you think you know someone...

Too often because people are categorized we assume how they must think on a particular subject and therefore change course or just give up and forget the whole thing to avoid confrontation.

I'm guilty of that; no use lying about it. I have friends and acquaintances that fall all over the political spectrum, from left to right. For that, I'm proud of myself. I give everyone the chance I want to be given. Unfortunately, my entire life has been spent walking on broken glass and taking the easy detours.

Not to get into a mode of sounding like a bad after school special; I know I'm cynical too. This is my downfall. A few days ago a friend of over 20 years dropped a bomb on me that took about 500 pounds off my shoulders. I had assumed that because he came from a conservative, church-going house, that I had better keep certain things about me to myself. I was as wrong as the Orioles trading away Eddie Murray away in 1987. I'm still upset about that, too.

That day definitely gave me more courage; maybe the ability to have a frank discussion with the family over Christmas; we'll see. The hardest part is not judging and not assuming who'd have a problem.

So here's to the one who got the ball rolling-- you know I love you like a brother and I hope you're in my life for the duration. To Terry, Rick, Chad, and Marc; you are part of my foundation. I hope when the day the bomb drops the walls don't crumble.
That would be a total bummer!