‘Once upon a time there was a poor but very brave man called Ali. He worked for Ammar, a rich old merchant.
One winter’s night Ammar said: “Nobody can spend a night like this on top of the mountain without a blanket or food. But you need money, and if you can manage to do that you will receive a great reward. If you don’t, you will work for thirty days without pay”.
Ali answered: “Tomorrow I shall do this test”.
But when he left the shop, he saw that a really icy wind was blowing and became scared, so he decided to ask his best friend, Aydi, if it was crazy of him to accept that bet.
After reflecting a while, Aydi answered: “I shall help you. Tomorrow, when you are at the top of the mountain, look ahead. I will be on the top of the mountain next to yours, where I will spend the whole night with a bonfire lit for you. You look at the fire and think about our friendship – that will keep you warm. You will manage, and later on I shall ask you something in return.”
Ali won the test, got the money, and went to his friend’s house: “You told me you wanted some payment.”
Aydi answered: ”Yes, but it isn’t money. Promise that if at any time a cold wind passes through my life, you will light the fire of friendship for me.” (in “The Aleph”, to be published world wide in 2011)’
Just before reading this today I called my friend Patti who lives on Vancouver Island. I was barely awake but I listened to the urge to call her. We met in 1982. I have a zillion adventure stories of the life and times of Patti and I.
When I met Patti we were just 18 and her mom was the first cancer survivor I had met. Edna had survived breast cancer and had a mastectomy. I had never met anyone who had gone through this and I so admired her strength. This woman had 3 boys and Patti. She had left her marriage, put herself through school and worked her way up to being a Justice of the Peace while raising 4 children on her own and surviving a terrible illness. Edna soon found out that my Mom had her issues and she took me under her wing and called herself Mom #2. I loved knowing she was there for me but having grown up without the guidance of a mom I didn’t know how to openly receive all that Edna was offering to me so I stood back. Over the years Patti and I drifted apart as did my relationship to Edna. Fortunately Patti and I did became close again in 2004 which was just months prior to cancer finally taking Edna’s life. Edna struggled with cancer for over 23 years. I miss her and the time lost that I could have been with her but she never fails to remind me to keep up and that no matter what obstacles stand in the way keep going forward.
Patti and I are very close today as I am with number of other amazing women. I continue to find it curious though that I always seem to have young girls in my life. Many of my friends are of my age or thereabouts and a few older but the young women in my life keep showing up and I'm so grateful for the gifts they give me.
Years ago it started with Caitlin, who because of the countless hours we spent together while I was in relationship with her father became the closest to my raising a child as I will ever have. I cherish those memories and am so proud of the woman she is today and the small part I played in her life.
Then there has been Skylar, my friend Jill’s daughter who is so tiny but carries with her the largest heart of gold. Sky was born to serve and does so with such grace and kindness.
There is Robyn, who I can’t wait to see on Saturday Night Live one day as she is talented beyond her own ability to see and is so, so wise and funny.
Lhasaja, who is the most extraordinary priestess and courageous soul! Seriously, can one woman be more beautiful than Lhasaja! Stunning is the only word.
There is Megan who has been my roommate for over a year now and who I admire beyond words. There is nothing she can’t do and her wisdom and wit impress me constantly. Maybe its because we are both Pisces that we are able to swim in the house together without the barrier of age. I’m continuously grateful to her and her family for always being so kind to me and giving me such a cozy place to call home. (Did you know she came it 2nd in the 2010 RedBull Crashed Ice competition in Quebec City last March?! She is nothing short of amazing!)
There is Avtar who is my step-daughter. I love her ability to see who she is and to get on stage and sing her heart out and spontaneously decide to move from the comforts of LA to New York. She is so brave, worldly and gifted and so real.
I have a new young friend Taylor who is so smart! She is studying journalism and I know that she is going to BE someone, someone who will go out into the world and make a difference for all of us.
And there is Neisa. Neisa is the niece of a friend (the Knight) and although we have only met a couple of times at her grandparents home we have kept in touch via the world’s greatest time waster - FaceBook. I have had a considerable amount of support over the past couple months since I first announced that I had cancer but I have to say the words that 17 year old Neisa would send to me touched me profoundly. She kept my spirits up each time I felt them fall. I haven’t seen her for so long but hope to make a road trip soon to see her and give her a great big hug of gratitude in person. Neisa told me once that she has dreams of being a songwriter. Maybe that dream has changed but her words are music that pull on my heart strings and uplift my soul.
What I love the most about all these young women is that they don’t know how much inspiration they offer me and I feel so honoured to know them.
I’m extremely blessed to have friends all over the globe and I’m so sorry I’ve been failing badly at keeping in touch. I have been slipping into the depths of depression which I’m sure is due to the exhaustion and lack of hormone regulator and I haven’t felt like talking to anyone or sharing with anyone especially the truth of how I’ve been feeling. I've been thinking of the 12 Steps lately - Step 1 - I’m powerless over - having cancer and having had my thyroid removed - and my life has become unmanageable. Step 2 - I came to believe that a Power greater than myself could restore me to sanity. This would be that voice inside me that permits me relaxation and stillness and to not push beyond my limitations of the moment. Soon it will bring me back to sanity, hopefully. So, please forgive me for not returning phone calls, emails, FaceBook messages, blog comments, text messages, etc. I just haven’t had the energy but I will. I will respond just give me a little more time.
I’m so grateful to you all for reaching out to me while this cold wind is passing through my life and you are keeping the fire lit. I want you to know that I will always do the same for you and I’ll never forget your kindness towards me.
Today as I take time to clean the house and pack for my road trip to Golden, BC tomorrow I will hold a flame that lights the fire of friendship for all of you who are holding me up. Your task to day is to remember all the friends in your life for who you keep a fire lit for its more important to keep the fire lit than to be the one looking into the fire. Give and you will be kept warm in the arms of friendship.
Bless you!!
No comments:
Post a Comment