Freedom Comes in Many Forms

Freedom comes in many forms. To some, it is the freedom from financial burden. For others, it is the freedom to say what’s on one’s mind. There is the freedom to act as one pleases, to worship god as they choose, or not at all if they like. For some precious few, those often referred to as “survivors”, it is the freedom to spend another beautiful evening barbecuing with your spouse and children and grandchildren.

Last July 3^rd 2009 was the day my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I’ll never forget the call, but I will say, it was different than what some might expect. “Robert,” she said, “I found out today that I have cancer.” straight and to the point and noticeably free of a common emotion, fear. Because of her voice, I felt a lifting in my heart, a lifting towards what one might call “freedom.” My grandmother had breast cancer, and my mother had lived so many years under the weight of the fear of it, the fear of this unknown force that may someday sweep into her life and take everything she cherishes from her. Yet, here was that day, and my mother, pre-chemo, pre-operation, pre-hair loss and sickness and pain, saw that previously unrealized fear, now in the full light of day, in its presence. She found herself suddenly free. “I am going to beat this, Robert, I have a lot of things left to do.” Again, her voice resonated with the power that only comes from a person who truly sees the smallness of fear.

Last night, on the beautiful evening of July 3^rd 2010, a gentle breeze rolling across her beautiful back deck, with her grandchildren playing, my mother sat there looking radiant. The only evidence of the wretched pain that comes with “beating this” was her short white hair, which she no longer colored and which now looked more beautiful than it ever had. Amidst all the other chatter and comings and goings of her children and grandchildren she said with a smile, I’ve been given an “all clean” report. I am free. In that moment, I once again thought of how much of our lives can be wasted fearing what may never happen, or more importantly fearing something that has the potential to raise oneself to a higher awareness. I thought about the beauty of freedom and how very precious it is. What a beautiful way to celebrate July 4, 2010.

* Thank you to all the firefighters, police, military, and on this day doctors and nurses – to all those who dedicate their lives to protecting freedom and providing the opportunity for another day to love.