FOR THE FUTURE

In re aspects of the previous post, on another recent morning train into the big city a young man sat across from me who was clearly of Japanese and African heritage -- a slim, handsome and intelligent looking young fellow with an Afro pony tail, on his way to university -- and for some reason that surprised me, I felt proud of him.

I felt proud because in his multicultural nature he reminded me of Keech, of whom I am proud for his having emerged integrally and strongly from his own school experiences here, becoming all the stauncher and wiser for that challenge-- wiser in many ways, at his age, than I am now.

I was proud of this young fellow, as of Keech, for having got this far with such strength of spirit: he was clearly his own man. I was proud of him for all he must have gone through in growing up these past 20-plus years out here in the Japanese countryside while looking so different, and for learning to honor that difference; it must have been tough in grade school.

Had I been able to talk to that young man about all this I would have congratulated him on his courage in getting this far while remaining true to himself. I would have noted that his experience will make him stronger than his contemporaries in ways they know little of, as will the broader heritage that is his gift.

I would say to that young man, stay rooted in your heritage, take pride in it, for you embody change, you are progress. Pay no heed to the fearful who are everywhere in life; they are not your guides. You are your own guide, as it was meant to be. The deepest hopes of all the world rest especially in you.

He and his fellows will likely never read these words, yet I must say them... I am proud of them all, and of all that they hold for the future of the world...