Jul 09, 2023

Living in Unconditional Love (122)

 

“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, and even though it is abating, I wear my mask some of the time I am out among people, unlike most.

07/09/2023                                      I am writing this several days before the birthday party for Mackenzie who will turn 2 on Saturday. The party is Saturday, and I do not believe I will have time to write anything that day, and Sunday Barbara and I will leave for New York. They expect about 30 adults and 20 little ones, so it will be crowded and should be lots of fun.

I wish this had been a couple of weeks from now, as I am feeling extremely weak, probably from the pneumonia I had. Even though I may be clear from the problem, the effects are still lingering, and I find myself unable to do anything except lie around. I don’t feel bad, just unable to move. I eat good but eat small meals and lie or sit on the couch. That is about it. All went to the fireworks but me, as I was not sure I could stand or sit that long. I could see very little from the house due to trees, but I sure heard them. Very loud and all said they were beautiful.

The three girls are a delight, and Mackenzie seems to be entering her ‘terrible twos’ right on schedule. Maria is full of energy and a works hard on her princess image. She was wearing a white princess dress to the fireworks and spent some time before she left putting on ‘make-up’ on her face until she was satisfied with herself using a hand mirror. She will be a handful a few years from now.

The baby is still as placid as before: seldom cries, watches everything, and when put on the floor works hard to turn herself over. Great to watch. Not there yet, but she is trying.

This country’s vision has always been far greater than how it lives up to it. It appears to be sliding slightly backwards at the present, but I have faith that it will slowly continue to move forward. There are those who will try anything to hold onto their perceived power, and right now too many in power such as the supreme court are floating in the same current, and one party is reveling in their hatred of others, but eventually more will gain their inner sense of justice and we will move in the direction of justice for all.

Meditation

Gentle One, I have spent this week seemingly being able to only sit and watch with an energy level of seemingly zero. I thank You and am so grateful for my life and reasonable health that even this is proving restful and joyful as the young life that surround’s me is so full of energy that it gives me life and joy. I will try to hold on to the beauty and youthful energy  when I resume my life at home, and this joy will live with me.