Jun 09, 2024

Living in Unconditional Love (170)

 

“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, and it has proven much more serious than flu.

06/09/2024                                                    Another missed week, as the debilitating cough keeps going. I seem to be getting better though, so I hope I will regain my stamina soon. I just have been lying around and doing nothing except preparing meals and the necessary chores of life. Time just keeps slipping by.

(Sunday) I was mistaken, for last night was filled with coughing and such.

Monday, June 10, would be our 63^rd anniversary. It seems long ago and just like yesterday at the same time. I have been blessed to have had Eileen for 60 years of that time. Indeed I have been blessed with unconditional love all of my life.

The garden has been beautiful, with the iris and peonies at their peak. I have not felt like much exploring, but I keep on trying, and viewing what I can see from my windows. Everything is lush and green and looks very nice. I do enjoy this time of the year with the bright green of spring filling the views.

The bonsai are looking good in general, even though some are showing some signs of stress. I wonder if I failed to water them sufficiently during the winter. They require some trimming, but I have not felt like it. Soon though, as my cough seems to be getting better.

I was once again glad I had bought my generator, as I lost power for about 8 hours this past week, but the generator kicked right in and kept the house cool during the heat of the day and allowed me to cook dinner as usual.

When one gets to my age, the viewpoint of life shifts a bit to see different perspective. Life is indeed fleeting, and things that seemed so important just a few years ago seem trivial now. As long as I have a place to live and food and wonders to see, life is good and deserves to be enjoyed. All else seems trivial.

Meditation

 

Gentle One, I have been held carefully in Your care these past few weeks as I recover from the debilitating cough. I am grateful for this life and the opportunity to see the goodness of humanity as many have offered to help as they can. It is hopeful as I witness humanities goodness in action, and it warms my heart to see it move many to offer aid when I need it.