JUNE 30, 2023 GRATITUDE Markona's Angels MARKONA LOVE Groundcover contributor Because I am on the Spectrum, relationships can be difficult minefields to navigate. You might think I would have some difficulties working mainly with younger women, but not so — the sensitivity from my Asperger’s opens opportunities for me to form bonds with women. I have a friendly but productive working relationship with these women without any intergender complications. I’m pansexual and have spent the last 20 years celibate — not fully intentionally. My journey was that of many temptations that were all considered, but for various reasons rejected. I apparently preferred not to relinquish my Love to others. As I examine myself through deep introspection, I’ve concluded that I know I give myself fully (more than most people could conceive), and that I’m crushed when the same devotion and dedication does not meet mine. The women at Groundcover and Argus indirectly and unknowingly supported me and gave me the confidence to trust. These wonderful, educated women have shown their Love, Strength and Compassion in unselfish support of this poorly educated, broken, old man to help me reach for my destiny … my final words. Hopefully, a previously hidden message from the wisdom of extraordinary experiences of assorted lifetimes may result in a new birth of a possibly new humanity. Empathy, compassion and sensitivity are all abilities that I am gifted with and weigh heavily in the way I relate to others and the level of intensity of my emotional processing. I am able to bond extremely well with most women. Gifted (and cursed) with an intense level of empathy, I have been better able to relate to a more emotional way of processing. So, I’m not sure why I was surprised when all these wonderful, talented, strong, intelligent and beautiful — if I didn’t say all those, they might hurt me (kidding) — women, not just supported me, but raised me up. They were at first my editors and advisors, then friends; all of them are talented writers, editors and/or teachers. They were editing my articles and really encouraging me. Now, my Angels are my good friends. I’d do anything for them, even help them move or take them to the airport. Since I moved back home to Ann Arbor, Lindsay was and is my first friend, and she and Ken are my closest friends. Lindsay has been the anchor since the beginning. One look at that beautiful smile … so warm and bright, envelops me and inspires me to be a better person. I have been overwhelmed by all of my saving Angels. After Lindsay and Ken led my way, these other wonderful Angels joined to help carry me. The rest of Markona’s Angels: Luiza (Graduate Student Instructor) volunteers with Groundcover and was editing my articles, then began sharing her off time with me to help shape my talent/skills. Luiza gives me time she really doesn’t have, and has become a trusted friend. Alex (known as Sasja at Argus), is a young Finnish freelance writer and Groundcover volunteer who took a personal interest in me as a friend and started editing and sharing about my writing. Then when I lost my car and had to move into a tent near the railroad tracks, Alex and Gregg (her partner) bought me supports for broken knees, food and supplies … note, they don’t have money. I don’t forget that kind of shared Love. I will be forever grateful … friends for life. Lit (writer) and I started sharing writing projects which then progressed into a supportive relationship. Layla (editor/ graduated student/friend) is the Deputy Editor at Groundcover and does final edits on my Groundcover articles. Layla has been supportive of my work and me personally … another good friend now. I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart to the tips of Kona’s wings for giving me the release to fly the way Kona taught me. I know Kona would be/is very appreciative for the Love shared, to help me reach my destiny, as she has given her Life for me to achieve my destiny. All Our Grace to Raising My Supporting Angels. With all Admiration & Love, MarKona Love (with Kona) Author’s Note: Glenn Gates sketched this cartoon in his free time — which he has very little of — but still helps everyone. He is a mentor and Groundcover anchor for all of us. He is so special — I dare you to try and find somebody to say different. He gets all the Love I can give. Bless Groundcover. Almost all of my articles have some reflection of Ken Parks, for he is my mentor. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5 Cartoon by Glenn Gates
6 Publizr Home