Today is the 65th birthday of my brother in law, John.Except for the fact that he took my beloved sister away from me when I was just nine years old- I love him wholeheartedly. And I forgive him!
And respect him. More than anyone else I've ever known.
He is a Vietnam Veteran. Fully absorb all the implications of that, of what that must have been like to live through. Try though we might, we can never know.
But I do know that for all the horror of that past, he has grown into a Sage, a Wiseman, or most appropriately as my daughter calls him- a Wizard. He is a true son of the Celts, he loves his family, the land and every living thing. He plants a beautiful garden every year. Last year he was telling me about the deer that came out from the woods behind their home to feast upon his garden, especially the apple tree. I asked him what he was doing to keep them out, and he just shrugged his shoulders and said "Well, they have to eat too". This is John. I bless him for taking care of my wonderful sister, for raising four amazing children and three exceptional grandchildren. And for being a second Father who has taught me what Life is really about.
There is a famous poem attributed to St. Patrick called "The Breastplate of St. Patrick" or alternately "The Deer's Cry" here is an excerpt:
I arise to-day
Through the strength of heaven:
Light of sun,
Radiance of moon,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of wind,
Depth of sea,
Stability of earth,
Firmness of rock.
I arise to-day
Through God’s strength to pilot me:
God’s might to uphold me,
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me,
God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me,
God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me,
God’s shield to protect me,
God’s host to save me
From snares of devils,
From temptations of vices,
From every one who shall wish me ill,
Afar and anear, Alone and in a multitude.
