As I walked down 2nd Ave. today, I came across a monument of devotion, an altar of affection, a public proclamation of unconditional love. There, etched in concrete, for the entire Belltown world to see was “AB (or is that an R) + MDR”.
No doubt, a couple of young, star-crossed lovers happened upon a slab of wet cement just crying out to be touched, penetrated, and manipulated. Doing what any one of us would do given the same circumstance, they knelt before the forbidden invitation and wrote upon the ground the same sentiment that was surely written upon their hearts too.
Ahh. Love.
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As I looked down at the amorous vandalism, I wondered if AB (or R) and MDR were still together. My question wasn’t born of cynicism. Anyone who knows me knows I’m no cynic. I’m prone, by fault, toward optimism, sunshine, and other rainbow and unicorn perspectives. No. It came from a place of genuine curiosity. Maybe even concern. I found myself hoping that the cement beneath my feet wasn’t the most permanent thing about AB (or R) and MDR’s relationship.
It’s a silly wish, I know, because … and here’s the awful truth … nothing is permanent. Not love, life, nothing. Things change. People change. Minds change. Hearts do. Situations do too.
I walked past AB (or R) + MDR’s mark and continued on my way. As I thought about it though, I have to admit a smile eventually found me. You know, it really doesn’t matter if AB (or R) is still + MDR. It doesn’t. Not to me, at least. If nothing else, those alphabets written in stone gave me a moment to pause, to reflect, on love, life, and legacy.
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Our lives may not be full of permanence, but they are certainly full of moments … beautiful, scary, horrible, delightful moments. AB (or R) + MDR made the most of their moment, probably stolen in the dark and in secret. They dipped their fingers in eternity, or as close to eternity as you can get in Belltown, and they went for it. They wrote their love for me to read. I’m writing about it now. Maybe that’s exactly how legacy, permanence works.
When we live our moments, we inspire others to do the same.
Peace and Blessings,
Author of Charis: Journey to Pandora’s Jar
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