Giving Thanks

The family, except mom who's taking the photo

This week I celebrate the love of family and the miracle of continuance. You may recall that Elgin recently left us to be with Bill, which in my mind is yet another reason to celebrate. The family came from all over to attend Elgin's memorial service. The service began on a somber note, but as we all got up to talk about her and share stories we laughed through our tears at the funny tales throughout their lifetime of love.

One of the funniest stories was of Elgin right after Bill's passing. She was in the hospital and I had to stay with her for 2 days because she wouldn't stay in the bed and I didn't have the heart to have her restrained. So, I sat and we talked for two days. On day 2 at our weariest, Elgin began to talk about Bill as though he'd just left the room. "He's gone down the hall to play poker with the boys," she said. "Well, I'm sure he'll be home on time," I responded. She began to share with me her opinions about these particular men, which grew less flattering as the hour went on. She became more and more distressed, wanting Bill home - I was wondering how to handle it. Suddenly, she gave me this conspiratorial look and motioned for me to come closer. I did. She whispered to me that she's suspicious of Bill's actions. "....what?" "I'm suspicious of those other men," she confided. ".....why?" "I think they're taking Bill out and smoking marijuana!" she blurted.

You have to know Elgin to understand why that's so funny. She was the consummate lady who never had a harsh word to say, never raised her voice, always wore matching clothes, and had her hair and nails done in classic fashion. She was A Lady. Both she and Bill were the epitome of "gentile." Bill had a stroke before his passing and I believe that was the only way she could process his odd behavior at that time. Her mind tended to blur the past together as one big movie, but occasionally her mind was crystal clear. Amazing.

As I processed the photos and burned CDs for all who attended I became quite touched by each face, remembering their words and laughter and tears. Remembering old times and anticipating times ahead already noted on the calendar. I've been blessed, and I give thanks for each and every one of them. This humble Thanksgiving novella is dedicated to them.

Jessica and Kayla

Baylee, Monica & Jeff

Sister & Bro-in-law Linda and Mort and their daughter, Elizabeth

The sibs - Laurie, David, Jeff and Elizabeth

My husband, Bob and me

Sam & Ben

Jim & Laurie, plus little Evie (Sam & Ben's folks)

My sweet mother and Jessica

Mom and me

There are a few family members who could not come to the memorial services. Their presence was greatly missed and I give thanks for them and their love: Lance and Shannon, Glenn & Robin & Madison, Kym & Steve & Kids, and the spouses who kept the home fires burning - Joel & little Owen, Crystal & the kids. These are the main family but others revolve around like bright satellites. I repeat - I am blessed.

falling leaves

hide the path

so quietly

John Bailey

Autumn haiku

Virginia Sweetspire in Autumn's blush

Autumn brings such joy. Yes, the trees and shrubs are going to sleep for the winter, but while they slumber above their roots are stretching and growing beneath the surface, ensuring a surge of physical growth next year. This transition is necessary for most plants though there are some who do not require it depending upon the variety and zone. I'm not talking about annuals, of course and this isn't really about Botany anyway. For most plants downtime is necessary for future growth.

This truism translates well into the human existence. Quiet, reflective time is necessary for our bodies and souls. An artist cannot create their art without allowing time to stop and soak up Life experiences. A writer cannot write without observing and experiencing the ebb and flow of our world. To do these things one must make time to sit and look or read, smell, hear and taste. A song writer and musician eventually must face that blank page, which may come after months or years of touring. That is the time one creates, and is the time most fear, but it indeed comes at a time of stillness. This is probably why Sting won't stop touring as he's admitted a fear of that blank page, but I digress. Time of reflection, observation, meditation, reading, listening, tasting, hearing and really seeing is mandatory for our inner expansion and awareness.

It is in those quiet moments that our ideas and thoughts begin to stretch and grow beneath the surface so when the spring of our creativity comes these ideas are ready to burst forth into the world much like the flowers we so adore.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Waking before dawn to a subconscious thought that followed as I ventured outdoors to walk, it came to me - today, I must be a part of something bigger than myself. It became a need, a loud bonging bell, not a tap on the shoulder but a silent shout in my ear. Today will be meditation and reflection upon things bigger than myself and my issues. Seeking a quote to reflect how I feel led me to this:

"An individual has not started living

until he can rise above the narrow confines

of his individualistic concerns

to the broader concerns of all humanity."

Martin Luther King, Jr

I wish for each of you peace today and everyday.

Saying and Singing What It Knew: I Can

“A certain day became a presence to me;

there it was, confronting me —

a sky, air, light: a being.

And before it started to descend

from the height of noon,

it leaned over and struck my shoulder

as if with the flat of a sword,

granting me honor and a task.

The day’s blow rang out, metallic —

or it was I, a bell awakened,

and what I heard was my whole self

saying and singing what it knew: I can.”

Denise Levertov, Variation on a Theme by Rilke

(The Book of Hours, Book I, Poem 1, Stanza 1)