Oddball Swimming

     It could be said that Jonathan was an oddball, but being unusual is almost completely subjective, by definition.  Sure, there were cultural norms, but in Jonathan's opinion and really, just simple reality, the culture into which one was born was not chosen, it simply happened.

     Sure Jonathan had unusual tastes and unusual thought patterns, but the tastes and patterns were all his own.  "Nothing," Jonathan said, "will be imposed upon me without my careful, objective inspection."  It could probably be said that Jonathan was a bit of an embarrassment for his family, being the wealthiest and most highly regarded family in the state and probably the entire east coast.  But Jonathan considered none of this with any regard.  What mattered was honesty, with self and with others, and love for neighbor.

     Jonathan loved the water.  He bathed, usually, three times a day and spent much of his time in the river behind his family's home.  He considered it his family's home, but not so much his.  He really spent the majority of his time outside, around the river.  He had one cousin with whom he truly resonated and who resonated with him. 
     If pressed, Jonathan would have to admit that he too was somewhat embarrassed by his family, but for the opposite reasons. They were far too vain, wealthy and pompous.  He did love them though and respected them when respect was due.  Out of respect and love for his family, Jonathan would float down the river, on his own small boat to the edge of the family property, deliberately not using the main gated entrance to the family estate.
Jonathan could see the true state of the culture that surrounded him.  There were the filthy rich (his family and a handful of others) and the desperately poor (the other 99.9% of those in his part of the country).  Though rich, Jonathan really felt connected to the masses of poor around him, and it was with these that his thoughts continually sat.  He spent the money he had (which was a lot until uncle Reginald put a stop to his generosity) on the poor around him.  And he spent his time finding ways to help them, in any way he could, for he had many connections and acquaintances.
     Then one day he stopped. He wandered off into the back country (the 1000 acres of forest and scrub on his parents estate) and was never seen again.  His cousin took over.