Behind Blue Eyes...

Have you ever looked into the eyes of a person and actually see into their very soul? I did once and let me tell you it was amazing. It all began when Blair burst into the loft excited about something, God knows what it was. He bounced with too much enthusiasm.

"Jim, I got it! I got it." He didn't stop bouncing.

"What Chief, what did you get." I couldn't help laughing at the childish glee the he exuded.

He grabbed his ever-present backpack and pulled out a small box and handed it too me. "Open it."

I opened the box carefully. After pushing aside the tissue paper, I discovered a small piece of black stone. I took it out and examined it more carefully. It was a hand-carved piece of onyx in the shape of a black panther, my animal spirit. I noticed as I turned it over and over that there was a warmth and slight tingle in my fingers.

"It is beautiful, Blair, thank you." I choked back my feelings. "And what did I do to deserve this?"

It was at that point that I looked at my best friend, my guide. His eyes were deep with emotions. I felt my self being pulled into those blue eyes. I was lost in the current of his love and devotion but I felt safe within the current. Suddenly I was back in the little kitchen with Blair and I knew that I didn't have to ask.

"When I woke up in the hospital after the fountain, I kept seeing this little piece of onyx in my empty hand. For weeks, it was all that I saw when I looked at my hands. Today, walking to the library there was a street vender was peddling his wares and among them was the panther. I had to get it so I did."

Caught too unawares to brush away the tears that slid down my cheeks, I pulled my friend into a great big hug.

"I do not deserve a friend such as you. But I am glad that you are in my life."

"It's karma." He hugged back briefly and let go. "You survived all the bad...Peru, your father, Bud, everything, it's about time you had some good. And that good is…me."

"Yeah Chief, that good is you."