Sapience and Sentience

[michaelboy]

Over his long career, my father was a fine art teacher at Ohio University and at local high school. When I was really young (in my single digits), he supplemented his teaching income by working as the manager at our local community park and pool.

I recall many wonderful folks on staff there, many of which who took time to entertain me and my siblings. There was one older scruffy-looking gentleman, Henry Huggins -- the grounds keeper for the park. He was my favorite friend and I admired his twisted sense of humor, kindness and gentle approachability. Henry would often let me sit on the park's big Oliver tractor, which thrilled me to no end. I remember so wanting to be like him when I grew up. I am not sure if I have actually done so, but he certainly influenced my character into adulthood.



There are moments recently where I seem to struggle. I'm not really sure if it is purely situational and out of my control, or simply that it's my lack of ability to properly accept change and assimilate properly. Wisdom is often such an elusive quality and is not always bolstered through chronology.

Comments

[keplers_angels]

My cousin died too young. We'd been very close in childhood. At the celebration of life his best friend - someone I'd heard mentioned for my whole life but had never met - stood up and talked for a long time. And it was such a sharp pain and such a deep comfort to see my cousin's mannerisms and vocal inflections coming through this other human.

That's the closest thing I've ever seen to immortality. I wonder if Henry lives on thus in you the way people often do who enrapture us at pivotal moments.

[michaelboy]

I love this, A. I really do.
Something very lovely in your heart.