“I am a part of all that I have met,” said Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Was he looking back at his life when he said this?
Life’s experiences do indeed shape our outlook on life and impact thoughts and actions but I wonder how much of our past and present circumstances change who we really are, deep inside? Maybe they make a huge difference, maybe not.
We all know people who have come through great tragedies yet retained a sweet, steadfast spirit. One person can be shattered by a cruel happening and another, rise above it.
Do you ever watch or listen to or read about political figures and wonder if they are prone to looking back on their lives? Do you wonder why they are the way they are? What has shaped them? To what do they aspire? Who were the influencers in their lives?
Each child is certainly a part of his parents but he is also something more. He may be swayed or molded by those he will meet but at his core, he is unique. He is a soul, a spirit, unlike any who have gone before or will come after. 
You too, as am I, are a part of family, ancestors, the books we’ve read, and the experiences we’ve had. But there has never been another you nor will there be. We are complex yet simple; malleable yet immovable, prone to looking back but anticipating the future. Yes, we are a part of all we’ve met but we are much, much more. And, I’m glad.
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