Feb 25, 2024

Living in Unconditional Love (155)

“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.

02/25/2024                             This has been a week of mixed feelings. Much joy in Maria’s actual 4^thbirthday, mixed sadness of missing Eileen. We went out to a park and playground first, then went to a good Italian restaurant located under the park built into the cliffs bordering the ocean. The restaurant is part of a large three-story mall that has nothing above ground, accessible by stairs, escalators, and elevators. The park is a monument to Paddington Bear who emigrated to England from Peru, and all the stories are after emigration. Fun.

It is very quiet here at the mome4nt, as all left but me to go grocery shopping. After they return we will go out for dinner.

It is a very different life here among the wonderous life of the very young and beautiful scenery. The views as we drive (Uber) around Lima are often beautiful. Many blooming trees and vines decorate buildings everywhere, and lots of cars, bikes, and motor bikes of all types. Traffic lights are a rarity, usually to aid walkers in crossing streets. Even stop signs are few, but large speed bumps are very common, used to indicate which street are right-of-way. Few accidents and little horn blowing. The driving is a bit crazy, but all are careful.

My daughter Janet arrived Saturday. It was good to see her, and she will be staying for two weeks. We went out to eat at their favorite chicken restaurant (they order-in from that place often) and we met a couple if similar mixed background while there. They had been at Maria’s birthday parry, and the husband is from the west side of Cleveland, so we had plenty to share. After dinner we went to a huge park across the street where there is a large playground and we stayed there until late.

Much to my surprise I have gout located in my right index finger, making it difficult to do many things, including typing this journal. I take medication that is supposed to prevent it, and I have meds to cure it, but I left those back home of course. We have made arrangements to get it to Barbara who is coming on Tuesday for the baptism next Saturday. All three girls will be baptized then, followed by a party on the roof of the condo, where space and pool are present.

We went to another little girl’s birthday party on Friday, held at their house in Lima. It was a pool party as they have a nice pool. It had a Toy Story theme, which included two dressed in appropriate costumes, food, and drinks. Nice party, large house in the middle of Lima. The parents and the girl had been to Maria’s party last week.

It is hard to believe that it has been four years since Eileen died. I k now she would have been overjoyed to see all the young ones, and I am sure she is watching and guiding us all.

Meditation

 

Gentle One, my joy at being here with the little ones is overwhelming, and I am so grateful for this opportunity to join in the festivities. I know Eileen is with You and watching over us and I am grateful for all the sense of closeness this brings.