Be the Railing comes from a thought my father, Fred B. Laux, shared with me on one of my early morning walks. I find that being outside in nature during the predawn darkness settles my restless mind and brings me to a quiet space in which I can see, feel, and hear beyond what I experience in our usual day, where distractions are everywhere, determined to clutter my mind. During one of my usual walks, my father asked me to sit on a bench by the playground within the park.
“What do you see?” he asked me.
I replied, “It’s one of those playground gyms with things to climb on, ladders, and a slide or two.”
“What else do you see?”
“Well, there are steps with an assortment of railings.”
“Tell me more about the railings.”
“They are there to help, if needed. Some may use them as they make their way up to the top of the gym, or they may not use them at all. Using a railing is a choice one can make. Railings don’t force themselves on anyone, yet they are always available—waiting to be the assistance.”
“Be the railing,” he replied.
It made perfect sense. These simple structures were always there in their quiet and subtle stillness. They were never required and always a choice by the user. I found them to be a great help when trying out strength and balance exercises, and unnecessary when challenging myself to see how fast I could get up the steps.
My father loved sharing thoughts through examples, stories, and any other way possible. He also told me our website would be named “be the railing” and our book titled, A Series of Moments: Life Now and After. He showed me an image of the book. Getting all of this together and out to share is now my life’s purpose. What was shared with me is meant for you as well!
- Therese
“What do you see?” he asked me.
I replied, “It’s one of those playground gyms with things to climb on, ladders, and a slide or two.”
“What else do you see?”
“Well, there are steps with an assortment of railings.”
“Tell me more about the railings.”
“They are there to help, if needed. Some may use them as they make their way up to the top of the gym, or they may not use them at all. Using a railing is a choice one can make. Railings don’t force themselves on anyone, yet they are always available—waiting to be the assistance.”
“Be the railing,” he replied.
It made perfect sense. These simple structures were always there in their quiet and subtle stillness. They were never required and always a choice by the user. I found them to be a great help when trying out strength and balance exercises, and unnecessary when challenging myself to see how fast I could get up the steps.
My father loved sharing thoughts through examples, stories, and any other way possible. He also told me our website would be named “be the railing” and our book titled, A Series of Moments: Life Now and After. He showed me an image of the book. Getting all of this together and out to share is now my life’s purpose. What was shared with me is meant for you as well!
- Therese
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Dr. Therese Laux
Author · Messenger · Speaker · Ed. D. An unlikely and not so usual messenger, Therese has accepted her father's request to share with others all he has communicated to her. From wondering how to even talk about this incredible gift to presenting to live audiences, Therese understands the value and comfort her father's messages will bring people.
Therese Laux, Ed.D., is a former educator who lived a philosophy of "teach students first, and content area second." She taught students instrumental music, music technology, and computer science throughout her career. Dr. Laux was recognized by numerous organizations including Gallup and Apple. She is also a two-time Fulbright awardee and advisory board member for SXSW-edu. An unlikely and not so usual messenger, Therese has accepted her father's request to share with others all he has communicated to her. |
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Fred B. Laux
The Messenger Fred B. Laux was born and raised in Nebraska. He was a practicing lawyer, served in World War II in the South Pacific Theatre, and loved his family. He was known as a son, brother, husband, and friend to all, yet to Therese, he was the father she never knew, as he passed away when she was two years old. People ask what the story is behind "Be the Railing." It comes from a thought Fred shared during one of Therese's early morning walks — a message of strength, steadiness, and being present for others. "He was the father I never knew, as he passed away when I was two years old." - Therese |
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Laura Dugan
The Medium Laura had been gifted in this life with extra abilities. Being burdened by asthma and other health issues throughout her life contributed to her developing skills and talents that went beyond what one could see or touch. She was intuitive, psychic, and a medium. She did not always enjoy her father-in-law hijacking her instrument, as Fred would say, yet she recognized the incredible gift and importance of his messages. "She was intuitive, psychic, and a medium — she recognized the incredible gift and importance of his messages." - Therese |