This is the kanji, or Japanese character, for journey.
My Aunt Sue and Uncle Rog bestowed it on my parents for Christmas. They have been sailing around the world for seven years. Now in their landlubber transformation, they will caravan across the USA. They ended their holiday note with the sentiment, ‘we are enjoying our journey. We hope you are enjoying yours!’
The word ‘journey‘ is a biggie to me. It has both a literal and metaphysical meaning. My family is Irish. So, we have the wanderlust in us. Sue and Rog are avid travelers. My cousin Jennie and her hubby Nelson spent last year backpacking across Asia for 5 months. And my parents leave for a month-long cruise to South America in February. I’m always at the ready for the next adventure. I can pack it up with limited notice.
I also believe life is a journey. It’s a unique and limited road trip. My quest is to learn and experience as much as I can. My destination is heaven and I’m in no hurry to get there. I want to enjoy this life for all its joy before I pass over into the next. I need to help other people uncover their happiness too. As a former girl scout, my ultimate objective is to leave this place better than I found it.
My favorite musical is “Les Miserables.” This finale song is an inspirational soundtrack for my life-long road trip.
Do you hear the people sing
Lost in the valley of the night
It is the music of a people
Who are climbing to the light
For the wretched of the earth
There is a flame that never dies
Even the darkest night will end
And the sun will rise.
They will live again in freedom
In the garden of the Lord
We will walk behind the plough-share
We will put away the sword
The chain will be broken
And all men will have their reward!
Will you join in our crusade?
Who will be strong and stand with me?
Somewhere beyond the barricade
Is there a world you long to see?
Do you hear the people sing?
Say, do you hear the distant drums?
It is the future that we bring
When tomorrow comes!
Will you join in our crusade?
Who will be strong and stand with me?
Somewhere beyond the barricade
Is there a world you long to see?
Do you hear the people sing
Say, do you hear the distant drums?
It is the future that we bring
When tomorrow comes!
Tomorrow comes!
Tomorrow comes!
I promptly re-gifted this kanji to myself. I placed the metal ornament, crafted by my cousin-in-law Eric, symbolically on my door. The journey continues by walking through the next door. Bon journee!