[An old tradition revived]
Many years ago, I was visited in the middle of the night by one I now consider an old friend, but at the time was barely more than a friendly acquaintance.
Perhaps "visited" is the wrong word to use; it was more that we'd encountered one another by chance. I, unable to sleep, had decided to take a walk. And she, unable to bear being confined in an infirmary for an injury she sustained in battle, had decided to sneak out and do the same. And it was there, in the pitch-black of that night, as I walked through the palace gardens, I heard her voice calling out to me.
With no moon in the sky and her injuries making her weak, she was unable to find her way back to the infirmary. And so I happened to come across her.
The first words out of my mouth were a question as to what she thought she was doing outside at this hour. She could have easily returned with the same question, but did not. Instead, she pointed to the sky.
"When the moon is new," she told me, "it's the best time to stargaze."
It seemed silly to me at the time; to risk one's health for the sake of stargazing. But it was what she said next that has stayed with me for the years following that night.
"Do you see that star?" It was difficult for me to understand just where she was pointing, but with some direction, I was able to locate just the star she meant. It was a faint star; barely visible. "When the moon is bright, its light is completely overpowered. But when the moon is new, one can point it out; just like I'd done for you." She stopped to catch her breath, and then continued. "Much like those we care for and love. While we may not be able to be with them all the time, and while at times, it seems they may be gone forever... They're always with you. Just like that star."
Does that not hold especially true for camp? We are all apart from our loved ones. And while we may become close to others here, there will eventually be a time when we must part ways. But even if we cannot see each other... we are always with each other.
Despite all we'd been through in this camp, it was something she would always take the time to remind herself once a month.
And so shall I, while the moon is new, carry on in her spirit and remember those I've left behind, and those who have gone ahead. And while it is tradition to leave a bowl of wine for those who are not present, we will have to make do with what camp allows us. Thus, I will leave out this bowl of grape juice.
Perhaps "visited" is the wrong word to use; it was more that we'd encountered one another by chance. I, unable to sleep, had decided to take a walk. And she, unable to bear being confined in an infirmary for an injury she sustained in battle, had decided to sneak out and do the same. And it was there, in the pitch-black of that night, as I walked through the palace gardens, I heard her voice calling out to me.
With no moon in the sky and her injuries making her weak, she was unable to find her way back to the infirmary. And so I happened to come across her.
The first words out of my mouth were a question as to what she thought she was doing outside at this hour. She could have easily returned with the same question, but did not. Instead, she pointed to the sky.
"When the moon is new," she told me, "it's the best time to stargaze."
It seemed silly to me at the time; to risk one's health for the sake of stargazing. But it was what she said next that has stayed with me for the years following that night.
"Do you see that star?" It was difficult for me to understand just where she was pointing, but with some direction, I was able to locate just the star she meant. It was a faint star; barely visible. "When the moon is bright, its light is completely overpowered. But when the moon is new, one can point it out; just like I'd done for you." She stopped to catch her breath, and then continued. "Much like those we care for and love. While we may not be able to be with them all the time, and while at times, it seems they may be gone forever... They're always with you. Just like that star."
Does that not hold especially true for camp? We are all apart from our loved ones. And while we may become close to others here, there will eventually be a time when we must part ways. But even if we cannot see each other... we are always with each other.
Despite all we'd been through in this camp, it was something she would always take the time to remind herself once a month.
And so shall I, while the moon is new, carry on in her spirit and remember those I've left behind, and those who have gone ahead. And while it is tradition to leave a bowl of wine for those who are not present, we will have to make do with what camp allows us. Thus, I will leave out this bowl of grape juice.