Pacific Northwest Gardening: philosophy 101, 1 by

wrote:
I'll have to go back and read posts to catch up, but Laurie, you misread my post. I did not travel to Texas to find my family or anything of the sort. I didn't travel there at all. The relatives came up here for the funeral. The point was that I was struck at how much similarity there was in our mannerisms, postures, etc. My father did not grow up with his brothers. They were all away from the home, save one, by the time he was born and he left home at 16 years of age to join the navy. I still have no relationship with any of them and we don't have enough in common for me to try to have one. They went back to Texas and that's all there is. But it did give me a feeling of being a part of my own history on the planet and it showed me where I came from. And perhaps it was comforting to me a the most difficult time in my life to see people who resembled my father and also myself, and reminded me so much of us. If I choose to live differently than they do, and I do choose to do so I assure you, then it does not negate the similarities we share. Just because we have free will does not negate the strength of genetics. And just because we have genetics does not negate the strength of free will. Genetics are the cards we're dealt, but our free will allows us to decide how to play them. That is how children from different families who grow up together all turn out differently. Evidently this concept makes people uncomfortable, and having reread Laurie's post, I see why. Looks like this touches a nerve I didn't mean to touch, Laurie. I'm sorry about that. No one is saying that genetics is destiny, you know. That is obviously not true. I am sorry you are in a situation that causes so much personal pain, but you are facing it like the true woman you are. In the end, you will not regret it.

Lynn, your story does say it all, and the fact that you can understand why your mother acted as she did and not hold it against her speaks volumes for you. I knew I liked you! Yes, you should write a book!

Tills, something I've always believed and this thread bears witness to is that no matter who you meet in your life, or how perfect their lives seem to be, each person carries his/her own personal story that has been, at times, incredibly painful. Sometimes just remembering this helps me understand people's rotten behavior.

Too heavy for me after a day in the office! Here is a photo to make everyone laugh. Imagine what is going on in his little head!