Jewel

January 22, 2014

I have spent years chasing the tail of my darkness.  Although my name is Jewel, I was anything but a Jewel. I laughed sometimes and thought I am not a nice person,why did my parents choose this name for me.   My parents died when I was a very young boy. I never enjoyed my childhood.  Early on I was into all kinds of trouble. I stole to satisfy my hunger. I envied the kids my age who were leading a better life than I. I never knew what love was. I grew up hating and cursing anyone who got in my way.

I was not proud of myself. I didn’t go to school. I could neither read nor write. I was tired of this dark life I was leading. I made up my mind to leave this darkness behind. I looked around to see which path was appealing. Suddenly I saw a giant oak tree. It caught my attention I followed  the path that led to the tree. I felt the cool breeze.  Nature was calling me. Humans didn’t comfort me. But nature was giving me the comfort I longed for.  I sat under the tree  and began thinking how to feel peaceful. I started to relax, this type of feeling was rare for me. I felt groggy and fell asleep.

Next thing I knew someone was calling me to wake up. Who could it be, I opened my eyes, staring at me was a lady in white. I’ve never seen angels but the word angel came on my lips. I uttered the word softly. She smiled and said, “I am Sara,I live close by, every day I come here for a walk,  then I sit under this tree and meditate.”

I asked her what she meant by meditate, she said,  ” to meditate is to practice,  training our mind to focus to reach a higher level of consciousness. You can meditate anywhere at anytime.”

I was happy to know I can really become a better person,if I learn to meditate.

I said, “I am Jewel, I am a very unfortunate man, I lost my parents when I was very young,I’ve spent a larger part of my lonely  life loafing around. The things I did to fill my stomach will terrify you. It seemed this tree will lead me to the right path. I fell asleep hoping to find something or someone  who will turn my life around when I’m awake. Maybe you can guide me to become a better person. This will be a miracle for me.”

“What kind of miracle are you looking for Jewel?”

“I want to come out of my dark and ugly life and become a good person. Do you think you can help me Sara?”

Her face brightened up when she heard my plea.

“Of course I’ll help you ,come with me. I live with my painter husband,he’s a good man, he and I will do what we can to make you happy.”

Thus started my life of happiness.  Sara and Gregoire changed my life. I learned to paint from Gregoire ,and Sara taught me how to meditate. We were happy.

I put my heart and soul to attain happiness. Whenever Sara thought I needed to relax,she’d invite me to play a game of cards. I’m embarrassed to admit I knew nothing about cards, with Gregoire and Sara’s help I learned the basics.

Now I think I am worthy of the name  Jewel. I know now when we try hard enough we can achieve happiness.