It really isn't that time flies. Rather, it is that SO
much living can be crammed into a mere four decades; that so much of the
beautiful and wonderful and exhilarating could come, seemingly just when
needed, to wash away the pain and disappointments that are part of all our
destinies, our Fate, and yes, our legacy to our children and grandchildren.
How the power of Love, between a girl of 18 and a boy
weeks removed from 19, could endure so much, empower so much, and takes us so
far -- despite not-always-conquered temptations of self-obsession and
selfishness.
Faith we have shared, in God and each other, even as we
were exasperated and awe-struck by trials and blessings, mountain peaks and
valley pits, sweet sunshine and flower-scented breezes and thunderstorms,
lightning and deluge.
It has always been, even if not always realized, not the
destination we set out upon on Sept. 1, 1973, in Spokane, Wash., but the
journey -- and that we have taken it together, hand in hand, comforted by each
other and that occasional warm Hand on our shoulders.
I do not know what lies ahead, but I know that children
we remain, despite the years, the gray, the aches that may make us slower (just
a little!), and for all of it, only a bit wiser.
I think back to the summer of 1972, when I went on a
three-week backpacking trip into the wilderness of the Kaniksu National Forest,
trekking with the friend who would later be my best man. It was an intentional
break, from everything, to be sure that when I asked Barbara to marry me, I was
indeed ready to be committed to her in all things, for all time.
The journey, then, was imagined, both exciting and
terrifying, but unknown.
Today, I call back to the youth, building the extra-large
campfire to dry out clothing soaked by a mountaintop storm that shook a small
pup tent with the crack of sheet lightning. The flames crackle, the heat comes
in waves from coals glowing red and white.
Listen to the breeze in the pines, kid. She will be your
lover, your best and truest friend on earth. She will be the mother of your
children. She will surprise you with her strength, move you with her tenderness
and compassion, and being the perfect receptacle of that torrent of Love you
sense within yourself.
Years later, you will still marvel at her deep, green eyes,
that still undiscovered country that beckon, assure, calm and inspire, always
there, even at the end of life's squalls of madness and the pain.
Young man, you have no idea of what is ahead. But God has
indeed brought you your soul mate. Laugh at the night, breathe deep the scents
of fresh rain, sodden pine needles and feel the warmth of the fire spreading
inside.
Don't be afraid to take her hand. It's going to be one
wonderful, crazy, breathtaking ride.
