Aug 01, 2021

   Living in Unconditional Love (21) 

“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 to the day that we met on Long Island. Then my brother Tom became ill, 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 for over a year. 

08/01/2021 August already! On Saturday, we celebrated my grandson Huntley’s 4th birthday with a get-together with grandparents, chatting and playing, a delightful meal with my first fresh corn, cupcakes with candles, and, of course, presents. It was a delightful time, with Huntley making sure each grandparent had their turn. At one point he grabbed my hand and said “lets’ go into my room” where he closed the door and we played with lots of stuffed animal tossing, screaming (Huntley, not me), and just good four-year-old fun. That lasted about half an hour and was delightful. Clara, age 20 months, seemed comfortable with me and allowed me to pick her up and help her with fun things, for the first time. His big present was a toy vacuum cleaner, which was his most asked for present. He loves to vacuum, and even Clara grabbed it many times. Wish that enthusiasm would continue into the teen years, but I don’t expect that it will. 

The week has been mixed, with a wonderful visit from two I used to meet with for many years. It was fun catching up as it has been about two years the last time I has met with them, and we will probably start meeting again in the fall, as there is lots of material we have that would be helpful to hear and discuss. We spent many hours touring the garden, the various meditation areas, and a wonderful lunch they brought. And talked! 

I have become aware of some pain in relationships among very close friends, and I have offered to be of any help that they would want, as I can listen. I am not sure what advice I can offer, but I can listen and see if God offers me anything that may ease the pain. It is sad to watch, and there is nothing one can actually do to ease pain months or years in the making, accept the request to help when asked, and listen, and encourage them at these despairing moments. 

The garden is breathtaking, and it is a joy to be able to peruse (when it isn’t raining) and walk and look at the wonders of beautiful blooms. This is the peak of the lily season, and they are amazing this year. Lilies are a great plant family to have, as the various ones start in late June (Martagons) and last into August (Orientals), about 6-7 weeks. The garden needs some replanning, as many plants have become overgrown in the 50 years we have worked here. Lots of thinning out to do, barriers for deer in the winter (mostly burlap over the plants)(they do not bother anything in the summer, as I think the apple trees around the edges satisfy them). It is amazing how some of the Hosta’s have spread over the 45 years we have had them, starting with maybe 4 and now many times that number. Time to remove many and replace them with some of the stunning daylilies we have. I will probably replant the hostas along the woods line, letting the deer have a happy desert time. And yes, I cannot do much of that myself anymore, but I have help that will do what needs to be done, and we have the time. 

 I am amazed at the love that God surrounds me with, surprising me at moments I feel depressed and lonely every time. The opportunity to speak with someone, listen to a delightful grandchild, get the report that so-and-so is worried about me and wants to help me someway – all these wonderful gestures of love reflect the Love of God that fills the universe. 

Meditation  

Gentle One, Your Love surrounds me and comforts me at all times. I rest in Your comfort, even when I weep for the pain of others that is so real. I depend on Your gentle nudging and lie in gratitude for the wonders I have experienced in my 87 years. I give to you all the pain that I see, as there is so little I can do directly except ask for help for those who are experiencing the pain.