Don’t Look Away

I write often about my dad and one post in particular from over two years ago is still a conversation starter with readers – White Shirt, Helping Heart – Victoria Ponders.

I think the resonance of that piece comes from the fact that my dad looked like a contradiction; an imposing looking privileged man – with a kind heart nestled within.

Long before it was a topic fraught with political overtones, my dad understood his unearned assets based on his family of origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender and skin color.

Poverty was a thread that ran throughout his family, but he was one of the few who “made good” and he never forgot the challenges of his troubled past and the importance of leaning into those in need.

I don’t know exactly what my dad would say to me today about the turmoil unfolding in the U.S., but I’d wager his words would include an admonishment of some sort to get busy, don’t look away.

In my post today for Heart of the Matter I share an encounter from last week. Pop over and read, won’t you? It’s about being present with someone in need. Or…as my dad would say…keeping eyes on those who need help; don’t look away.

-Vicki ❤


Hi – I’m Victoria, Vicki, Dr. Vicki. I hold a doctorate in Adult Education and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and author of Surviving Sue | Eckhartz Press.

Check out this link to learn more about my book “Surviving Sue” – all about resilience and love.

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43 responses to “Don’t Look Away”

  1. […] Take a look at my post on Victoria Ponders today. Although my dad’s been gone for many years, he continues to provide comfort and […]

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  2. “Get busy, don’t look away” is a wonderful call to action these days.

    One can certainly feel hopeless, dire and powerless but it’s a good reminder we each can do our smallest part to resist and fight back.

    Love this post with Sonny too and all the stories you share about him.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Ab. It’s like he’s hanging out with me – especially the past few days. Little nudges, reminders to do just what you said – encouragement for everyone to do their part. xo to you! 💝

      Liked by 1 person

  3. “Get busy and don’t look away.” Such an excellent point and one that I’ve been thinking about a lot in recent days. Sonny was a wise man indeed. 🤗

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you for that, Michelle. He was, he sure was. He knew plenty of torment, but he always had room in his heart to help. Appreciate you for knowing that, sharing it back to me. 💝

      Liked by 1 person

  4. “Don’t look away.” Brilliant advice. To solve a problem we must look at all of the parts, even the repulsive bits.
    Going over to read your HotM post now. 💕

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Alegria…thank you so much. Appreciate you always – for your big heart. 💝

      Liked by 1 person

      1. With my love, my friend. 💝

        Liked by 1 person

  5. I’m guessing, after reading your book and getting to know you, that you are exactly right about how he would respond.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I love that you can see that, Beth. Means so much. 💕

      Liked by 1 person

      1. and I think that when you are worried about these things, it would give you comfort to think about what sonny would do

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Oh dear…you’ve got my water works going. Yes – exactly. You DO know me, my friend. Thank you for that. Yes, yes! 💕💕💕

          Liked by 1 person

  6. Nicely said, Vicki. “Don’t look away,” we mustn’t. Cruelty must not win the day. 🥲💕

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Jane. ❤️❤️❤️

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Dear Vicki, I echo this profound message that your father delivered and lived. Oh I love this: “Poverty was a thread that ran throughout his family, but he was one of the few who “made good” and he never forgot the challenges of his troubled past and the importance of leaning into those in need.”

    Then, he echoed the message that he lived by, keeping eyes on those who need help; don’t look away. I see where your big heart comes from! 💞🤗💖

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You are so dear. It feels good to be seen…you do that so well. Thank you, Kym! 🥰❤️🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Vicki my friend, I so love your cheery and loving attitude! You my dear are definitely not looking away and that’s a fact! Hugs sweetie pie! 🤗💖🥰🥂😍

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        1. Making my day, Kym. xo to you for all that you’re doing. 💕

          Liked by 1 person

  8. From reading your blogs and your book. your dad had a big heart.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Elizabeth. He sure did. 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Love lessons from your dear dad, Vicki. Don’t look away – such an important directive. Thank you for sharing — and encouraging!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you for reading and for your feedback, Wynne! ❤️

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  10. My dad was a part of “the Greatest Generation” and was sent to Europe during WWII to do his part. Those men are almost gone now. They wouldn’t stand for what is happening. I imagine your father would have “leaned in” as well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Such an important point and observation, Dr. Stein. We’ve lost a moral foundation.

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  11. 📢 DON’T LOOK AWAY! Yes.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. “Don’t look away.” But oh, how much easier that could be.

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    1. Indeed…tempting, too. Thank you, Mary. 💝

      Liked by 1 person

  13. “Poverty was a thread that ran throughout his family, but he was one of the few who “made good” and he never forgot the challenges of his troubled past and the importance of leaning into those in need.” I can think of a few politicians on both sides of the aisle who could benefit from this message. Good stuff Vicki.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oof. Yes. Thank you, Brian!

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  14. petespringerauthor Avatar
    petespringerauthor

    Shame on anyone who looks away. Those who watch and fail to act when they see something wrong going on are part of the problem.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh my goodness – yes, yes! With you, Pete. ❤️

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Your dear father was a cherished gift to you and our world!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Mary…that is the sweetest thing you could say. Thank you. I was a lucky girl, for sure. ❤️

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Your dad offered great and loving advice, Vicki. “Get busy and don’t look away.” Thank you for sharing and for this lovely reminder. Gratitude is truly felt from helping others in need. xo

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Smiles across the miles to you, Lauren. Thank you so much. 💕💕💕

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  17. What a kind and generous piece of advice your dad offers, “Keeping eyes on those who need help; don’t look away.” I know how easy it is to avert my eyes when something is hard to face. Your dad was a wise man. I’ll pop over and read the longer version. Hugs, C

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Xo…Xo…Xo! ❤️

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  18. “Don’t look away,” is such great advice!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much – yes! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

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