We all have a facade, a front, that we wear as our public selves. It's composed partly of societal norms, partly of personal preference, and in some part, chance accretions as well. The outward persona is what we know of most people; we draw inferences about their authentic selves mostly from hints and from the preferences of the public face they turn towards others.

Every once in a while, if some bridges of trust have been built and we are in an intentional listening mode, a friend whom we have known mostly by facade opens up and reveals much more of the true self behind the smile, behind the platitudes, behind the social norms.

That happened to me today, on the way home from a demonstration we both attended in support of immigration reform. The conversation was unexpected, a profound gift, and I will guard the confidences shared with me vigilantly. It's too seldom that we meet somebody who will understand what we're talking about and will also keep the conversation confidential. I'm honored to have been trusted with someone's authentic self.

And just think. If I hadn't roused myself into action to join the demonstration, offered this person a ride, it might never have happened. Life is funny sometimes.

Now I'm wrung out and ready for a nap.