Wandering Along the Path: Right Speech

The older I get, the less I feel I know. I think a lot about my daughter who died, and she has become so complex she's like a faceted diamond to me. You can't judge another person, because what you see is their "story" and their words and actions. But INSIDE the person: unknown. I do know she was conflicted, after a tumultuous first few years. She didn't have the self esteem I attempted to instill in her. Yet she was risk taking, daring and fought to keep true to herself. True love didn't run smoothly for her, if it ever does for anyone, but she picked partners who respected and adored her, so her choices were solid. Motherhood came somewhat late to her, but she emerged herself in making her daughter's life rich and full and surrounded by loving family and friends. And when I contemplate my other three kids, they too elude me with their complexities and nuances. They are so much more than I will ever know or guess. All four are kind to us and others, and clearly try to do no harm. We all share the same leftist politics. We all adore children, and books, and art, and music and nature. But do I KNOW them? No, they are mysterious and always will be, as I am to them. This allows for surprise, delight and fun, and dampens judgement's ugly head. Relationships are shadows dancing with each other, unable to see the person clearly. I accept that now.