9 Comments

Before I got to the end, I was thinking this belonged in the Tonic Masculinity series. What an interesting face. What kind eyes. And what beautiful writing to give such a deep sense of this original person. You're a deep and interesting man too, William. Thanks for sharing Snake with me.

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I am so glad that you had someone like that in your life and I am so very sorry for your loss. His spirit will live on in you and all those he touched.

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I'm so sorry. I'm glad you had such a good friend. He's still there in your heart though.

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Damn man, that was moving. My condolences.

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I am so very sorry for your loss of this dear and important man.

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Sending you my deepest condolences. Thank you for sharing, William.

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What a story about this wonderful man and your experiences with him. The rite of passage into manhood is sorely needed these days! (And I'm currently working on an article about that.)

Interestingly, females have their rite of passage built into their biology: Menarche, the first shedding of their uterine lining. Also interesting is that the word starts with "men" and ends with "arch" which mean "ruler." Hmmm. Who made up that word and why? I have so many questions, William!

I did three levels of "personal and professional development" trainings with an organization called Insight back in the early 1990s. The facilitators were very good. As you described with Snake, they would gently probe and prod until they found the core issue/trauma. I really benefited from the seminars. But, I had to get out because it started turning into a cult. Trainees (not facilitators) would say stuff to me like, "You're not walking the walk." I called BS and cut ties. I tried to tell them not to fuck with me!

However, when my then-boyfriend and I wanted to marry, I contacted my favorite facilitator. I had always said that if I ever got married, I wanted her to officiate the wedding. She did, and it was an amazing experience! My husband still quotes her, always at the right moment.

I'm going to work on that article, and I'm wishing you well. Carry Snake's spirit with you always. Being of Norse descent myself, I immediately recognized his depth of true human care in that first photo.

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I’m sorry for your loss

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Very sorry for the loss of a great mentor.

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