With the exception of body parts, anatomical/physiological aids and relatively good health, have you ever given thought as to what things are indispensable and what things you could toss? For me, anything that is referred to as "...a collection of..." is usually something that can be tossed. I, for example, used to have a collection of pig figurines. I've since replaced most of them with a collection of mouse pads. I look around and see the number of gifts that I have been given that are dusty, or the number of half empty jars of things I never use and I start thinking about the need to toss and recycle. Other than cash, my computer, a few books and my phone I really think there's very little around me that is so super important. Yet... everything remains.
Tonight I sat and talked with my employer of 14 years. He started with $5 and a Snicker's bar and now he's ending with nothing. We had a good roll, when people who bought quality products would expect quality service. Now neither of us has anything. I'm actually grateful for my computer and DSL, as it affords me a way to make a few bucks when things are slow. Although we both experienced the cyber craze in the early '70s, he let it fall to the wayside while and though at times I dismissed it as a fleeting rave or an over-extension of human comprehension, I persued the craft as best I could follow it. Now he's looking at a future of pup tents and squirrel meat. I see my existance as a small speck in this vast world we call the web. Not only can I not do without a computer, I will also require cigarrettes, Pepsi, painkillers, and beer. In that order. I vagely remember a few posts of mine purporting the fact I was a hippie. I now realize I'm no more a hippie than Donald Trump. As one of my earlier muses eluded to, I want it all, I want it now, but I don't want to cause a fuss. And here he is, ready to go out into the wilderness with no more than a rucksack of supplies, rifle, binoculars, and preferring something a little roomier than a buddietent (which I can't even manage to afford him). A thought just occured to me. This man will not accept charity from anyone. But, if he doesn't know it's a handout, it won't hurt him, will it? All this time I was wondering what to do. I have the audience of eveyone here. He has noone. Who do you think will win?
I feel sad for the both of you..thats a good chunk of life being around eachother.. maybe its not so much as a ending as it is a re-birthing..in our culture one of the bravest things a person could do was to give away.. Everything..right down to the clothes on ones back. this act enabled the giver the chance to start over from scratch..free from any burdens..the nobelest act a warrior could perform... human humility at its highest..once started the warriors old name was dead and a new name was adopted and used.. all ties, obligations and bonds were cut..a total do over.. we should all be so bold! I celibrate and envy his freedom!! Nothing in this world goes the way we think it should..for if it does it would take all the mystery out of it and soon would not be worth bothering with.. All that aside, i understand this is serious to both of you..dont doubt yourself, your a good and caring friend to this man.. and as far as I know this is the most important quality we so called hippys hold dear..you care.. and now i do too.. Cochise
