Inert Ingredients
In the sunset and dusk of my older brother's life, he slipped into the role of philosopher. I couldn't have a normal conversation with him without a swift lapse into some deep wisdom like he was unpeeling ancient Chinese secrets from a Tibetan mountain top. It was annoying, but every so often he'd unearth a useful nugget. We were never brotherly close as some are, and there were years with little communication, but when he saw that his life was ending, he made a few major life changes, one of which was to reach out to me, perhaps, in part, to lay down some life principles that, in my three years less life, I may have not fully grasped. I am beginning to understand his urgency as I watch my impending sunset. Rather than imagining myself as a serene Buddha-like character, I'm thinking more like a benevolent adopted grandfather, thoughtfully rocking gently in a slightly creaky rocking chair. I am surrounded by young people thirsty for wisdom as much as I yearn to dole it ...