Mar 03, 2024

Living in Unconditional Love (156)

 

“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.

02/03/2024                             Today is the fourth anniversary of Eileen’s Funeral. In the mixed feelings I have, yesterday was the baptism of all three of Dan and Alesandra’s daughters. A delightful time followed by a wonderful party on the roof of the condo. They had a saxophone player and wonderful barbecue dinner that lasted quite late. The view from the roof is spectacular and we were treated to a beautiful sunset, and plenty of drinks.

It is a beautiful church with large stain glass windows and about 10 children were baptized. Everybody was happy and many photographs were taken. Dan and Alesandra had a professional team to photograph all, and they stayed taking pictures throughout the party. Of course, all was in Spanish so I understood little, but I could follow the Our Father at least.

Today we went to a brunch style breakfast at a fancy hotel and then walked through the play park where the Paddington Bear statue is located and down into the mall built into the cliffs, where we went to a restaurant for an afternoon desert. The temperature is in the 80’s and much water is consumed. Plus, plenty of sunshine and beautiful scenes of the ocean. These moments ease the pain of the memories that always fill this time of the year.

I find that these long walks take a lot out of me, as I have lost much of my conditioning. The sun is hot and I have to be careful not to expose myself too much to the direct sun. but the scenes here are stunning, all the time close to the ocean and the marvelous series of parks all along the edge of the cliff that drops into the land below. A highway runs along the water’s edge, and small jetties are everywhere for those wanting to get closer, along with copious parking areas.

Barbara and Janet along with a friend of Dan’s who were all godparents of the kids are here. Both Barbara and Janet became ill shortly after arrival, and Barbara ended up with a trip to a hospital where she was diagnosed with fluid on the lungs. A treatment of anti-biotics and some pain killers brought Barbara back and Janet has recovered from her illness, so all were fine for the baptism and party and visits today. Alesandra’s Mom has stayed here almost every night and so with the three little ones it has been a busy time with a few worries about the girls not feeling well, but all is good now.

Meditation

Gentle One, You have blessed me once more with reminders that Your love comforts and consoles us and often fills us with indescribable joy. I rest in gratitude for these moments of joy whose memories will fill my days ahead. I ask blessings on all who are part of my family and the family of humankind.