Robert Mitchell Jr.

Yesterday being the 5th anniversary of my father’s passing, I’ve been thinking a great deal about the blood of those who came before me.

Some of my ancestors, like my Dad, were terrific role models.  Some weren’t.  Like me, all of them were imperfect, flawed, and human.  But their blood is in my veins, and for good or for ill, I am what they created.

Bacteria are immortal.  They divide in half and those halves in half again.  None can die until all have died.  But we humans evolved beyond division, effectively choosing to be mortal, a microcosm of the Fall from grace.  We die.  Only the blood lives on, and to a limited extent, they are alive in me.  It’s the closest things we humans have to immortality.

In that blood is love.  Even my most imperfect ancestors, those who may have been toxic parents, believed they were doing right by their children.  Their blood is in me, and with it comes all the love and caring, perfect and imperfect alike.  I embrace that love as it is without judging.

Today I burned incense of Dragon’s Blood and took up the prayer beads.  And for each bead I said this prayer.  Breathing in I said, “Blood is thicker than water; Love in my blood abides.”  Breathing out I said, “I honor you and keep you; I ask for your blessings with pride.”

When I was done the incense was gone and the candle dark.  Let my ancestors know that they are alive in me, that I accept their gifts.  Let them know that, with their blessing, I will stand on their shoulders.  I will go farther and fly higher than they.  I will be more, better, improved, ever evolving.