A long time friend called several days ago to wish me a Merry Christmas. We chatted for a while and he told me of the friends who are invited to his mothers 100 birthday celebration this upcoming January 9th. There will be a Zoom party including most members of the family. She definitely is the matriarch of her family. She is the glue that had kept them together come hell or high waters.
As he ran the guest list I noticed that some non family members were included and asked how did they get onto the coveted list. He spoke briefly about the history that bound these non family members to this beloved matriarch. I have a deep love for all stories, specially if they are about people that I have met through my journey. While I travelled within my mind recognizing names and faces as he continued to talk he said something that astonished me and opened windows of reflection. He said the names of one or two people and identified them as the only people who did not “fear him” during his younger days. Surprised, I asked what was there to fear? His response was that there was nothing to fear about him except that he was not compelled to hide who he is. Shocked I asked him if he is aware that he is very different than the people that roam this Earth. He responded that he knows. Then completed the thought by saying that society demands that people that are different hide and cover their differences. I am not talking about sexual differences, although those should also be included. I’m talking about being different, choosing different roads to the same map. Standing by your choices when you know they are the right or moral choice at hand. Basically, being the river that breaks new paths through solid rock. Those that accept these different people get invited to sit with the family.
Those who are different from their tribe and have chosen to show themselves will see themselves here. Water that cuts new paths over a steam of rock opens new roads for everyone else.
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