TheBanyanTree: March of Days

[Mark Funk]

Hello Fellow Tree Dwellers, 
 
"March of Days."  I've always found that phrase interesting as it seems full of hidden meaning.  First, there is movement through time, as in days marching on, but also through space, as in marching to some destination.  Second, there is an implication of camaraderie, as in marching with others (do we ever march alone).  And finally, there is a sense of purpose and even growth, as in moving from where we are to some other destination.
 
I first heard this phrase used in one of the original Star Trek episodes.  The crew asked this being they discovered on a distant planet to travel with them to other sites.  The being replied that she would cease to exist if she were to leave her planet, her home, for anymore than a "short march of days."  She was inexplicably tied to her surroundings.
 
This brings me to another subject: the things that bind us together.  I'm a "twelve stepper," which is to say a member of a 12 step group, but not AA.  In AA, members will sometimes ask each other if they are a friend of Bill, which refers to Bill W., one of the co-founders of AA.  I like to say I am a friend of a cousin of Bill.  But I have read the "Big Book" of AA and the writings of Bill W.  In that book, under "A Vision for You," Bill talks about the fellowship as the Road of Happy Destiny.  As many are fond of saying: working a 12 step program isn't reaching a destination it is a lifelong process.  What is important is being on the road.
 
I like to view this road as one having many paths and individual destinations.  Sometimes the paths come together and sometimes they move apart.  Although we each have our own destination, when we come together we share our common humanity and often we take time to cheer each other up, to help each other around our common obstacles, to simply enjoy each other's company.  Bill W. talks about trudging the road, which sounds a bit like marching doesn't it?  I sometimes enjoy the image of dancing down the road.  But whatever the image, the road does represent a coming together with a similar purpose, traveling in the same direction, and sharing the journey with others.
 
Is not the Banyan Tree such a place?  A place where we come together to share our love of writing or the well told story.  But also a place where we come to share so much more: our hopes, our dreams, our lives.
 
As I've already shared with you, in a short march of days, I will have surgery.  As surgeons are prone to do, my surgeon impressed on me that this is very serious, high risk surgery.  But what can I do, except trust that he is on my road and will help me around the obstacles I encounter in this portion of my journey.  Perhaps this is the end of my journey or perhaps our paths will simply move apart for a short time before I return to continue my march down this road with you.
 
I appreciate the good vibes many of you have already sent my way. 
 
Mark