Jul 28, 2024

Living in Unconditional Love (177)

 

“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.

07/28/2024                                                    Wow, what a week. The entire close family came, and it culminated in a birthday party at my favorite local restaurant on Saturday. About 45 plus children came and it was glorious. We capped the day with a bonfire in the firepit at my pond which was beautiful. It was a wonderful way to celebrate my 90 years on this planet. Silly hats (they found a top hat for me), great food, and fun times with lots of laughter. What more could I ask except I still miss Eileen, wishing she could share the moment with us.

Karen, Maureen, and Barbara came Tuesday, Janet and Brendan came Thursday, and of course Dan and crew were here all week. Tim and family were here most of the time, and Drew joined us at the party. More granddaughters drove from Ohio on Friday, and all have been to the County Fair, which is occurring this week, bringing joy to all. I have skipped the fair, as that is a bit much for me.

It has been a joy to have family milling around. Lots of laughter, a few tears, but joy to behold. Maddison (age 1) has been bringing me many things she believes I should have, including hauling my cane from wherever she discovers it to present to me at all hours of the day. I have been given books, my iPad, and anything else she decides I should have.

I am writing this Sunday afternoon as all have decided to attend the fair on the last day, so I have a period of quiet to fill in. I have been truly blessed with (first of all) Eileen, all seven of our children and now their children. What more could a person ask of this life.

Meditation

Gentle One, truly You have blessed me with love and joy all my life. I shake my head in wonderment as to how I have been so blessed. I find joy in life as I age, and find my life so filled with joy. My deep feelings of gratitude in all I have been blessed with all my life fills me with awe.