Aaron's Journey
V
By
Christopher Mannie
Thanks again for the E-mails and your comments!
All the previous disclaimers apply
Aaron sat quietly on the side of his own queen size bed, in his own room, in Mr Mannie's home. For one hour before the Initiation Aaron was to remain by himself to remember, recite his answers, and generally think about why he was doing this. It was one of the most important things he would ever do in his life. He wanted Michael to be proud of him. Over the past three weeks they had grown so close. He still occasionally called him Mr Mannie, but mostly it was Michael now.
The dinner with him, Aaron's Mother, and Mr Mannie had gone well. A very hot (at least that is what Aaron thought) hispanic chef had fixed a delicious meal and within two hours they were all quite relaxed and laughing over some of Aaron's antics. Michael then suggested that Aaron lead the tour of his home, which of course included the beautiful pool to which Aaron exclaimed he was a much faster swimmer than Mr. Mannie! Michael laughed and secretly thought, 'Ya, well it helps too when your a boy and also in the buff!'
At one point, when they entered the chapel of the second floor, Michael had the opportunity to explain, in a very basic way, what the beliefs were that he had and some about the order.
Very ancient,dating back before Jeshua (Jesus), it was Jewish in origin but had incorporated beliefs and rituals through the years from various philosophys, and faiths. Michael showed her the picture at the front of the chapel, the obviously ancient charcoal drawing of a semi-nude Jeshua holding the world in the palms of his hands and the significance of that. They believed that knowledge of God's love is what saves, that God is not an angry God, but all loving. He also told Aaron's Mother that they were peace people who did not believe in war, or violence, yet they appreciated the role pain and suffering plays in redemption. That there is no purification without some suffering as evidenced by the cross Jeshua died on. And that is why the human body is holy to them, and both pleasure and pain are seen as gifts from God to help us see the full range of life's meaning.......the ultimate joining of the soul in blissful union with God.
He explained that they had both male and females in their gatherings, but that they met separately, and always had. He told them both that they had a monastery where very humble and holy men live. 'They are great teachers in our faith, much loved and honored!'
And then he finally explained that everyone bcame a member in the same way. There was a three year proving period, then the 'novice', if successful, may quite literally be adopted by his or her mentor and become a part of the order, as well as the Father or Mother to the new member. The mentor may be one's own physical Father or Mother, but often was not. Duties during 'proving' was at a mentor's discretion.
Aaron's Mother was attentive, but quiet during this time. Michael couldn't tell if she was just thinking or down right bored out of her goard!
Soon, the tour was over and they came back to the library. Now the conversation turned to the more serious.
It was there that Michael discussed the broken vase and explained the first option, which Aaron had already told his Mom.
Then Michael said, sighing and looking thoughtfully at the floor, 'I was twelve years old when a man came to me. He would change my life forever! I had no Father to call my own. He took me in and, to make a long story short, I became his apprentice, learned many things, entered into the three year proving period, was adopted as his Son. And he is the man I call my Dad. I love him with all my heart. He is my best friend.
Michael stood up from his chair, obviously emotional, as he said, 'Mrs Linn, I would like for Aaron to begin an apprenticeship with me!
Father and some of the elders have been after me for a few years to find a suitable young boy who would be.........well......would be a good Son! I want to do that, Aaron would have a Dad, you would still be his Mother, 'I can't be that!' he laughed.
There was a noticible silence. Micahel wasn't sure what to think, as he looked at a shocked Mother and an even more shocked boy!
Nervously, Michael blurted out, 'Naturally, we would just forget the cost of the vase.......Listen, I want you two to take all that home with you and think it over. If you would agree to that Mrs. Lin, then I would like for Aaron to eventaully live with me because of the training envolved. There will be a lot of traveling. Did I tell you that Aaron will have the finest, and that I will make sure that you are provided for in turn....Oh,......I didn't mean that I'm buying Aaron or anyhthing.....I mean..Oh well. This is all new to me, you see....But Aaron will be cared for and loved. And he will eventually have a Dad, he can call his own too....'.
The now, fully clothed boy just sat, staring at Michael. Then blurted out, "Oh god, you mean I can swim everyday?'
Next: Aaron's Initiation.
Thank You for reading part five. You may E-mail me at Boy13loved@yahoo.com Chris