When I was in the Philippines, my cousin took me to this small island where my father was born. He had us climb up these steep, lush cliffs into this cave that had a natural pool inside. I was told that a long time ago, the tribal people would take their sick leaders into that cave and bathe them there to get rid of their illness. I thought of them, carrying their elders, people they respected and loved, over these cliffs and into this cave, and I was suddenly overwhelmed by this feeling of connection to this history. I felt somehow joined with these people from centuries past, knowing that I was part of them, feeling this legacy surging through me.

And then I thought, "Eeeeew, gross water!"