The Uniform in Blue (Part II)

There is no part 1 actually.
But about a year ago, I had an entry about the uniform in blue, and the individual who wore it.
And today, I want to speak of the journey this person went through...I know that there are some parts which this person may not agree with, but what I say is what I see and feel...(anyway, I am so used to being  at loggerheads with AB)

Just like how I was moved a year ago, today, as I sat behind and listened to what AB had to say, I know  how far this child has come.   I had taken a gamble, trusting that what would be said would be meaningful.  And just like others before, this young person did not disappoint.  True, the message was put across 'differently', but AB was able to drum the idea of choice, hard work and attitude into the heads of the younger group.  I should have known that AB was not one to pull punches.  Black is black...white is white...no need for shades of grey in between.

The talk was delivered in pragmatic, almost dogmatic style.
It was not your conventional motivational talk.
At some point. I think it may have frightened some of those who listened to this 'legend' crush their egos.

I wondered if a year ago, AB would have the same confidence to speak in such a manner. 
The points were put across quite clearly (that I had no doubt about) and emphatically.
But...the 'soul' was there. The voice was real.
Only a person who has gone through the challenges...would be able to convince the audience.

I suppose it had taken a lot of courage to admit some of the things that was said.
I wondered whether AB was 'conscious' of what was said verbally, and how hard it must have been to face certain harsh realities.  I wondered if the talk was as meaningful to the speaker as it was to the listener.
And today, I saw the child as an adult...and the potential of what that adult can become.

AB went through a turmultuous year...
Especially for someone who was so focussed on success, stumbling along the way was a situation that was deemed unnacceptable.  I am sure that failure was never in AB's personal vocabulary.  It was so unthinkable. I saw the anger, the regrets, the frustration, the exasperation, and most of all...the need to vent and channel all this negativity somewhere. At some point, I wondered if AB realised the amount of venom that was spat at those who came near.  This was one child...with a lot of 'pride'...and no one could heal the wounds.  The walls were built even higher and stronger around AB...no one is allowed to break through.

Practically, AB diverted them towards doing even better...to a point where it became quite scary.
A ball of restless, relentless and tenacious energy driven to succeed...but constantly hitting speedbumps along the way.  When that happened...I saw the confusion and angst.

But today...
I saw something else.
I saw a spark of the old magic...of an eager, earnest and positive child I first knew.
I won't go far as to say that AB has mellowed...or that there is internal peace and acceptance.
I hope it has...but I won't hold my breath yet.

Thank you, AB...for today.
I have no hand in what you have become, or what you will be.
But I breathe a pray of gratitude and relief  knowing that you are on your way to achieving your goals.
All the best in 2010, dear child.
I have , I do and I will always, believe in you.
I will await another year, when you are able to walk back through the gates, head held high...and fulfil your promise.
God Bless...