Feb 12, 2023

Living in Unconditional Love (101)

 

“Love flows from God to humans without effort:

As a bird glides through the air without moving its wings-

Thus, they go wherever they wish united in body and soul,

Yet separate in form.”

–Mechtild of Magdeburg

 

My wife Eileen died from esophageal cancer in February 2020 one year after being diagnosed, 60 years to the day that we met on Long Island. Then my brother Tom became ill (not COVID), and I spent a total of six weeks being with him in Ohio, but he died in October 2020. My sister-in-law Sue Mahoney died from Covid-19 in January 2021. On top of it all stood the pandemic, locking everyone down almost two years, and even though it is abating, I wear my mask anytime I am out among people, unlike many.

02/12/2023                             My first spring flower, Winter Aconite, is ready to bloom, showing the bright yellow blossom ready to open on Friday and Saturday, and maybe in bloom on Sunday if the sun shines. (I write this on Saturday evening most weeks.) Yes indeed, Spring is coming! It is always a joy to see the first blossoms appear, and since the winter has been warmer than usual and not nearly as much snow, the first blossoms are a bit earlier.

I had a little snow last night, less than an inch, and it was just above freezing today, so the ground has been remaining white, and the birds (and squirrels) have been busy around the bird feeder. While the squirrels can’t get at the feeder, the birds conveniently drop seeds everywhere, so the squirrels have food.

I haven’t seen the Blue Jay this week, but I assume it is around somewhere but perhaps is finding food elsewhere. Watching the birds is always interesting, and I am happy to see so many flying denizens being able to survive. Even the crows are around. I had conveniently dropped the full feeder while trying to return it to its’ spot to be hung right about the beginning of the year, so lots of food is to be had between the stones at that point, as our white stone Japanese garden is there.

I am feeling better and have restarted the physical therapy for the knee. Found myself aching all over after the first couple of sessions, but that will stop soon. My right ankle still swells up each day from cellulitis, but very little pain so I am good with that.

This coming weekend I will attend a wedding of a grandnephew on Long Island; Barbara will go with me. (Actually, I will go with her after driving to her place on Friday and returning home probably on Sunday.) It should be fun. It always is when the Roger’s family gets together, and weddings are always a blast. (Is that phrase still in? Is THAT phrase still valid?) I am looking forward to seeing that large family that gathers for these events. It is a true joy to see the gift of love passed on to the next generation. Eileen’s sister Maureen and her husband Tom had 10 children, nine of which are still alive.

It is astounding to realize that the third anniversary of Eileen’s death is coming shortly. It just seems like yesterday. I will be at a good friends’ house tomorrow (Sunday) evening for dinner; her husband died just two years ago, and she is having a gathering of a few friends (mostly priests) to just be together and rejoice in the love that has been showered upon us in our lives. Life may seem short, but I have been fortunate indeed to have been immersed in love throughout. I am always amazed at the goodness that has been so plentiful in my life.

Meditation

Gentle One, I find resting in Your timeless presence and seeing a true joy that seals all of life. Each day spells out for me the need for love more and more, as it includes the seemingly utter waste of life in all the destruction caused by nature and humankind. I am astounded at the unselfishness of the many groups that risk their lives to help save others and to see Your love flow through them helping so many others.