" Arrange whatever pieces come your way."
As the curtain comes down on this year of 2010, I stop to ponder the major events that have had an influence on my life this year. Some I know have brought joy to my life and I am grateful for those. Even the so called ‘bad things’ have a silver lining to them. I learn from them, too, and am grateful.
Three amazing women who played a significant role in my life have taken another step in their journey. My mother-in-law, Maggie, at the age of one hundred and four left us in April; my sister’s mother-in-law, Annie, in her nineties, died of cancer in July. In the same week, my cousin, Mary (also in her nineties) died peacefully.
When I reflect on their life experiences and how they moved in and out of my life, I am amazed at their accomplishments, lived out in gentleness and strength. Each in her own quiet way loved and cared for their families and for those whom they met along the way.
I remember Maggie for her love of dancing and music. Her stories of growing up in the Codroy Valley, (which is the picture I've chosen above) a beautiful scenic community in the western section of Newfoundland, kept me enthralled. Her sense of humor kept me laughing more than once.
I experienced Annie’s warm hospitality and caring concern whenever I visited her. Her knack for baking that special chocolate cake for a birthday was well known; only her children knew her secret ingredient! Every family gathering saw her bring one of her baking specialties for the occasion.
My fondest memories of Mary go back to my study days at university. Her home was always open to welcome everyone. My friends and I spent weekends relaxing after a hard week of studying. Her generosity and interest in our lives are well remembered and loved.
I am deeply grateful for their presence in my life. I mourn that I can’t see or touch them but they are with me in another way, in a spiritual sphere.
Another reason for gratitude is the recent addition to our family in June of my grandnephew, Connor. He and Elissa, my grandniece, give great joy to our family. Watching them take their first steps, talk and even sing gives me a sense of wonder. As their little personalities develop, I am amazed at the beauty of these little human beings. My heart is filled with happiness and love.
As Rainer Maria Rilke, author and poet, said “This is the miracle that happens every time to those who really love: the more they give, the more they possess.”
My deepest joy in life is the love that I experience from my family and friends. The more I love, the more I receive. There are no limits to love. What a powerful healing force that is! Miracles do happen. I am deeply grateful!
This love does not eliminate the heartache and sorrow or pain I experience. It often requires patience and acceptance on my part. I am the creator of my life. I can decide how I respond to these events. As Virginia Woolfe suggested, I can arrange the pieces of my life in the way I see fit. Above all, I realize that love will enable me to move through the experience and emerge triumphantly in joy.
As you reflect on these closing days of the year,
- What are your thoughts and feelings?
- What memories do you cherish?
- What joys are you thankful for?
- What are your hopes and dreams for the New Year?
As I look forward to the New Year, I am hoping that you experience love, count your joys and be thankful.
Please feel free to comment and share some of your answers to the questions I’ve asked.
Happy New Year!
Fondly,
Bride
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