Nov 28, 2021

  Living in Unconditional Love (38) 

“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 and a half, and still going strong from my viewpoint. 

11/28/2021 This week has been a week of coming off the energy of two little ones with all the laughter and tears that brings. Barbara joined us on Sunday, and Dan and family left later Monday. Much laughter (and tears) when they left. Maria had taken me into her family, and it was a joy. Sunday eve, late, everyone was still up and full of energy, and I was getting tired, being after 11. So, I changed into my PJs and came back into the living room. Alesandra informed me that Maria was looking for me, and Maria grabbed my hand when I walked back in and led me to a chair for me to sit. Some time later I had closed my eyes (just resting them of course) but Maria was watching, and when I opened them, she gave me a stuffed animal to hold. She was watching me all the time. I was deeply moved at that moment. What a joy. 

Young children have no guile. They let you know how they feel, off the top of their heads. Life would be simpler of we could all do that, but niceties don’t allow that freedom. Children live in the moment, and firmly let you know how they feel. 

Thanksgiving was nice, Barbara and I traveling the relatively short distance to Tim’s house where we feasted on roast turkey and fixings. Much laughter and chatting and a good time just being. Good to be able to have these moments, but also good from my “advanced age” viewpoint, that I don’t have to be in the preparation time frame. It used to be fun, but not sure I could withstand it anymore. 

Our psyche needs these moments of family time, just to remind us that we are not alone, I spend most of my time alone, but the rest of the family and the rest of the world is around me, and I  need that time of reminder that others are there. These moments allow me to gather myself to reach out to others who may not be as fortunate, and those who, like myself, normally live alone. All need contact with others, if nothing else but to remind ourselves that the universe is rippling with life and love. 

We are moving into the annual “holiday time”, when we are pounded to buy, buy, buy, but the reality is that we should be about give, give, give ourselves to others who need a reminder that love is all there is in truth. I love the Christmas holidays and will soon start taking down the fall decorations and putting up Christmas decorations around the house. The large stable will be one of the first to go up, replacing my models that I have had out for months. As io have said, the tree will be the last to go up. I love this time of year, as it allows me to put up my silly decorations everywhere to keep the joy of the season bright. 

Meditation  

Gentle One, love is so easy to see in little ones. They laugh and smile easily and fill the heart with joy. It is so easy to lose oneself in their joy and join with them in expressing pure love and freedom. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to sit among such joy that keeps the banshees away, long away. You have permitted me to express love in so many ways that fill my life with memories and joy.