Feb 23, 2025

Living in Unconditional Love (206)

 

“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.

02/23/2025 (Lima, Peru)                                 I am writing this on the fifth anniversary of Eileen’s death and the day after celebrating Maria’s fifth birthday. Filled with the joy of watching three little ones in all their exuberance and noise and the sorrow of missing Eileen. I keep wanting to point out this or that but …….

The trip here was LONG, as I spent five hours in Syracuse airport on Sunday evening trying to get to JFK for my connecting flight to Lima. Missed the connection by ten minutes! So, I spent the night in a motel, then flew to Atlanta and caught a flight to Lima from there the next day (or night, as it is an overnight flight.) I arrived a day late (5 am) on Tuesday but happy to see all. It was a whirlwind time getting prepared for Maria’s birthday party on Friday.

The party was great, as it was held on the roof of the condominium they live in on the ocean. It was a “spa night”, with about a dozen little girls having their face masks done, nails panted, and hair done. A few boys were there but they had their own space with things to do such as slides and a trampoline and more. Food was served and as it was warm (about 80) with lots of watermelon and cooling things. And watching the sun sink into the ocean is an experience all on its own

Today, Saturday, was spent cleaning up and running around. It is amazing how noisy three little ones (5, 3+, almost 2) can be, but so touching when the little one, Madison, asks to crawl up in my lap and play my iPad or just sit for a while. Tomorrow we will complete the birthday celebration with a breakfast out at Maria’s favorite hotel (Hilton) brunch.

Then we have Madison’s second birthday in late March, and I will return home after that.

We completed this evening by watching “Shrek” and all had a good time. The movie calmed all down and they were ready for bed shortly afterwards.

Meditation

Gentle One, You hold me in Your arms and give me joy to cover the grief that at times can be so strong. I am indeed grateful for all the wonders You give to me and the beauty of the three little ones to liven up the time when I would usually find myself folding up. I ask that You bless them all and keep them as joyful as they are now.