I’ve tried to befriend my backyard neighbors. They know it…and I found they contemned the thought. There always seemed to be something unspoken between us I couldn’t put my finger on. They would give me a perfunctory greeting when we would meet on the community walking path. We’d have a tad of common “weather talk,” and even some political discourse provided I brought it up. How could we not, given the controversial and unpleasant times we’re living in? But touch on the “God stuff” and horse shit doesn’t touch it. You step in the fresh dog and human stuff now.
So, I thought, “Here I go asking for trouble again, getting a little too close for comfort with people who would much prefer to have nothing to do with me, especially if they hold to partisan religious convictions and practice that I have a reputation and public record for not agreeing with. But, I’m going to end the mystery and ask. Why not be open and honest? What evil is there in that? Isn’t it only fair and “neighbor friendly” with the right attitude?
So, as I was mowing my front lawn, I saw Maas and Tinie Brink walking by. I rode my tractor to the Moon River muster point at the bottom of the hill to catch up with them. To start, Maas asked me something about the size of the community cistern. I answered and proceeded to my intended question.
“Folks, we meet up with each other, we’re friendly, but somehow, I feel like we’re not being honest and genuine with each other. Am I wrong? I want to ask, Have Marilyn and I ever said or done anything wrong, anything to offend you? If so, please, tell us. Perhaps we can make it right… Is there anything and if so, what is it?”
In unison, they immediately and energetically responded, seemingly with some surprise, dare I say, even shock: “What? Oh no, not at all! Wherever did you get that idea? There’s nothing at all! Everything’s fine, no problem! Why do you think that?”
I was momentarily taken aback because I didn’t expect such a sudden and strong reaction and denial of what I felt was going on. I knew I hadn’t been open and honest with them for months and years now by not facing what I was feeling and wondering how to resolve it. It had been obvious they wanted to avoid talking personally and openly as I now was.
Tinie seemed the more persistent one, friendlily trying to get to the bottom of this matter. “Tell me, where did you get this idea?! I never thought or felt this,” or words to that effect.
So, in my many experiences with the Dutch, I found they could be no-nonsense people. Frankly, I appreciate that with them. I hate small talk; I like no-nonsense conversation. I have a brother and sister in Christ who manage our organic Harvest Haven farm and store. Martin is reputed for being direct, honest, and bold in speech. To many, it’s refreshing, while to others it’s offensive, especially if the truth hits too close to home. I’m not talking only spiritual, religious, or political matters, but all sorts of subjects.
So, I went only where I knew I should go with Maas and Tinie – the open route, not to be offensive or demeaning but plain and truthful, not hiding anything.
“Well, maybe I’m wrong, after all. It might be just ‘sensitive me’ feeling things that aren’t there. I know that Dutch Reformed people can be more direct.”
“WELL, STOP RIGHT THERE!” blurted Maas, bluntly, vehemently, and dismissively.
Another unexpected direction and timing from the Brinks. “Wait,” I thought, “did he think I was insulting or faulting him, perhaps for his religious convictions (I wasn’t)?” I wanted to explain but he adamantly would have none of it.
So, I was right? There was something amiss after all?
Maas continued, loud and clear. “LET’S GET THIS STRAIGHT RIGHT NOW, ONCE FOR ALL. I KNOW WHAT YOU’RE ALL ABOUT. I SEE YOUR BULLSHIT ON THE INTERNET AND I WANT NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. DO YOU HEAR ME? NOTHING. YOU’RE A CULT!
“LET’S JUST BE GOOD NEIGHBORS, FRIENDLY, AND LEAVE IT AT THAT, OKAY, YOU UNDERSTAND? KEEP YOUR BULLSHIT TO YOURSELF AND WE’LL JUST GET ALONG FINE.”
Maas walked away and left Tinie a bit stymied, standing between us, seemingly wondering what was going on, looking and calling after him. I stood there saying, “Maas, come back. Let’s talk!” Again, I was taken aback.
“What?” I thought, “First, that was my exact aim – good neighborly relations. Two, immediately and without provocation, he was dramatically proving my lingering suspicion of there being something not right to be a valid one, after all, (oh, the contradiction and irony!), and three, how in Heaven or on earth were we supposed to proceed from here with a ‘friendly, neighborly, but impersonal relationship’?”
Tinie seemed to want to resolve the issue. I repeated my request for Maas to return and reason but he would have none of it. Tinie rejoined Maas, they went their way, and I was forced to go mine, sad, disappointed, disturbed, with my mission of peace unaccomplished.
The record of the conversation is not exact in words but quite accurate in spirit and substance.
Does Maas not realize what happened? It seems he couldn’t care less. I was so right. He so furiously disdained me. What had I done to him that was so wrong, so blameworthy? Or to anyone, that I wasn’t willing to resolve if possible? He certainly had no will to reconcile or understand anything.
But wait, there’s more. Within weeks, I heard “by the grapevine” that Maas was vehemently declaring his version of our event, which was quite different and contrary from mine, accusing me of evil, even crime. And so, I post this so people will hear the other side. Let Maas refute it in public discourse.
It’s often the conquerors in wars that report the histories. Napoleon was to have said that “history is a set of lies agreed upon.” He is so right. But I now declare the Truth, not agreed upon by corrupt men. They will be exposed and fall. True history will be written. The Light of all men will be manifest.
An apology would be nice. One can only hope.
You see, people, here’s what the Moon River Monocle is all about. I’m done with being silent about the gossip, slander, ugly rumors, destructive criticisms, hatred, ignorance, self-righteousness, and false accusations, not only about myself but of everyone else. I’ve avoided confrontation and conflict. That was then and this is now.
I will post more examples of specific incidents and people. My purpose is to expose the works of darkness that people seem so naturally entitled to, not giving a damn about whether those things are true or honest, paying no mind to how they hurt others. I’m relating to Moon River Estates, but it’s the same all over the world.
Let the Truth be spoken.
Victor Hafichuk