As we approach the ending of this week, Dr. Seuss week, so named for Theodore Geisel, aka, Dr. Seuss, it might be valuable to pause for a moment and reflect on the lessons he wove in so many of his stories. Amidst the odd-looking creatures, the tongue-twisting rhymes, the ever-exotic places his characters found themselves in, there always seemed to be something familiar, something very human about his tales. It surely is not by coincidence or just plain luck that he authored 60 books with over 200 million copies in print. No, what continues to delight new generations of “Cat in the Hat” fans or “Horton Hears a Who” or the culinary crazy “Green Eggs and Ham” is not just the adventures they are taken on but the lessons they remember long after they return back to their starting place.

And what would these lessons include? Treat others with dignity and respect regardless of what they look or sound like (yes, even if they have stars on their bellies!). Make sure you listen to what others have to say regardless of how soft that sound may be or whose voice it comes from. Don’t be scared of the unknown, believing in yourself can act like a passport to get to know lots of people and places (and maybe even breakfast foods) you might not have been open to even trying before. And of course, make sure if you make a mess be sure and clean it up before Mom comes back home.

As I continue my own political journey (15 Counties in 15 days) throughout the 7th congressional district, I will continue to listen to what others have to say as they share their own hopes, concerns and questions with me. But if I am offered green eggs and ham I may just have to grab a jelly donut instead!

PS: This blog is dedicated to the Dr. Seuss fans who asked me why I thought so many kids and even adults liked Dr. Seuss stories so much.

By the way, Theodore Geisel was born March 2, 1904 and died in 1991.