Memorial Day

This weekend we remember and honor those who fought to give us the freedom we enjoy today.

I have two great-uncles who fought in the Vietnam War. They are heroes. One of them, sadly, passed away some time ago due to injuries he suffered from combat. His brother served in the Marines and served in Vietnam too, after graduating from West Point Academy in NY. Both he and his wife offered and gave their time and resources selflessly to the vets in their neighborhood. They are both such good, good people. Until Covid hit, he would use his minivan to take them to doctors’ appointments, bring food to their homes and help them in any way he could.

These two men exemplify what this day is about. Their service and sacrifice are what I and many others salute on this Memorial Day weekend.

Behind that selfless giving, is a desire for people to be able to live free, be happy and raise strong families built upon understanding, acceptance, and love.

We must not take the freedoms we have for granted. Just like those who fought for these freedoms—so must we fight every day. That could mean fighting against injustice, standing up against domestic violence, or using your voice to speak out for something you strongly believe in.

I continue to advocate for domestic violence victims. Unlike the two great-uncles mentioned above, my father, Mike Rinder has proven to have no such courage or compassion to help others but instead attacks my mom after deserting his two children and wife, leaving her physically damaged for the rest of her life. He victim shames her incessantly and fights against the Freedom of his own children to be, do and believe in what we want to believe in.

So, today I honor those with a big heart and the courage to help bring about the freedom we all enjoy.

Have a great International Family Day!

15 May 2022 is recognized as the International Day of Families! The United Nations declared the Day in 1993, reflecting the significance of families to the world community. The International Day of Families is also a day to raise awareness of family-related issues. Issues such as domestic violence.

National Women’s health week is also in progress (it goes from May 8th to May 14th). It is a chance for us to encourage all women to make the choices which are right for them—choices that contribute to our health, both mentally and physically. Having violence free homes would definitely promote and allow for healthy women!

Both of these: Safe, abuse-free women and healthy, happy families is what I advocate and promote. I encourage all to stop supporting men who intoxicate women’s healthy by domestic violence—men like my father, Mike Rinder.

Having had personal experience with domestic violence where I witness to my father’s attack on my mom (leaving my mom bleeding, with a battered right arm, nerve damage and a cracked shoulder,) I have focused my advocacy work on raising awareness against domestic violence and helping survivors of domestic violence.

Encourage others to keep the family unit strong and abuse free. Encourage others to speak out against domestic violence. Create a safe, loving, healthy family unit for both our young and old. Lives will be better because of it.

Have a great International Family Day!

Happy Mother's Day

Each one of us has a mother, a mother that bore us and brought us into the world, most likely cared for us, took us to school, got us our first toy, and made sure we felt loved. So what better day than Mother’s Day to make sure she knows how much you appreciate her?

Something special about this mother and child relationship is that a mother gives unconditional love to their child. And that is what we celebrate today. That bond—that love given from mother to child.

Looking back at my life—the milestones, the good, the bad, and the times when I needed someone, it was my mom who was there.

Who was there for me when I got hit by a car at seven, in a double hit-and-run where I almost died? My mom. Every second, every time I woke up in that hospital screaming—either in pain or from nightmares—she was there.

Who supported my brother, day in and day out, when he was fighting for his life with cancer? My mom.

Who always made us feel like we were ten feet tall? And, who's still here being a parent for us, and didn’t desert us? My mom.

Today, my love goes out to her, unconditionally and 100%. I love you mom and I wish you a very happy Mother's Day.

To every mother across the globe—I wish you all a very happy Mother's Day.