Hard Edges Create Deeper Humanity

Hard Edges Create Humility

I’ve interviewed thousands of people in my lifetime.

For those who don’t know I was a television News Anchor/Reporter for more than 30 years.

I am always amazed that the people with the most stamina, the most heart and the deepest souls, tend to have rough edges.

I interviewed a young man named Braydon for a video I’m producing in Skamania County right now.

We leave in about an hour to join up with 70-some kids as they paddle kayaks up the Columbia River, following the Lewis & Clark Adventure.

The 130 mile trip takes five days to complete.

Kids sleep on islands and in parks.

It’s not easy but that’s why it’s an adventure.

Braydon has a rare form of Scleroderma. It’s attacking his face and his head. Scleroderma is relentless as it basically eats away at the person’s organs.

Braydon was on chemo for a few years and was able to stop. But recently it came back and he’s back on the poison. If he doesn’t use it (probably two more years) Scleroderma could kill him.

He usually takes his chemo on Sundays but yesterday stopped treatment for a week so he can join his classmates on the adventure of a lifetime.

I got to meet him yesterday and he’s a great kid.

I’d describe him as an old soul.

People who go through illnesses that point to death often are deeper, wiser and so interesting to be around.

People, in general, are not very deep. As a species we tend to cover our feelings, hide our deepest thoughts, for fear people will use them against us.

When you face death, who gives a damn what people think and that brings out a humanity you can’t fake.

You will hear more about Braydon and his classmates in the coming days and weeks.

Next time you’re in line at the grocery store or see a kid walking down the street with tattoo’s, rings or other accessories you may not understand, I hope after meeting Braydon, in the future, you might think to yourself….I need to meet that old soul to find out what secrets he understands and I don’t.