I have never once yet met someone that wasn't a reflection of myself in someway and am always taken aback by their good taste in their choice of company.
Your observation about the scars of life, perhaps making it more difficult to find intimacy in later life intrigued me as an explanation regarding myself... also, your realisation that your anima is your more prominent attribute... I have been aware for quite some time that my animus is my strong side (I am an 80-year old woman), probably as a result of the curve balls that Life has thrown at me...🤔
The difference between rural Ireland and urban Dublin is that you'd be less likely to meet a Larry here nowadays. That kind of natural folk wisdom is still a bit more common in the country than it used to be, especially among the elderly. Larry's nickname for that nurse as the "Ahascragh vampire" reminded me of something that happened a good while ago.
My late aunt was a Dublin woman born in 1920. One day when she was in a local hospital I saw a young consultant doctor poking her arm with a syringe. He was apparently trying to find a blood vessel from which to extract his sample for the day (what do they need all this blood for exactly?). The young medic was becoming more and more frustrated as he continued unsuccessfully to prod my aunt's arm with the needle. He finally gave up and left after my aunt asked him wryly, but firmly, if he had to be trained to inflict such pain on his patients.
My aunt might be gone but I am glad there are still Larrys in the world.
I remember you telling me about your visit to a couple living up the side of a mountain with no human company bar each other. You were in awe at their capacity for truly listening to one another, exemplified most in their silences. It sounds like you have experienced that same intimacy and deep respect with a hitherto stranger and perhaps he is no longer a stranger because he reflected something back to you that it was important for you to see in yourself.
We are, I believe, all on a journey to fully integrate ourselves back to wholeness. It seems you have experienced a major milestone. Maith thú! 🤗
I have never once yet met someone that wasn't a reflection of myself in someway and am always taken aback by their good taste in their choice of company.
Lovely writing, Gerry and lovely to 'meet' Larry. It's good to hear you're on the mend.
Your observation about the scars of life, perhaps making it more difficult to find intimacy in later life intrigued me as an explanation regarding myself... also, your realisation that your anima is your more prominent attribute... I have been aware for quite some time that my animus is my strong side (I am an 80-year old woman), probably as a result of the curve balls that Life has thrown at me...🤔
Thanks for sharing that Eleanor.
You capture people so well when writing about them. Have you ever considered writing a novel? Or are you writing one?
Thanks for this article ,Gerry . Wonderfully woven insights .
There's not much space for the healthy expression of the masculine or feminine in today's society . Many conversations needed around this .
Thanks Sarah
The difference between rural Ireland and urban Dublin is that you'd be less likely to meet a Larry here nowadays. That kind of natural folk wisdom is still a bit more common in the country than it used to be, especially among the elderly. Larry's nickname for that nurse as the "Ahascragh vampire" reminded me of something that happened a good while ago.
My late aunt was a Dublin woman born in 1920. One day when she was in a local hospital I saw a young consultant doctor poking her arm with a syringe. He was apparently trying to find a blood vessel from which to extract his sample for the day (what do they need all this blood for exactly?). The young medic was becoming more and more frustrated as he continued unsuccessfully to prod my aunt's arm with the needle. He finally gave up and left after my aunt asked him wryly, but firmly, if he had to be trained to inflict such pain on his patients.
My aunt might be gone but I am glad there are still Larrys in the world.
I remember you telling me about your visit to a couple living up the side of a mountain with no human company bar each other. You were in awe at their capacity for truly listening to one another, exemplified most in their silences. It sounds like you have experienced that same intimacy and deep respect with a hitherto stranger and perhaps he is no longer a stranger because he reflected something back to you that it was important for you to see in yourself.
We are, I believe, all on a journey to fully integrate ourselves back to wholeness. It seems you have experienced a major milestone. Maith thú! 🤗