Around the world, people marveled at the miraculous teamwork rescue of Chile's 33-miners, an eye-opener lesson of success by working together.

Visioning such disaster and hero sacrifice that saved lives is both humbling and brings reality home.

Rather separated by land or personal belief, life really is about "The Whole World and Us."

As English Poet, John Donne wrote long ago:" No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as any manner of thy friends or of thine own were; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind. And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."

Recently, I was reminded the hard way that there are no promised tomorrows. It was a time I also reconsidered what priority I have given to what is most truly important to life. Appreciating and valuing each other is always a good start - and finish.

This October day was supposed to be about fun and memories. There I was, enjoying morning coffee while planning to eat lots of cake and ice cream that day, likely swished down with a sparkling glass of Chardonnay, to celebrate our 81st birthday with my twin brother. That was not to be.

Instead, suddenly I couldn't get my breath and called 911.Thanks to the good Lord and smart taxpayers for our South King Fire and Rescue firefighters, the nearby Station #26 team arrived in short time with oxygen and professional care.

Like teamwork, American Ambulance stepped in, on what would have been a weather picture-perfect day for a birthday party, and instead took me safely to Highline Medical Center's new, spacious Emergency Room. There the medical team took over. After hours of multitude tests, questions, answers and breathing better, I went home promising to follow medical orders to the "T."

The next team was my fine condominium neighbors who didn't hesitate to volunteer help. Norm and Carolyn Anderson took my little dog, Miss Katrina, outside for rest stops. Judy Mannard shared her great meatloaf dinner. Steve Blanchard, South Shores manager, checked in frequently offering help. Lorrie and Jenny Elliott lifted my sagging spirits with humor and smiles.

Like teamwork they lent the strength of their self to me. I'm thankful and Katrina's happy tail wagging signal hasn't stopped yet.

Then, I read the Times/News October 15th issue featuring a story on unfriendly dialogue exchanged between two local elected officials that spotlighted the need for concentrating on decision-making teamwork.

Why is it that today's world is so filled with negative thoughts and actions?

Take elections for example. Billions of dollars are flying freely among candidates in hot and downright nasty political elections. How can people proudly announce they approved the wild and horrible accusations against opponents that are all over our TV screens? It's a good thing this is not the old Wild West with little law to keep consistent order.

Do you wonder what the United States of America founders would say about such political trash among expected honorable people with expected honorable intentions to make this a better nation?

Heaven help us find center field and sanity!

Right, wrong or indifferent, political statements in elections are frequently found to be more matter of opinion than facts. Good leaders must work together, spending time and energy time focused on taking care of the people's best interest. Promote present businesses, attract new development, protect your community, and remember-- miracles don't happen often without teamwork.

Every country where people live and love can benefit by the example Chile citizens set. How about raising positive goals to higher ground? Teamwork made America the jewel it is. We must keep it that way.

Life's trials or blessings, good, bad or ugly, are consequences of how we treat each other. Rather in mass or singular response, teamwork works.
No Man is an Island. Life is about the whole world -- and us.

Today's Thought - The only way we can celebrate life is when we agree common humanity is worth more than our most significant differences." President Clinton