THE CELL PHONE

My cell phone rang and I answered it. I was sitting with my son in an outdoor restaurant, talking and eating, and being together.  The phone rang and I answered it, something I rarely  do. 

As I listened and talked for two minutes on the phone, I noticed the expression on my son's face change, into what I interpreted, as disappointment. The conversation ended and I asked "what's happening?"  

"We were being together and eating," he replied.  "When you answered the phone, everything changed.  Being together came to a halt.  The fun of our time together was gone."  My instant thought was to notice how often I see people staring at their hands holding some device, appearing to be distant from those around them. 

I started to explain and justify then stopped immediately, appreciating that he felt safe enough to tell me something that could be perceived as too sensitive. 

"I'm sorry," I said.  "I did do that.  I left you.  I did not need to answer it.  I never answer the phone when with someone, and this time I did.  I broke the joy we were having. and disconnected from you."

I thanked him for telling me the impact that phone event had on him.  It could seem like a minor incident. But it's not. 

BEING BORN

I came into this world in Brooklyn, New York a few years ago.  I wasn't in any hurry after being born.  I had no particular plan in mind. I was really a good person at birth.  Still am. I wasn't aware of rules or certain behaviors expected of me, yet I was pretty flexible, trusting those around me to keep me from falling off high places, eating stuff that didn't fit in my mouth, or crawling in places that I didn't fit.

I wasn't a sinner.  Really,  I wasn't.  I wasn't bad needing to be made good.  I just wasn't.  I was curious.  I questioned everything.  Actually, I didn't think much, I just did stuff.  My mind was only a part of me, so thinking didn't get in the way of laughing, drooling and reaching out to people.   That is just what I did.  

I never thought I was wrong or right, or good or bad.I just was.  I never thought of hurting anyone, or even wanting to.  I'm not sure where I came from before I crawled or pushed my way out of my mom. 

Why am I telling you all this?  I think I know.  Not sure.  I think I want everyone to know that all little babies, and new borns, and growing little ones, when seen and embraced with awe and wonder, no matter their age, will bring out that same wonder and awe in those around them.  Big people will be free to play, feel deeply, laugh, hug and follow the rules of their heart. Real freedom.  I will be seen as your gift, and a sort of guide
to be silent inside, less busy and hurried, a sort of baby guru.  A wise being masquerading as just a little baby.   How simple. How Freeing.