance in the STAUROS NOTEBOOK. It gives me the opportunity to wish the devoted readership of this fascinating publication a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Each of these wishes is more significant than usual. This is the last Christmas of the 80's, and the first new year of the 90's.
The decade of the 80's has seen measurable progress for persons with disabilities in the social and political arena, thanks to many of you, the readership of this NOTEBOOK.
From the experience gleaned during this time, there is good reason to believe that comparable progress can be achieved during the last decade of this 20th century. This prompts in us the hope that the next millennium will start at a higher threshold of rights satisfied and needs met, than the preceding ones.
Much of the success of this NOTEBOOK, of course, owes to Flavian Dougherty, C.P. Flavian has been the only producer of this publication from its inception, along with his close friend and collaborator, Judy Benson. Flavian, in fact, is more than editor of the NOTEBOOK. He has been the Executive Director of the U.S. branch of Stauros International, Inc., from its beginnings in 1973. He has nurtured, strengthened, guided and maintained the movement represented by Stauros, almost single-handedly, though his associates have been notable, including Judy, Millie Henke and Beverly Wright. This pursuit had led him into the midst of the community of persons with disabilities. He has identified with them, grown to see life from their point of view, and become their staunch supporter and advocate.
Flavian's oneness with them is now extended at this writing for he lies critically afflicted with a serious disorder that presently places him among the disabled, and that may be a source of impairment for him in the future. On his behalf also, I extend the above wishes, since he cannot do this for himself. Be mindful of him, his needs and concerns as he has been of you.
Sincerely,
Sebastian MacDonald, C.P.
President of Stauros International
