Hidden Gem

For a long time my brother in law,Jim, and I ,  were not close.  Politically,   I was mostly liberal and he, a strong conservative.  Some say politics doesn't matter, but in our case it seemed to color our personalities. Then, a  few years ago after we had shed our political skins as times changed, and suddenly became open to each other.  Sure, shared interests but more as we grew  older, not quite affection but a quiet understanding. . . spring run his shadow always behind After I was placed in adult care, he visited me several times a week, usually with a   capuccino in hand which he knew I loved.  I learned respect and admiration for the real Jim.  He had a  hidden depth that was not easily expressed or perhaps easily understood. hidden stream so clear stone bridge I remember from geology class: Scratch any stone to see its true identity. dark river stone doused in light sun colors I felt that in the end he was turning to gold though I wonder if  he knew. . .