14. Steadfast vs. Stubborn

Terrence had played running back at Howard in the 80s, and then served eight years as a Marine Corp officer. He was a full professor at a local college, teaching history.  Two months earlier he’d fallen while rock climbing, dislocating his hip and breaking his elbow.  He’d become addicted to painkillers.

“Do you know the difference between steadfast and stubborn?” he asked DUI Dave. No response. “Someone steadfast stands up for a principle, refusing to move. We say steadfast if that principle is right, just, even noble.  Stubborn people refuse to budge for no good reason, or for selfish, even stupid reasons.” Terrence paused, waiting for a response, but DUI Dave refused to even look at him. “You’re being stubborn.”

Today I will try to be steadfast, not stubborn.

Sober Not Somber © 2015 by Ken Montrose

(Just a reminder: Sober Not Somber is a work of fiction.  Any resemblance to anyone you might know is purely coincidental.)