Have you ever met anyone that made you wonder if you were walking around experiencing life half asleep? You might know if you've met someone like this because they're like the bright light that moths are attracted to, they don't really do anything to get your attention, they just are; and what ever they are or whatever it is they seem to have in their core, some of us want a piece of.
I know a woman we call Sissy just like that. She lives life as though she might not wake up tomorrow; enjoying the beauty of the moment. She's not reckless by any means, though her approach to many things does sometimes seem unorthodox. She forms deep relationships with most she comes in contact with and most folks just plain like to be around her. Sissy challenges every ‘because that's the way it's supposed to be done' rule that has ever been laid before her; and she always has.
Image of Sissy Flying Kite Night After Camping At Haleakala Crater, HI
Occasionally while speaking with Sissy we'll discuss our respective jobs. Almost without fail when we have these conversations she'll ask me what I'm afraid of or what's stopping me from___ and she'll fill in the blank. Most of us that know and love Sissy really enjoy this about her. As a matter of fact, I can't think of anyone that doesn't. Don't get me wrong, we squirm - bunches! But in the process we're able to eliminate those things that aren't needed, shift things a bit and move other things around until they better fit and make more sense in the space we're in. It's not unlike staging an occupied property at all.
Bette Midler recorded the song The Wind Beneath My Wings for the movie Beaches when when Sissy was in elementary school. I used to say it was the song that defined our relationship - it was how I saw her. I still do.
Once in awhile Sissy will call early, before she leaves for work, or late, after working on a project she wanted to get perfect and say "Mom, I'm having a hard time with______, do you have any suggestions?" It's then that I get to think to myself: Well...wind I may not be; but maybe at least an open window that allows a breath of fresh air.
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