Nov 19, 2023

Living in Unconditional Love (141)

 

“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 after 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. Covid has proved to be a persistent problem, and many of the long-term effects are quite serious.

11/19/2023                                      The weather is warmer than usual for this time of year, but still quite chilly with a very cool breeze. I had problems with the furnace again, and they finally determined it was a relay that controlled all the systems and replaced that on Friday. It seems to be working fine now. It helped that my AC system provides heat for upstairs, so I had little problems except the downstairs became quite chilly, in the 50s.

I lease my Highlander and the lease is up next April. I went into the dealer on Friday to talk, as I would like a hybrid next time and they are hard to come by. They have one coming in by January and it was available, so I signed for that one. A bit more expensive, but the gas consumption is considerably less, and may even make the difference. It will certainly help. I am not thrilled with the color, a dark grey, but he wasn’t sure if they even make a hybrid in red, which is my preferred color and that is what I have presently. It will have all the features I like.

My WP church (St. Patrick’s) had a bazaar on Saturday, so I went down for a while to chat and see what was available. Had a good time talking to friends and bought a few cookies. It was good to chat, and one little girl tried to convince me to purchase things. It was enjoyable to be out and see friends, as we have little time to chat after mass on Sunday as they have religious ed after mass. I don’t need more of anything, so I refrained from adding to the piles of stuff I have.

It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is this week, and the industry trade show in Orlando the following week. Time seems to zip by. I truly have much to be thankful for in my life, especially my family, and the gift of God in the form of Eileen. I have been going through a few meditations on gratefulness and so much of my life has been a gift to enjoy, just a gift of wonder and surprise. I never dreamed of all that has occurred and could not have imagined such wonders in my life. I always had trust that all would be well, and it mostly is, even with the loss of Eileen and the adjustments I have had to make throughout. The wonders of holding each of our children still overwhelms me at times, and I have strong memories of the joy and wonder during much of our 60 years together.

Three of our children were born in December, so that is a busy month: Dan on the third, Janet on the 13^th, and Maureen on the 20^th. Plus, the usual Christmas rush etc. We still plan on going to Mohonk on the 27^th through the 30^th. We have several rooms on reserve and will make final counts as to who will make the trip soon.

Meditation

Gentle One, You have amazed me with joy and love throughout my life, giving a wonderful life partner and breathtaking family to shine through with love. I feel overwhelmed at all that have been a part of my life, and I only hope that what time I have can live in all the love You have given me. I am grateful for this life You have so freely flooded me with each and every day. I bow in reverence for all that I have been given and hope I can love deeply all in turn