Many years ago, Susana and I went on a trip out West, from our home in Florida.
One of the places we visited was Crater Lake, near the Klamath River Basin. This was a 12,000 foot volcano that many years ago had collapsed into a 2,000 foot deep lake, the deepest in the NorthWestern United States.
It was surrounded by a crater with a very high rim, much higher than the surrounding area. The long, steep hike down to the lake and back up to the crater rim perimeter road was a bit challenging to us flat landers.
On the way back up to the parking lot, we passed an old man who was going the other way. He looked at us, and with a twinkle in his eye, said “All you need is a cane.”
For many years thereafter, at some of the most challenging points in our lives, this phrase would always bring us comfort and a smile.
Treat All the Kids Equally
My parents had seen the effects of one child being considered “the favorite” in other families, and had decided, early on, that it was important to treat all their kids equally, with equal love.
This did not mean that they treated us all the same. When my teeth came in a little crooked, they said “It’s more important for a girl to have straight teeth”, and my sister got braces but I didn’t.
Since I knew that I was loved equally, this didn’t bother me even a tiny bit. (Looking back on it now, I might even have been pleased not to have had to wear braces).
Nowadays, I try to apply this principle, when I can, to everyone that I have contact with. (It’s not always easy, but we do what we can, and forgive ourselves when we’re not perfect).
The Eagle’s Flight Leaves No Trail
Lately, as I get older, and more recently, with the covid epidemic, sometimes we find ourselves living longer than some of those that have shared our lives’ paths.
Sometimes these are people that have shared their wisdom with us and have helped us to grow on our paths, and have helped us to become better than we were for having known them.
One such person was my friend and mentor JB.
Jim was one of those rare individuals who is like the diver who dives into a pool from a great height, yet hardly makes a splash.
Several years ago he had dropped off the grid and out of sight, I’m sure to follow the path he saw for himself. My son recently googled him and found his obituary, from a few years ago.
He will be missed, but I know he is still with us, and lives in our hearts and minds still. Rest in Peace, my friend.
Blessings,
Daniel
