My Name is Gabriel

Unfortunately I know too many people who have had both shots. It has been strange lately to be close to a few of them since their second shot. I feel it is important to share what I am about to say because it is indicative of what happens when we realize we made a mistake and there is no turning back to correct or even try to fix it. These people now understand they have shortened their lives, they cannot go back to change their decision, fight for the truth rather than giving in to their need to follow the rules, or satisfy someone’s else’s bullying.

Over the last few days I have had conversations with 3 people who have had their second shot and was struck by the sadness in their eyes. I could not help but be reminded of dear sweet Scott, my little friend from Ecuador. Scott, who thought he was a large as a German Shepard, but truthfully had the legs of a dachshund, who got himself in a life threatening situation one morning as we made our way to town. Scrappy had taught Scott to chase vehicles, he taught him to have no fear when doing so and this is what ended Scott’s life. He chased after a big truck that fateful morning and was clipped by the wheels, I assume. He was too far ahead for me to see what happened, but I heard his yelps and went to him as quickly as I could. When I got to him and touched him, he could only look towards the truck driving away, which was his undoing, the understanding was very clear in his eyes – he knew his life would end now. 

I saw this same look in the eyes of those three people I spoke with recently and I am terribly sad also, knowing there is no turning back. Realization hits hard as I understand I will lose my friends shortly, just as I knew I would lose Scott.  

Although I tried to help señor Scott, he sensed there was nothing I could do and kept his distance. He would only come close when he knew I could not approach him, such as when I was asleep. During the day he would seek shelter where I could not easily find him, and always relocate once I did. I would catch him at times, sitting observing everything around him as if he was in a sort of meditation, realizing how much beauty was around him. This amazed me, seeing one so young suddenly become so wise. It is these moments which come back to me whenever I feel lost. It is also this experience which taught me how fleeting life is, how precious each day is. 

I have had the misfortune to watch many people I care about die, or walk away because of both my heritage and because they cannot accept my way of thinking. Others because they cannot accept my story, the possibility it’s true. There have been few who truly understand the depth of my story, how many difficulties I endured to survive to this day. There is no possible way to explain to someone who has never dealt with such circumstances how I think or feel about many aspects of life. My perspective, my feelings, my strength, all part of these tragic life experiences. 

I am Gabriel, my life story is important, my journey long and difficult…….listen, truly listen to what I have to say and I can help you understand. I do not want sympathy, nor pity. I strive to achieve receiving respect as is deserved someone who has walked through the fires of hell and lived to tell the tale. Think what you will about what I say, how I say it or why. I have earned the right to ask for what is important to me despite what others may think. I have survived my Dark Night of the Soul, my Sundance and my journey of isolation. I do not need anyone’s permission, nor do I need to be told what’s important or why. I have learned more than most, less than some, about life and the destructive hatred of man. I do not need anyone’s permission, nor do I need to worry about how my story affects another. No one worried about me as they tortured and raped me. No one cared about the destruction of my spirit, my soul, my life when they took me and punished me for being born. I will not allow anyone to dishonour my story, my heritage, my name again.

My name is Gabriel, I am the daughter of Che Guevara and this is my time! I am here to continue my fathers fight for justice and freedom for all people. Our human rights are not for sale, they should not be given away so lightly, yet here we are, slowly letting go of all our forefathers fought to gain for us. It is not too late to fight back, to regain ground recently lost, but we have to get our heads out of the sand. 

One man said to me yesterday during a conversation about all happening in our world today, something which disturbed me a great deal. He said he did not care what happened to our world, we could destroy it if we want as he is at the end of his life and it matters not to him anymore. 

What a horrible selfish thing to say and feel!  I asked if he did not care about his children or grandchildren. I told him this is who we have to fight for. He did not agree or disagree, but began to talk about not only his grandchildren, but great grandchildren. Perhaps he went home with thoughts different from those spoken out loud in anger. Perhaps he will remember he is not the only one who deserves a good life. Perhaps he will consider his life ending does not give him the right to squander the lives of those left behind. 

Those who are fighting to keep the restrictions until everyone is vaccinated are indeed selfish and cruel. They think of only what they will gain, not caring for those of us who choose differently. If only some of us are free to choose, then none of us are free!  Their selfish behaviour is ruining the lives of millions of people worldwide and yes there is a price to pay for such thoughtless, fear mongering. We take with us in death, only our thoughts, actions and intentions. We always have the ability to choose something different, even when we think there is no other way. It is our fear which blocks us from seeing otherwise. Our defence of poor decisions becomes stronger because of our fear also, thus putting us in a tangle of threads difficult to detach from. Only love can break us free. Only the positive higher energy of love and pure light will change the outcome of this situation. Those who refuse to understand this simple thought are destined to repeat the lesson in another lifetime. Destined to live in a world created by them, for themselves. 

Do you wish to be on the side of truth or fear? Because truth does not exist with fear……love does not exist with fear.