Message 1289 of 5964

Selling My Soul..............

10/25/09......to the devil is what it feels like to me, when my legal counsel told me they wanted me to shave my beard, and have my hair cut, and wear different kinds of clothes, as a strategy to win a bigger settlement. I hadn't cut my hair since 1970, and my beloved late wife Teri especially loved my hair long and my face with beard. I was her mountain man she always said, as she was always amazed at how I could hunt, and track, and trap animals and game; and then prepare the meat, and tan the hides for leather, or prepare the furs and skins for usefulness and clothing. She loved to make cloaks and bed covers to feel the sensual qualities of the furs, as we made love on them through all our romantic years........
..................Anyway, my lawyers said the wanted me to appear less militant, outlawish, and hippyish, describing how they wish me to be dressed for the hearings and trial. The want me to wear more colorful clothes, rather then just my subdued black military pants,and my black Tee-shirts and black leather jacket. And they don't want me to wear the jewelry I always do, that is made by my old friend DWB with the rocks and gemstones I collect, and the silver feather he made that I wear in my left ear lobe, and the silver "Eagle" ring my Teri gave me as a gift in 94', and the little silver and black hills gold ring I gave to my wife on our tenth wedding anniversary, that she was wearing when she died in my arms, that I have since worn on my little right finger.......
..................I asked the one lawyer if she wanted me to look like John Denver, to which she laughed, and then said yes. So now I look different then I have for almost forty years. My late wife wouldn't recognize me it feels, as I hardly recognize myself, and it feels as if I am selling my soul to the devil, and all for money. It doesn't feel like this should be how justice is done over the third party liability that caused my P.I., and my wife's wrongful death. We were the victims, not not the predator.Yet I have allowed myself to be manipulated all in the name of money, in lieu of real justice...........
NamVet58's profile
Replies 1 - 10 of 13
Not John Denver, Johnny Cash: the lines of a hard life etched in his face. A straight, unbending back. Quiet, simple clothes, no jewelry, no flash. And an iron will and a heart steeled against hurt and suffering.

What makes you you is in your heart, your mind and your soul. No transformation of your outer self can change that. You are still you, and you are doing what you need to do at this time.

Your hair will grow back, as will your beard, you can put your jewelry back on and be the man Teri loved so much. But right now, in this particular situation, this is what you need to do...

And you can do it.

Cali
CaliforniaBlonde's profile

over 2 years ago
Erik, I agree with Cali. First impressions are important, especially in such a very important case. You need to win, and then you can cultivate your hair, wear your black shirt and pants and put the jewelry back on. You are not losing yourself. You're still there.

We'll be thinking of you and having your best interests at heart.

Gene
LadyGene's profile

over 2 years ago
................thank you so my dearest friends. Your caring gives me strength, and I won't be changed by the temporary short length of my hair for sure, and fashions come and go anyway, just as the seasons change...........
NamVet58's profile

over 2 years ago
Erik, I find this situation quite unspeakable but Cali and Gene are right, I guess. It is sad that we don't live in a world where we are accepted and valued just as we naturally are. Positive thoughts are coming to you. I hope all goes well and that you will soon be able to be the real you again.
JaneCrichton's profile

over 2 years ago
................thank you dear Jane........
NamVet58's profile

over 2 years ago
This society we live in, judges by their appearance and you must comply for Terri's sake for just this once Erik. I too think like Cali. No one can change your inner self and that's what counts. You are a wonderful person and we all know that with the beard or without it. God be with you and I shall pray that all goes well in that courtroom Erik. The rightious shall prevail!
Zochitl's profile

over 2 years ago
.....................gracias mi tia Zoe. I shall make a good appearance for justice. I love you all. Hasta semana entrante.....................Cisco
NamVet58's profile

over 2 years ago
Atta boy Cisco! LOL
Zochitl's profile

over 2 years ago
My condolences on the loss of Teri and of your soul, if only temporarily. I hope that you get justice and that it brings you peace. Perhaps simply wearing Teri's ring under your shirt on a leather string will not make you look too militant while still keeping a part of yourself and Terri with you. I would certainly be moved by a widower who keeps a reminder of his beloved with him at all times.

over 2 years ago
Do you wear a wedding ring, NamVet? If not, the comment doesn't matter. But, if you do, then all you need to do is remember that Teri and you both knew how much that meant to you. And, wearing a wedding ring cannot hurt your case (regardless of what lawyers may say). It is my personal opinion that, to wear only one ring cannot harm your case so (as long as you are not wearing any other jewelery) that small ring you wear on your little finger should be ok.

For the rest I would have to agree that outward compliance cannot change your soul or who you are. The warriors of my people wear their hair long. Especially when going into battle they put it up in a bun and, though this is done at other times, when they are relaxed at home it was not unusual to find their hair down around their shoulders. Yet, when many of them joined the British Armed Forces, they wore their short hair as proudly as they had previously worn it long. It was the battle was the important thing.

When you go to court you are beginning a battle - one of the elements of strategy is your appearance. If it helps, consider the clothes and haircut as a disguise; one that Teri would (now doubt) have joined you in. Then, having won, you will be able to return home and enjoy thinking of her wearing your normal clothes and jewelery and as your hair returns to its former glory.
Kaitiaki's profile

over 2 years ago
Replies 1 - 10 of 13

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