Rodney

Rodney
Originally uploaded by thepoemster.

Last week Nicman's dear friend Rodney passed away.

I have prepared this sentiment in honor of Rodney, a friend of a friend.

Rodney lost the ability to see with his eyes when he was eighteen years old. But what I know from all Nic has told me is his vision and insight was better than that of most sighted people. Nic met Rodney in a time of turbulence and found in him a beacon that he could trust for guidance at all times.

Lights used for navigation are not meant to provide the false sense of security of totally illuminating the landscape. They serve as indicators of where you are at present in relation to where you may wish to be. Many times the most insidious danger lie hidden and even daylight may be of no help at all.

In each of our lives we all have different trials we need to meet. Arguably, there is no textbook or manual on you or me that I know of. We can however compare notes and provide support in a limited sense if we choose to. Limited only by the amount of understanding and compassion we can show for others. Kept in check only by being too judgmental and lessened when this trust waivers. It has to be there at all times, steady and true.

In one's lifetime, a person is fortunate to run across a beacon such as this and it is the exception rather than the rule. In one's lifetime, a person is fortunate to know one person who they can truly call a friend.

Oddly enough, for one who sat in darkness, Rodney emitted more steady guiding light than a thousand "seeing" people.

His life was a beacon for those that knew him and shared in his life and now as I write this I am reminded as to the true meaning of the word "friendship".

This light,from the beacon of friendship, like that of the stars above, remains. It will guide those that take the time to look for it and make the effort to care... forevermore.