Annika, that was absolutely lovely. Thank you for taking the time to write it.
Among many others, two things come to my mind. One is your last point:
Quote from: Mrs. Oliphant on Yesterday at 01:50:03 PMMaybe. Just maybe. I am more real. Both more corporeal and more spiritual. More human. When I meet you in the halls of Susan's than I am in my own house and among my own people. Thanks, everyone.
I absolutely understand this. Here we can be ourselves and know that there are no rules or expectations about whom or how we should be other than to be caring and respectful. And because we all know first-hand that our paths are challenging and unique, we know that we can trust one another to see the messiness of what's in our suitcases. I find it incredibly liberating.
The other is about this:
Quote from: Mrs. Oliphant on Yesterday at 01:50:03 PMAnd words can be cruel weapons regardless of the intention of those words.
In my opinion, precisely because we know we can trust one another, we know that none of us is perfect. We're all human and we all say things from time to time that either come across differently from how we intended or were borne of ignorance or unconsciousness at the time. We know not to judge anyone by one such misstep, because we've all made our own and we've seen enough of each other to know who we really are. We're complex beings who have a very broad spectrum of behaviors and contributions, some of which end up being our least favorites. We recognize that complexity and love each other for every bit of it.
So, again, thank you for being who you are and sharing yourself with us. You don't need to be flawless here. Just being you is such a gift.
