Mar 16, 2025

Living in Unconditional Love (209)

 

“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.

03/16/2025                             I have recovered from that illness and the week was delightful, full of a couple of birthday parties, delightful and beautiful views, and three wonderful little girls that seemingly have endless energy. The season is turning slowly as it heads towards fall in a few days, while it is spring at home.

One of birthdays was for a little girl who turned five, and the girls were the only ones invited. It was a fun time, as it is a single father and it was held in their apartment, so it was small, but all had a grand time.

The other was a big splash for Alesandra’s step-grandmother and their large family. Alesandra’s father came back from the states to join the festivities held at a large Chinese restaurant in Lima. The food was on large platters on a spinning glass area on the table(s) as there were 20 or more there and several tables were used. They kept arriving all evening; it was a good time.

Alesandra’s father paid a visit to see Alesandra and the girls and was joyfully received. He lives with his wife in D and A home in Virginia, so he is well acquainted with the girls. Especially Maria and he are close.

The weather here is beautiful, but sometimes a cool breeze is present that makes it seem chilly.

Today (Saturday, the 15^th) was the 25^th anniversary of my father’s death. I always remember the strength he portrayed all his life, his love for my mother, and the generous spirit that filled his life and glory of the lilies he bred and raised after he retired from a lifetime as a machinist and leader..

I am sad for our nation, becoming a land with too many who have no empathy for others, portraying a greedy and selfish face that is certainly not Christian. It is as Jesus talked about in Matthew 25, as it is what you do and not what you say that counts. The projections talk of hundreds of thousands that will die of malnutrition and starvation in the next months and years just so billionaires can have more billions, which will turn to dust in a few years – and I truly understand how short life is.

Meditation

Gentle One, I weep for the poor of this world that will die and have shortened lives and poor health just so a few could gather more wealth. It has been like this over the centuries. It had progressed a little, but we have no excuses as the needs are known by all and sufficient food and medicine are available – but the rich just want more. Aid me in seeing what I can do to aid others, and I ask forgiveness for the twisted thinking of so many who have become shortsighted.