I am who I am.  This is so… and this is true…. due in large part to numerous people in my current life… and countless others who have gone before me.  I am shaped by all of those beings, in some way or another.  I am me….. because.
Because of this unending cycle of the all of it.

This morning, I took my brother to the airport.  He went back home to Seattle.  It made me sad.  Last week, my sister flew back home to Montana.  That made me sad too.

Ed. Sue.  If you are reading this… I love you.  And I miss you.

People come in to… and go out of… our lives.  Continually.  We know people on so many different levels.

The person across the counter at the Dry Cleaners, for instance.  You may see them once a month.  Or… you could bump into someone on the street, and say, “Pardon Me.” and be on your way.  Here, and gone.  Like that.

Yet.  We have acquaintances.   Friends.  Amazing friends.  Family.    Yep.  We know people on numerous… and varied gradations… and for different lengths of time.

Some people we know from the day we were born.  Now… I don’t remember looking up at them the first few days I was born, but I am pretty sure my brothers and sisters were looking back at me.  My Mom.  My Dad.   They all probably touched my forehead, or kissed my cheek.  I’m pretty sure of it.

Yes.  There are bonds we have with people.  Some are like Super Glue.  Others…. are like three-month-old Scotch Tape.

The strong bonds are there for good reason.  It may be the things that those people have done with us, for us, or because of us.  It may be words we have shared, spoken and heard.  It is certainly the look in their eyes.

But mostly… I think… it is how we feel when we are around them  It is how we feel, because of them.  Collectively.

I know I am pretty lucky to have a life… so blessed… with so many good people.  Kind people.  Wise people.  Loving people.  Funny people.    Sometimes I don’t feel worthy… or deserving of this incredible gift.  But I sure am thankful.

“If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, you will see your parents and all generations of your ancestors. All of them are alive in this moment. Each is present in your body. You are the continuation of each of these people.” – Thich Nhat Hanh