A Time of Grateful Goodbyes and Joyous Hellos
Have you ever noticed the graceful dance in life between goodbyes and hellos?
For example, our family said goodbye last week to a woman who was my children’s grandmother and my cherished friend for over 40 years. As I’ve been thinking about her, I realized she modeled “supportive, loving grandmother” in ways I adopted when my own grandson arrived.
I am grateful for what she taught me about sewing, how to feed a herd of hungry young boys, the way to support and care for ill family and – above all - how to love fiercely. I am forever grateful to love, and to have been loved by, this beautiful soul.
As my heart is saddened by this goodbye, life has given me a new hello.
Our new grandson is only three months old, and I smile when I think of all the hellos ahead. I’ll greet him as a baby, toddler, schoolboy and beyond. I’m already saying hello to his mom and dad as new parents, welcoming in this exciting new family chapter for us all. So many...
Love Always Leads to Love
“Love always leads to love” is a beautiful quote by Helen Schucman, the scribe of A Course in Miracles.
The truth of this statement rings true to my very core. Although my life often comes with the struggles that we all face, when I bring love to any situation or challenge, more love always results.
Always. No exceptions.
I experienced this firsthand a couple weeks ago as I said a final goodbye to a friend in the final stages of hospice care.
On the drive to the nursing home fifty miles from my home, I could feel the fear start to set in. And guilt. And a deep, profound sadness.
What if she’s in too much pain and doesn’t recognize me?
Why didn’t I come sooner?
How can this be happening?
I acknowledged my feelings, decided to take a few deep breaths, and gently shifted my focus. I shifted the purpose of my visit as well. I asked Love to guide me.
I parked the car and walked into the facility with a fresh perspective. Instead of bringing my fear and...
How to Live Your Legacy
I hear some of my friends and clients talk about “leaving a legacy.” Some make generous donations to beloved charities, help build schools in Africa, or create a financial trust for family members.
Many of my author friends are proud of the books they’ve written while others have spent countless hours producing video content in the hope it helps others shift their lives in positive ways. They love to talk about the legacy of their work.
Then there’s Ms. Carol.
I attended the funeral of Ms. Carol over the weekend. At 86, her already small frame had shrunk in the last few years as her ready smile and sparkling eyes also began to fade. Although her death wasn’t a shock to her loved ones, we all felt the sting.
As I walked into the brightly lit sanctuary of the funeral home, I saw Carol’s legacy.
It was evident on the stoic faces of her sons who stood tall, hugging friends and relatives as they arrived. And on the tear-stained faces of the adult...
A Year Later....A Sudden Goodbye to a Treasured Friend
A year ago last week, my dear friend passed away.
I still miss him and tear up at times when I remember I'll never see him again in this lifetime.
And...
I feel his presence. He was dedicated to spreading the message of unconditional love and I feel his influence in my work. This week I wanted to honor his memory by reposting this blog for one reason.
Each one of us is a unique light in this world. We each affect one another in ways we will never know. You are important. What you do matters. My friend Tremayne impacted me and so many others who were blessed to know him.
He taught us an important lesson: smile, spread joy and live a life of love.
My original blog is below....
Tremayne Johnson thought about you, prayed for you and sent you love. To you, me, everyone whether he knew you or not. He beamed love to the world through deep meditations, energy healing and his sparkling smile. He was a quiet soul with a big heart that was always open to help others....