The Absolute

Children know who to turn to for direction. Mother, father, grandmother, nanny, there is always someone who has the final say, whose word must be trusted to be right on all fronts. The one who has absolute finality over a world that seems big and mysterious, wonderful and sometimes cruel.

Adults turn to spouses who may, or may not, let them down; to teachers, professors, confessors, best friends, or even much loved pets, because we need someone we can bounce ideas off of, ask questions of, debate, or argue with -- even cry with. There must always be an absolute.

A replacement for the teddy bear who soaked up our tears as toddlers. A replacement for the comfort of knowing somebody-knows-for-sure of our childhood. A replacement for what we all know does not really exist, An absolute, unequivocal authority can never not be.

Ultimately I know there is no such thing, except for that which I give it to. In dire need of comfort I listen to the wisest ear who listens to me.

I absolutely need this.