Roots are what we are literally handed when we are delivered into this world. Our life threads join the ages-old tapestry that has been woven with all the adventures, successes, risks, tribulations, choices, honor, faith, humor and love from every single member of our family who has gone before. These rich histories are what we cling to. What we claim.
Every single inch of that ancient weaving are the tenacious anchors that hold our collective souls together. There is a vivid and exciting spirit that eternally whispers the message to our souls, "You belong". We can even dare to ask that witness of the past to share the wisdoms learned. In the silence the lessons will be taught. In a quiet moment just settled back and close your eyes....and listen....and feel. Gather all of the strength, charity, graciousness, integrity, intelligence offered. Then stand proudly on the shoulders of those who have led the way and add your colors and textures to the cloth. My son is in the last remaining days of his teen years. Throughout his life we have instilled the concept of WHO he came from and the STRENGTH those folks exhibited in their lives that now has been passed on to him. The thought that his own decisions and zest and energy are being added to the family tapestry probably hasn't even occurred to him. But when he does grasp that singular truth, he will realize the he has become the next intregal layer for future generations. (....Just maybe he will accept what his wonderful mother constantly reminds him: "You have to be good no matter where you go because you never know who you might run into or who might see you." We ALL know that happens, don't we? And a secret NEVER stays a secret, does it?)
