Embracing her. And she, me.

If I am a good writer and good story teller, I pull you in. To my world. But more than that. I invite you to find new meaning. To see into my story/words something even beyond what I intended you to see. Because I want you to learn to put yourself into the story. In a sense, then you have tried to merge yourself with the writer. And to expand and expound on the meaning. To fit in with your unique life experience. You have to find your own meaning. A good writer/philosopher/mentor/lover can help you do that. But ultimately, it has to be a meaning that comes out of the depths of your own being. The Czech writer Milan Kundera has been taking me on a voyage. On a trip. And I am looking about. Observing. Seeing. Things that even he doesn't see. That's the marvel of a good story. A good trip. A good venture. I may be riding through the countryside with my true love. Or through a city. We are sitting next to each other. But we don't necessarily see the same things. Or find the same meanings. That is good. But often, I see more. Because I am with her. She makes a difference. Her presence gives more sheen to my life. I am living inside her story. Inside her life. In some moments of true intimacy, I am living inside her. Inside her soul. Her spirit. Her physical being. Her mind. If you allow yourself to enter, you can enter this very thread. These written words. You can expand and expound on the actual meaning. You can try to merge with me. Blend with me. And that is what I have been doing this morning. In recent minutes. Merging with the wrtten words a loved one has sent to me. It's really wonderful to be able to do that. That is how relationships and true human bonding comes about. Through words. Maybe even more so than from physical touch. There is something spiritual about a bond with another human being. Romantic. Awesome. We are able to connect to each other. Even from a distance. And it as as if I am touching her. Embracing her. And she, me. --Jim Broede