Friendship

I’m a terrible poet.  In fact, I don’t understand the intricacies of most poems.  But Dinah Maria (Mulock) Craik (1826-1887) wrote a friendship poem that I’ve almost memorized.   

I want to be this kind of friend.

Oh the comfort—

The inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person,

Having neither to weigh thoughts,

Nor measure words—but pouring them

All right out—just as they are—

Chaff and grain together—

Certain that a faithful hand will

Take and sift them—

Keep what is worth keeping—and with the breath of kindness

Blow the rest away.

It stood vacant for several years, weathered, deteriorating, and threatened by encroaching moss.  The little house had called to Dana the first time she walked past it with her nascent idea for a private counseling practice.  Not only did this neglected part of Juneau’s history need rescuing, she needed a cozy office close to the business district.

An excerpt from Tethered To Shadows.

Southeast Alaska's beauty fills the soul.

The fireweed leans toward high tide 

on Lynn Canal in Juneau.

If you've read Tethered to Shadows, you know Dana's love affair with Southeast Alaska.  I envision her taking Nicki and Mica for a walk along this stretch near her home, pausing to say, 

"Thank you, Lord.  Your magnificence fills my soul."

Thriving In Spite of

Houseplants shrivel in my home—either from not enough water or too much.  Not enough light or too much.  I don’t sing to them, or notice that the soil is depleted and something white has crusted over the top of the dirt.  They tend to get attention when my daughter-in-law visits and exclaims, “Mom!  These plants are gasping for water!” 

            So, it was astounding to me when buds from last year’s neglected orchid began to open up, one-by-one showing such perfect shape, color and design.  I get so excited every time I look at it!  They actually survived under my…umm…care.  Okay…in spite of.

            Isn’t that a lot like us human beings?  In spite of neglect, abuse, and life circumstances…we thrive.  I love the title of Joyce Meyer’s book, From Ashes to Beauty.  Just the title says so much—in spite of something dark and dirty, beauty thrives.

            That’s what I see happening when a person confronts their demons:  From the fear and pain; darkness and secrets…they discover their truth.  Their beauty.  Their freedom.

            I hope you see that beauty unfold in the characters in Tethered to Shadow.