Four Oceans

My pain is like a river of tears, so vast it fills the four oceans

-- from Please Call Me by My True Names, a poem by Thich Nhat Hanh

A contemplation for the day ...

Tears of anguish came forth as she spoke of her son being in jail. A young man who suffers from brain damage, slurred speech, and dependency on alcohol to drown his own hurts. A mother who faces the reality that husband and children can no longer accommodate their son and brother. A man filled with pain and anger, frustrated and disappointed in himself. Once a fine strong man who taught and led others in a noble profession upholding justice. Now he is named an abusive and violent person. She keeps his room untouched, knowing it brings sorrow if she stepped in. She is uncertain about his future and hers in turn.