Have you met this man?

Have you seen this man?

If memory serves me well, he is of average height and build. But admittedly that is all that is average where he is concerned. He rose from the depth of the earth daily in our younger years, full of dirt and grime. He would arrive home with a smile and with good cheer, masking the horrors of an underground existence few got to experience. He brought comfort, protection and a way of life home with him every day and showered us with confidence and glory. Our, now insignificant achievements where the most important factor in his day and he would press us for detailed explanations. We would follow him to the room and watch him change into his ‘soft clothes’ and watch as he mellowed before our eyes.

In later years we got to know him better as an educator and role model. He masked the demons that chased him daily from us and put his best foot forward, nurturing us and molding us, often with an exact discipline that kept us in a comfort zone. He strode out ahead in every facet of our lives beating a path and removing the thorns that lay ahead. At that age we accepted the path as normal, not fully realizing the dedication and effort he went to on our behalf.

In time to come things changed and we were heard and considered adults amongst men. We gained the military and considered this as one of the possible repayment options for us to show our appreciation for his tireless work. We served and returned somewhat broken and as before we had a comfort zone of unparalleled beauty that again nurtured us into an existence with meaning. It was around this time that we heard the story of a hitch hiker, and listened to the story unfold. The wisdom and the foresight to recognize and then pass the path onward is testimony to his awareness of his charges.

We soon flew from the nest and shone in the outer world and constantly strove to be him. At times we succeeded and at times we failed but with a cursory glance over our shoulder we were able to draw strength from him without his even knowing. As is the nature of the world we continued to grow and develop and soon found a friend and confidant within this man, a quite, strong determination that constantly fed and nurtured our being. We discovered advice and assistance given by him was often to his own detriment but given with such love we saw no difference.

He has after all these years remained a beacon of hope and light for us privileged few. His missions change from time to time but the determination and goal orientated approach shines through the sometimes murky environment we face in this world. Having being away for a few years I recently met up with him again after an absence both physically and emotionally, and was offered a unique opportunity to return for a breather from life, and I am truly amazed and inspired that he still holds that magic in the palm of his hand. The stride may have shortened a fraction but the determination and drive is as brilliant as ever. It is difficult to convey gratitude on a white A4 but visualize me with my hat in my hand as I salute him for he is a leader amongst leaders and, yes, he is my father.

Radha Soami