Shawn L. Bird

Once upon a time, on this day in history a few days after I turned 13, I had a life changing conversation with a friend. He shared with me a short story he’d found called “Masks.” It was profound and the resulting conversation about honesty and being true to yourself left me in a cloud.

In fact, when I got home, people were afraid there had been a lot more than conversation going on, since I was so dazed and blissful.

I don’t remember the details of the story anymore, and I don’t remember the conversation either. What I remember is the attachment that came from listening and being heard. I remember the comfort of someone I admired spending time with me. I remember the sense of connection, fondness, and adoration.

It was still resonating enough at my graduation that 716 was the number on my grad t-shirt.

It still resonates enough that I’m writing this blog about it decades later.

So Happy Masks Anniversary. May you live your life unafraid to be yourself and to accept others as themselves. May you speak words of honesty with warmth.  May you be the kind of person who draws others to your sincerity and good humour.   May you be an inspiration that echoes through the decades.
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PS. If you know the story “Masks,” which was apparently from a youth writing anthology published in the late 70s, I’d appreciate knowing about it.  I would love to read it again.