Living in Unconditional Love (94)
Dec 25, 2022
Living in Unconditional Love (94)
“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 almost two years, and even though it is abating, I wear my mask anytime I am out among people, unlike many.
12/25/2022 Merry Christmas to one and all.
Busy week, and I feel that all I can say at this time is to wish all a very merry Christmas. Listening to Christmas music from Barbara’s vast collection, which has become a yearly tradition. Writing this on Christmas eve, we went to the 4 PM mass at St. Patrick’s church where we sang many of the traditional songs. I am somewhat surprised at how few I know at St. Patrick’s, after all it is in my hometown. But I know so few by name here, as my friends are in Homer and Binghamton from my various activities, and now that I am not going to Homer that often I rarely see them. I did go to the funeral of my friend Jack Garvey and was surprised at the few in attendance. They had a luncheon afterwards and I talked with those who were there, including Jack’s wife Vivian, and we had a tearful but nice conversation.
We will eat dinner on Christmas at Tim’s house, and have another round of Christmas gifts, etc. We always have a good time, and the food is delicious. Then this week my other daughters will be coming in on Monday along with my grandson Brendan and will leave for Mohonk on Tuesday, returning on Friday. Should be a fun week, and it will be great to see Eileen’s brother Kevin and his family while there.
With the loss of my partner and friend Dave Gdovin I have spent some time with his children who are trying to wrap their arms around the various tasks that their Dad did within the company, and especially now at the end of the fiscal and calendar year. Both have worked for the company for many years, and Dave and I had set up a working arrangement that included them at the core, so there will be little interruption within the operation of the company. It was sudden and that kind of leaves them searching for a bit, but Dave and I had put things in place that it should go smoothly over time.
We don’t actually know when Jesus was born, as this time of year was always celebrated as the winter solstice and Christianity took it on as the focus of the birth of Jesus. But the fullness of the moment, God itself becoming just a small portion of vast universe, to be with us in our pain, joys, and sorrows is a wonder that is breathtaking in its’ scope and mind-boggling implications.
Meditation
Gentle One, I find myself at bit if a loss at this time of year. I will have a good time next week, but right now I am feeling a bit sad, even though my daughter is here with me. Missing Eileen, and I seem unable to get myself into my usual Christmas “mood”. I place all in Your care and will hopefully be open to the surprises You always have for me as we start a new year.
Merry Christmas to you and your family, Dave. I certainly understand how you feel. I am so happy to be with my children and grandchildren, but I am still feeling the emptiness and missing Bob. Enjoy your time at Mohonk. Wishing you all the best in the new year!