Hazey....

In our youth - we all seemingly had that fixture of security to latch onto. My granddaughter has "Hazey" - a purple-ish pillow pet that must be in attendance on car rides, walks, TV watching, and of course, bed/naptime. Among the first distinguishable phrases, "wher Hazey?"....

I ain't afraid to announce, I had "Teddy." A simple, brown teddy bear - who, over the years saw his fluff worn off from his chin to his arms by my arm constantly encircling him. Seams ultimately worked their way open - stitched/restuffed time and again by mom.

Linus had his blanket - and he found more uses for it than a Swiss Army knife. His comfort.

Transitional objects. From the belly, to the breast - to blankey. Police, ambulances, carry stuffed toys to provide comfort for children involved in accidents.

One day, aging, adulthood, independence happens. The precious inanimate objects are safely tucked away, fondly to be remembered - and replaced by siblings, friends, and even one day perhaps - loved ones, ie - mates.

Many make it through a lifetime having these forever bonds, all-time comforts, and they live happily ever after.

Some... don't. Some lose loved ones, friends, comfort 'objects' for various reasons. Location. Loss of life. Divorce. Disagreement. Difference.

Some, even in/with the company of loved ones - get lost along the way as well. The perception from afar seems right/well - but struggle happens within.

Hazey, Teddy, the blanket - are often misguidedly replaced by addiction, depression, a feeling of worthlessness - and abandonment of the idea/want of/hope for normalcy/good/happy/security. We/some replace our comfort object with facades like alcohol, drug, food, seclusion - all with perceived good intent, all with the result of disparity.

There was a cool thing posted recently about 'special glasses'. Shows a guy pulling out of his driveway, almost runs over a kid on his bike - frustrated... goes to coffee shop, lady pulls in his parking space (grrrr)... once inside, waits, and waits, and waits for his turn. Unbearable. Always thinking 'me, me, me." Selfishness.

Given the magic glasses to put on - he revisits those situations. "Labels" of life appear on those around. "Just lost her spouse." And another "contemplating suicide". And "Figthing addiction." I don't remember them all - but the message was basically "ya just never know." The video ends with the guy returning to his driveway - the child is there again, along with the label "just want someone to care." He rethinks. A game of catch happens, and life is once again good/changed.

To me, for me (welcome to hitchhike): always remember struggle happens, for everyone. Even within those who 'for a lifetime' have the company of their 'comfort object.' There's no room for harsh. There's no place to be a drain (be a fountain.) Choose positive. Think positive. Attitude, alone, can be a huge comfort object.

There's more to the definition of "the beaten path" than scores of footprints. It's a journey, a trial, a tribulation daily, hourly, minute by minute.

Another friend recently posted something along the line of "I have a friend who I think is having a pretty rough time, but he/she hasn't said anything to me, should I do anything?" By all means, yes. When two lean on each other, they walk upright. Remember the last time someone said something to you that kinda took you back, marveled you, made you think "wow, that person really cares about me."? Me too. It's impactive. It's uplifting. It's a rush, a feel good, a comfort object. Let's be that person.

People are really remarkable. Even you, me.

With love, Hazey, Teddy, the blanket, and Victurd.