No Man Left Behind

Much of our culture is defined by the sub-cultures that are created. The motto “No man left behind” is well known, and can be seen on many levels laced throughout our daily lives. Schools have adopted this, groups, kinship programs, etc.

Yet, this is not carried into most religions or family groupings. It is definitely not adopted by friends in most cases. Generally, you will discover that friendship is easily discarded like a bad habit. Who once were a unit, are now at odds. Who once was relied on is now a vague memory of “stuff you did together”

So what is friendship?

To me, there are distinct separations between the levels of friends. I consider them tiers. There are those you know, those you know and like, those you can tolerate, those you choose to hang with and then friends, then family. Friends and family fall into the “love” category. I love my friends, those I choose to call friends. I love my family, those I choose to call family.

Any who fall into the last two categories are closest to my heart, and as such, I adopt the “no man left behind” motto. Each and every person, unique and one unto themselves, occupy a place designed distinctly for them in my heart and life. There is no comparison and no compromises. There is literally NOTHING a person can do, say, not do, not say to remove themselves from this place. However, they can choose at any time to discard me. That is their choice and I refuse to accept any less.

In the past, it has been very difficult for me to verbalize this. I have always known that I am this way. My cousin calls it imprinting, and I like this term. That is exactly what it is for me. Once a person imprints on me, they become a part of who I am. Our unity in the universal oneness is recognized by my soul and I accept that as a gift or blessing. So as I discover ways to verbalize, it is easier for me to say what has always been true.

So what is love?

This is awkward, or uncomfortable for some. It’s hard to understand what this means. All of a sudden, there is this intangible feeling of questions and discomfort. Do I expect something? Does that require an effort or ownership? Is it creepy? I don’t recognize this as normal…so is it weird? Will it change? Can I trust it? Does it mean sex, or stalker, or something even worse?

I can’t make that go away for my loved ones, because the truth is, I have always been this way and felt this way. The only difference is that I have discovered my OWN worth, and am able to verbalize what IS. I am not afraid any more to be cast aside, because you have already blessed me with your presence. I ask nothing more from you.

I am not afraid to speak and be ignored or scorned or contradicted, because that is your story and your journey, not mine.

I am not afraid of being alone, for I have found my company enough. I know I am okay. I know that I deserve the full value of being, and you cannot give that or take it away from me.

If your fears block who I am from your life, that is only your loss, for I am no longer lost to myself. If your understanding limits your faith in me, that is your loss, for I am no longer limited. If your journey takes you far from me, the journey we have already been on is enough.

All I have ever asked of, or wanted from a loved one is honesty. That has not changed, however it has evolved to the point where I understand that some cannot give that. That’s okay. It’s okay for me to love you even if you cannot or will not be honest with me. So now, I ask nothing. Not even honesty any more. I am just thankful for your imprint.

No man left behind means I will love you, eternally, safely and without expectation. The door way to my heart is open to you, for you are already residing therein. If I have done wrong, then it is your job to let me know. If you return to me in order to scar me, you will find nothing but love receiving you. I am not yours to tarnish, soil or demean…although you are free to try.

No man left behind means I will not abandon you, but you are free to exit any time you wish. I may not understand, or want you to go, but that is okay. I see your path as valid and vital to who you are, and if that path veers off into the setting sun, the tears I shed will only be my purging of your physical presence.

No man left behind means if I ask anything of you, I will always accept “no” as an answer. You have a voice, just as I do. You have a will, just as I do. You are no greater than or less than.

I will love you forever, without question or judgement or expectation. So if you have the courage to understand that and the faith to accept it, then you will never be left behind.