"And, as with all retold tales that are in people's hearts, there are only good and bad things and black and white things and good and evil things and no in-between. If this story is a parable, perhaps everyone takes his own meaning from it and reads his own life into it." Prologue, pg. I
Black and white has it's place - zebras, newspapers, great photography, dalmations. . . My soul lives in the "in-between". I live in color. As a young reader, the impact this book, Steinbeck's "The Pearl" made on me, still shouts out directions. Who will I care for? What rules must I follow? What matters most?
I saw Dr. Patch Adams at Kingsbury Hall last Friday. Something pulled me to get there in spite of the usual Friday night conflicts. Chuck dropped me off (he had a Jazz game to watch) and I slipped into my seat just as The Show began. Although billed as a lecture, "Living a Life of Joy" was anything but. Patch lives in color! He would never have turned the scorpion bit baby away. He heals. He believes in community. He is troubled by labels. Folks getting rich from the coin of those with affliction pains his heart. For my efforts to suit up and show up, I was well fed. It was past 10pm when I finally left. I walked down the hill from 13th east to 7th East in SLC giving silent thanks with every step. For the warm spring night, for the sounds of the city, for the strong ones like Patch that share their voice, for a family that supports me as I march to a beat they rarely hear and for Kody, Jade and Presley who were on their way to pick me up.
Early the next morning, the mamas that color my world so beautifully showed up for a gathering at my house. They brought their babies and their baby full bellies. We feasted on each other's stories as well as the other tasty offerings. "Celebration is a food we all need".
Community. My intention to create a safe space for women to come and share what matters most is coming to pass.
Nobody right, nobody wrong, little birdie. One man got his black and white.
One woman got her color.
