Connections...Part 1

I am addicted to connections.  I love the simple, yet intricate, ways we connect with the people around us whether it be those we are most intimate with, or complete strangers passing by.  Many of you know I have a lovely little red  bow tattooed on the inside of my left wrist - something that means the world to me because it symbolizes a belief I hold very dear.  I believe we meet the people we're supposed to meet, when we're supposed to meet them, and we serve a very specific purpose in each other's lives.  The hard part is, we have no idea how long we get with anyone and, if you're like me - a hanger-onner - then the letting go, when necessary, is extremely difficult.  (My bow is based on the Asian Red Ribbon of Fate that says we are tied to specific people through fate for a variety of reasons - love, business, friendship - and nothing can keep that bond from forming.)  So, when I look at my wrist, I am reminded of lots of things/people depending on my mood...sometimes I think of the cold January afternoon when K and I stood in Grimm's on Broadway and had that tiny little picture etched on my body...sometimes I think of people I've known and lost...sometimes I think of people who I will call "almosts" because they could have played a role but were more of a shadow in the background when it was all said and done...sometimes I think of all of you; those who came into my life and stuck, choosing to do this messy thing called life in tandem.  But, no matter what, or who, I think of/remember when looking at that little red bow...I always find myself smiling to myself.  
So, connections...I am constantly trying to figure out what makes people who, and why, they are.  I refuse to see people at surface level, although that's the easiest thing to do.  Obviously we are naturally drawn to certain people for a variety of typical reasons:  looks, personality, shared interests, common location, etc.  But, what about a person causes you to want to know more, to invest in them, to not only acknowledge, but also accept and encourage the differences between the two of you?  I've always asked a lot of questions.  My sisters used to worry a bit when they brought boys they were dating around me and always asked me to behave because I tended to ask more than the usual "what do you do" or "where are you from" questions...sure it was to get to know them, but it's also because I'm just naturally curious, especially about people.  I love to figure out what makes someone tick, what makes them WHO they are.  I mean, really...what we do is just a job...but, aside from that, aside from the visible, tangible, day-to-day things everyone sees...WHO are they?  Aside from all of that...aside from what YOU show everyone...WHO are YOU?  

...to be continued...