Not everyone does it, has it done to them, or gets it. But, for many of us, “the talk” is a major rite of both bonding and encouragement. It’s not so much a warning–although it is certainly an admonition to watch out–when you get right down to it, the talk is a statement of faith. A way of saying not only that “I believe in you” but more importantly an affirmation that whatever you might have to face, you can make it.

Many have dwelled on the horror of even having to have such a talk. But the real substance that is too often unseen, is the belief that you can, you will survive.

Yes, you can. Indeed “you” have a legacy of survival. You come from people who survived. And your charge is not only to keep on breathing, but more than simply survive, your mission is to keep it going; to live and to pass it on.

After all what does survival matter if we don’t do anything with our life, if we don’t connect with others. With family and friends, with comrades and yes, also with strangers, who are actually fellow travelers.

In the most positive sense, from generation to generation, through the talk, we pass on the baton of moving on, of keeping on, of helping one another along the way, regardless of how dangerous or distasteful the traveling.

We keep on moving on.

After all there is no sense in having the talk, in giving the talk, or receiving the talk, if there is no one there to hear us or speak to us. No one there who understands us. No one there to help. No one there we can help.

Life is about giving and receiving. The talk is an article of faith, regardless of our beliefs–whatever they might or might not be, regardless of our situation, of our station, we all, each and everyone of us needs a reminder, needs encouragement.

“I” doesn’t survive without being a significant part of some “we”. In essence, the talk is a deep acclamation of our we-ness.