Learning of people's life, day, brain, makeup, is extremely interesting to me, and of course, I read your brain and it's telling you I enjoy a beer or two. True, I do, but so is the other part.
Young man sits next to me... he had a brief, almost whispered conversation with a barkeep... I thought I overheard the word suicidal... and, "I drove him to the VA Hospital."
I'd seen the guy before, had actually visited with him and knew of his love for mankind, all, but especially for fellow military members.
So, gulp, I asked. He seemed relieved to speak of it. Turns out, he'd received an early morning call from a buddy he'd gone to Iraq with in 2004.. known PTSD now., the words "I can't go on", the guy got in his car, made his buddy promise to wait for him as he made the 90 mile drive to get there ASAP. "OK, promise I will."
By the time he got there, police were on the scene, he told them of their history, begged them to let him go in alone... they did... somehow, he helped the man in distress.. and he agreed to get professional help. . Drove him 90 miles to the local VA hospital for a 96 hour hold. Told me, "I was in the same place 6 years ago and the only reason I'm still here is thanks to so many who came to my rescue."
I'm waaaay better in listening than speaking, but I told him how proud I, and certainly many, were of him. WAY bigger accomplishment than winning a football game, teacher of the month, sales contest winner. Because of him, a human carries on, still walks the Earth.
Of course this is anonymous, maybe I'm wrong to share... but to me, so so uplifting, in a time, place, we're starved for uplifting. I too think, we who didn't serve need to be reminded of how proud we are of those who did... and the oft times ugly accompaniment that lives within daily.
The weaving part. Specifically with him, his military brethren. I've seen him sit and visit with my buddy Jim, my age, and a Bronze Star Medal hero from Vietnam as well as other combat veterans. High, proud fabric, fellowship, modest, humble, all.
Cloth is made from woven fibers, as are people. Family comes to mind. "He (or she) is of good stock."
A former girlfriend of mine was a widow. Her daughters had woven a wonderful comforter out of tee shirts from their father. Oh the tears, good, but too, sorrowful.
My cousin, also a Vietnam vet, now deceased, honored annually with a Christmas tree skirt made up of his ties stitched together around the entire base of the tree. 'Tied together, forever.'
It takes a village. A Unit. A school district. A classroom. Peers. BFF's. Mates. Family. Coworkers. A coach and teammates. The want of good for others. Perhaps even bipartisanship for the good of all.
"Dream Weaver .. you can get me through the night". 'was a song about infinite compassion and love carrying us through the night of our trials and suffering.' Never more true than the buddy of the guy on the barstool next to me.
Viva La uplift, fabric, weaving, humanity and love.
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