International Left Handers Day is observed annually on August 13 to celebrate the uniqueness of left-handed individuals. In my family, left-handedness is inherited, from my father to my sister to her son. As being left-handed was long thought to be a sign of evil or bad luck, for hundreds of years lefthanded children were often punished to drive out the devil. My father did not have to endure beatings, but he was forced to learn to write with his right hand. However, writing was the only thing he changed; he played sports left-handed, including bowling, golf, and softball. Now one can find many items created specifically for left-handers, scissors being one example. I cannot use my sister’s scissors; they just do not work for a right-hander.

Take a moment today to honor the diversity of left-handers. Celebrate the unique qualities of everyone in your immediate and extended family with a short, personal blessing