Peapod and I lost a friend this week. Now I'm not generally one of those people who find death and dying overly disturbing ... all part of the process in my philosophy. What can take me by surprise, though, is regret. Our friend Jim was one of those unusual people. He came from the most horrifying history I have ever heard about yet he was untainted by the evil of it. He was an exceptional father, friend and human being.
I've been thinking about contacting Jim since I moved back to the Island. Of course I put it off to do important things like watch CSI on TV or hang out on the computer. As a result, I never did call him. I wish I had. Jim was the last man I had a relationship with before I sorted out my own issues and did the whole "coming out" thing. He played a big part in my growth. I realized that if I couldn't live with Jim (who was pretty much a perfect partner), the problem was within me. Jim played an important role in my own becoming. I never told him that.
Another interesting thing about Jim is that he was a die-hard born again christian. But he taught me that one can have extreme beliefs without being offensive. Was a great gift to me.
Makes me wonder how others are with their friendships. I'm interested in hearing how careful the forum folk are about making sure their "house is in order" when it comes to the people in their life. Just thought it would make an interesting read for me.
Elizabeth Kübler-Ross
People are like stained-glass windows.
They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.
I've been thinking about contacting Jim since I moved back to the Island. Of course I put it off to do important things like watch CSI on TV or hang out on the computer. As a result, I never did call him. I wish I had. Jim was the last man I had a relationship with before I sorted out my own issues and did the whole "coming out" thing. He played a big part in my growth. I realized that if I couldn't live with Jim (who was pretty much a perfect partner), the problem was within me. Jim played an important role in my own becoming. I never told him that.
Another interesting thing about Jim is that he was a die-hard born again christian. But he taught me that one can have extreme beliefs without being offensive. Was a great gift to me.
Makes me wonder how others are with their friendships. I'm interested in hearing how careful the forum folk are about making sure their "house is in order" when it comes to the people in their life. Just thought it would make an interesting read for me.
Elizabeth Kübler-Ross
People are like stained-glass windows.
They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.