Dealing with difference
Now that mom is gone – Where do we go
from here? What can we take with us from her into the chapters and
challenges of
life that lie before us now? She has been such a wonderful example
to us all.
One of the greatest legacys from mom that
I hope to take with me (and that I hope to pass on to my children in my
turn) is the most wonderful capacity she had to be a 'Bridge over
troubled water' in the challenge of helping us to 'deal with difference'
-- in the
white waters of human relations that are obviously a real part of
life for us all.
As children, mom always taught us that in
personal conflict, the optimal was to, in humility, do our best to resolve our
difference, forgive, and then continue in harmony.
However as life has taught us, not all
'difference' is resolvable, (and fortunately it doesn't need to be). Mom was clear in her teaching that
'difference' should never be resolved at the expence of ones integrity
and moral principle. The principle of the 'bridge over troubled
waters' solves the problem of 'difference', when this 'difference' is
beyond the context of resolution, but the journey needs to go on leaving
the scum of turbulence behind.
The immoveablility and obstinence in
the rocks in the rapids below, will
never allow 'the flow' to be a peaceful stream -- but 'a
bridge' like the spirit of mom, makes it possible to navigate beyond this
turmoil and continue on to the still waters further on, that will then
refresh and inspire with all the dignity and moral honor that was meant
to be.
Love you for this mom! Thank you, and this song is
just you.
Your son
Edgar
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