Reminders

I was a young, impressionable student when this happened. In fact, I had a copy of this picture, cut out from the newspaper, taped to the wall over my futon. I found inspiration in knowing that a single, courageous "person" (of course, I knew it was a man, but I imagined it could also be a monkey) could stop a line of tanks simply by taking a stand.

I would look at the picture, while writhing in angst over the issues of youth . . . exams, friendships, the future . . . and remind myself that my torments were of little consequence and temporary. In someways, this picture helped me grow up.

It is twenty-one years later. I've had a very lucky life. I have pretty much everything a person or monkey could ever want. A comfortable and safe home, enough food to eat, work that challenges but also fulfills me, and relationships with people/critters I love. It isn't always exactly as I would have it. It isn't without pain and just a few regrets. However, I'm pretty sure it would be selfish to expect more.

Looking on this picture again and being reminded through the media of this event, I recall the energy and excitement I use to feel over the sheer possibilities my future held. Perhaps, it wouldn't be a bad thing to recapture just a little bit of that feeling.