For the Graduate(s)

"Anything you do from the soulful self will help lighten the burdens of the world. Anything. You have no idea what the smallest word, the tiniest generosity can cause to be set in motion. Be outrageous in forgiving. Be dramatic in reconciling. Mistakes? Back up and make them as right as you can, then move on. Be off the charts in kindness. In whatever you are called to, strive to be devoted to it in all aspects large and small. Fall short? Try again. Mastery is made in increments, not in leaps. Be brave, be fierce, be visionary. Mend the parts of the world that are "within your reach." To strive to live this way is the most dramatic gift you can ever give to the world."

-Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Ph.D. 

We met years ago in a place where many women, and men, come to have their cup filled. Many of us came without knowing we lived on fumes but knew daily that life did fume. I was among the ones who thought, and still do think far more than healthy. Still there was room for me and all the others and in time we came to know each other and each others stories.

Time passed and the trials of living and the joys of being alive tipped weighing heavily on the trial-side. Distance, the physical sort separated us. Technology (a cellphone) allowed connection and I tethered to the good I found in our friendship. Tides came and went, health and wealth, came and went. I returned to her side of the Pacific, we retained our friendship and began to write together. Technology again. On-line writing group. She wrote about her transforming life. I wrote fiction to write myself well. We grew more devoted to the friendship.

"Mastery is made in increments, not in leaps. Be brave, be fierce, be visionary," writes Dr. Estees. Tonight my friend graduates from Skagit Community College. She has begun the first classes in anatomy with her eye on becoming an acupuncture practitioner. This friend who has raised a palm full of children on a homestead off-the-grid before became 'green' became a movement, is living Estees' assignment. Pete and I plan to venture north to celebrate her graduation.

This cup, I'll fold for Frea, our friend who has filled my cup when needed most. Thank you friend.