I woke up this damp and rainy Sunday morning to some fantastic news, even though September has yet to end. Two full days of northeastern rain, you see, has opened up a grand opportunity, which is lubricating the gears of the machine of life- enabling a smoothness of motion I could really use right about now. Today was going to be… complicated. My son Sal had a soccer game and has missed a couple of practices and games due to (insert life excuses here). We all agreed he needed to show up for his team, because that is part of being a teammate. Coincidentally we are also asked to be in attendance for the Manhattan Thomas’, Jared and Tali- whose beautiful 3month daughter Jewel is to have her naming ceremony. What a funky cold medina. To add some urgency, it's also Jared’s birthday, which he would happily forgo in honor of his daughter. This is the type of guy he is.
You see, Jared, my forever supporting cousin, has been there – through my thick hair, and now, my thinning spots as well. When others fall out of my head, he stays – like a yarmulke, to cover up the bald spots. I call him the Most Sincere Thomas, and the list of adjectives doesn’t stop there. He is also a Moron, like me, but somehow his M.I.A. (Moron In Action) always seems sweet, forgivable, and understanding. He has a gift. “Oh, its ok, its Jared’ gets thrown around like a baseball from the outfield, nailing the runner trying to make it home. I would be jealous- or envious, at his ability to get out of some interesting situations- but I am not. I am grateful. Grateful that a younger (cough, cough), more naïve version of a Thomas exists. One whose sincerity drips off of him like the sweat stains under his armpits.
As I’ve gone through my mid-life awakening, it’s not a crisis I swear! Jared has been there the whole way. He shows up- in person, for a phone call, to take a shvitz, a 1am email, to remind you that sometimes soccer starts at 7am, but mostly to exhibit his number one quality—his sincere caring. He cares in a way that is so foreign to me that it may as well be another language. Well, it is another type of language, and one that may go the way of the dodo bird if we don’t start paying attention- to each other. It’s simply listening, and the man is an expert. What I have been able to learn through the years from Jared, who is also displaying the famous Thomas hearing loss is, that you don’t even need ears to listen. Jared listens empathetically, and most importantly, from his heart. His ability to ego check at the door and be there for people is a superpower of another dimension. When called into action, JT is more calm than a kindergarten teacher. More empathetic than a wise grandmother, and more helpful than an expensive therapist. Super Jared has been a force for good now for 37 years. Positively beaming, he swooped in and married his wonderful wife Tali, and together they created a Jewel.
What magic is possible when we just listen to create? When do we give space to each other, and when can we put the other in a place of prestige that our ego’s usually struggle with? It is a sign of true confidence, and I am grateful to be able to learn from him, even as I blabber on. I am aware of his sacrifices of time, sleep, and family to support the vision here within. This here website, wouldn’t exist without him. He continues- unwavering and unpaid - to support a vision of healing, for myself and who yet knows.
The rain this morning is truly nourishing. The respite of responsibility allows my Thomas crew to be fully present for his. What a gift. Where I need the tears of the Gods to help with time management, he is gifted with a presence few seem to understand in this day in age. September may be nearing an end, but the lessons of opportunity surround me daily. Todays knock is to ‘Listen’, not with my ears, but with my heart- through patience. Thank you, Jared, and Happy Birthday my fellow Moron!
With Gratitude and a Healing Deafness,
S.A. Thomas
9.29.2024
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