If Br. Gerard was around to listen

 I would be able to discuss this book.  

“The Dawn of Everything” is a history of humanity from the perspective that, basically, it isn’t all about the European thinkers.  One salient point made by a Jesuit missionary in the 1600s in “new France” is that rather than punish the offender alone, all his/her clan is made responsible to make compensation for a crime.  That puts responsibility for controlling bad behavior on the community. Maybe this is an idea we should accept and implement as a society. Someone once said “It takes a village.” So the village needs to get with the program. 

Continuation

 I have reviewed my few previous posts, and I sense a theme.  It’s all about change and the loss that can come as things change.  It’s interesting to me, and maybe a negative thing, that I remember my failures so clearly.  I wonder what that says about my psyche?   I don’t know how to bring this post to a “right” conclusion.  I do know that living has taught me to live without expectation of validation. I must say that knowing Gerard (see previous post) was an experience of knowing a truly beautiful soul.  That he called me friend, I guess that is enough validation for now. 

New topic

 At 4:30 this morning, my phone told me to wake and listen…or rather read.  News from Australia.  Br. Gerard Rummery—scholar, teacher, friend, mentor—has died.  I hate the “passed away” thing.  He hasn’t just gone to another room.  His voice, his kindness, his charm as a house guest, tour guide, and willing assistant as I shop, is gone from here. He was an inspiration to many of us who taught and/or studied in the Lasallian community.  There is a vacancy in our world.  He remains as the little prince says to Saint Exupery “unique au monde.”