on the truth of real beauty
and the best loved bear
Where do you go for wisdom?
Some venture to university, others consult experts, still more speak with priests, ministers and the like.
Me?
I go to children’s literature.
Some books like The Underneath by Kathi Appelt or His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman are rich tapestries woven of magic, wisdom and love.
Other like The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown are gentle soothers that express a very simple truth.
One such book that I love deeply is called The Best Loved Bear by Dianna Noonan. In it we learn that the greatest things are not the most shiny, decorated or new. The prize winning ‘best loved bear’ is tattered, stained, stitched up and kinda janky looking.
My favorite sweater is a lot like the best loved bear.
It’s almost thirty years old. I call it my religious sweater because if it weren’t for all of the repairs I’ve made to it, the damn thing would be holier than the pope.
My truck - a 93 GMC Sierra is much the same with its holes, rust and squeaks.
The fools of the world flock to disposable fashion, disposable relationships and disposable love.
Remarkable fools?
We know that love hurts and leaves its scars across our trucks, sweaters, teddies and relationships.
A scar is a mark of honor.
It’s a mark of repair.
So go forth you fools
And cuddle up.
With your best loved bear.
