Reunion and Reconciliation

To reunite is a joy that I wish to experience more, a sweet feeling of abundance this week.

Wednesday was Terrell's (friend on death row whom I write letters) evidentiary hearing. Specifically, in his case, it's a pernicious opportunity for a new trial. Terrell had an obnoxiously arrogant and inflexible former counsel who didn't care much to divulge his life-long violent abuse history, which could have affected sentencing. Less than rigorous defense is a serious understatement. I attended morning proceedings and returned on Thursday afternoon for its closing.

I don't possess the proficiency to describe the abuse he and his two siblings endured. Nor do I have an imagination capable of relating to the violence and terrorism they survived until they left their home. Both his sister and brother testified, recalling in intricate their Hell, at the hands of their father, and later step-father. I was overwhelmed, and too, inspired by their example, exemplifying strength.

I became a part of the hearings in a way I didn't anticipate. His brother, sister, mother, aunt, cousins and Godparents absorbed me in their hope and generosity. Even being new to Terrell's life, I was finally able to relate to his brother's pictures (with son) and proud descriptions of his sister's recent achievements. I met open arms. In this way, meeting his family for the first time, under these intimate circumstances, felt more like a reunion. People and lives and problems and spirits and everything else from our 10-month friendship were finally real. And when you're able to see how your life entangles with others' lives, blowing away artifice where we see our prosperity beginning and ending, it is a reminder of your own humanity. I wrote Terrell today about how easy it was to support him and to share my optimism about the hearing as well.

Also, on Friday I celebrated my 23rd birthday. Birthdays are true reunions for me, a rare occasion when my friends from all side of my life meet and in some cases, manage one another. Earlier in the day, I spent a even rarer morning with my mother. She planted flowers for me.

With every reunion there's some reconciliation or memories that you must confront. Fortunately I don't have any deep impressions from my birthday. Rather, details which emerged about Terrell's early years, reminded me of my own instability growing up. Nothing of comparison to his past, yet my upbringing had its periods of parental absence or distraction. I particularly related to the battle of competing loyalties of a mother has to choose between a destructive man from which she is emotionally and otherwise dependent and her children. Violence takes several shapes. When a damaged stranger enters your home, wrecks havoc, and assumes power over your life, choices, and loved ones, it can take an emotional triage to recover. We all do the best we can. Terrell, his brother and sister were confronting the most haunting demons, though, they no longer hold them captive.

This week marks my chakra re-alignment. I'm investing into an energy-worker's help and have already learned about two reunions I've had--unwittingly--during my lifetime. That is, if you believe in reincarnation :smile:

See ya,
R.