HOW DO YOU SAY GOOD-BYE IN THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE?

                 You matter to the last moment of your life, and we will do all we can,
                 not only to help  you die peacefully, but to help you live until you die.
                                                                                         Dame Cicely Saunders

HOW DO YOU SAY GOOD-BYE IN THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE?

Everybody adored my grandfather. Full of love, still waters running deep; he made me laugh. That is, until the last stage of his life.

His doctor gave him three months to live. He told him he needed a year. Shortly after Christmas in January, just after that year, he entered the hospital.

Our family had been summoned. We approached the hospital elevator. “No one under 12 is allowed in the critical care unit,” the sign read. My parents told my youngest sister that she could not visit. My father would stay with her. Later, I would relieve him.

I saw the crushed look on her face. It haunted me all the way up the elevator and down the long, dark corridors. I watched my other sister tremble as we neared his room.

Our grandfather met our gaze. His sunny smile greeted us. Protruding tubes were out of place on a body that had always been a call to comfort others with hugs. Delighted to see him, we smiled and rushed to hug him anyway...taking care, as much as teenagers can. Dying did not seem present. Love was. Once engaged, we stepped back and met his eyes. Where’s Sam? I flinched as our mother told him that she would not be coming. Wendy looked down at her shoes.

Our mother left to get water for him. Though not groomed to be friends, my sister and I shot each other a glance. A plan was made.

“Did you see the stairs outside his room?” My sister said, “Yes.” “I am going to run down and get Samantha. We’ll run upstairs and be back before there’s trouble.” My sister lit up. My grandfather gave us each a conspiratorial look.

Downstairs, I said I would stay with Samantha. Not exactly a lie. I waited until the elevator closed and asked, “Do you want to see Grandpa?” An emphatic nod ushered a beaming smile across Samantha’s face. “Then grab my hand.” We sprinted up the stairs that opened only two doors away from my grandfather’s room. Inside, my grandfather’s body heaved a sigh of relief. Samantha was doe-eyed with wonder. She was so happy to see him and he laughed upon seeing her.

Moments later my father entered. No scene, no drama. My grandfather had a calming effect on my parents. Today was no exception. The love between a grandfather and his granddaughters was so overflowing that the promise of an enduring connection, transcending all, would remain.

Two days later, we learned that our grandfather had just died.

It brought such joy, that ending revolution; living close to the edge of intimacy as it unfurled, sharing our last goodbyes.

LIVING ON FAITH IS MY GROWING EDGE

When you change the thought, your reality must follow. You have the ability

to quickly change your patterns of thought, and eventually your life experience.

                                                                                                           Abe Hicks

When I woke up this morning, my first thought was how happy I was to be all snuggled in and warm.

My second thoughts were ones that Einstein assures me cannot be solved “with the same thinking that created them.” Often, I kick out those negative thoughts.

But this morning, and only for seconds, I dipped into thinking about a personal issue that created results I didn’t want. A second thought crashed in about a friend’s trouble. Following was concern for a global event.

That train of bad thinking was sending me off the rails before I even climbed out of bed.

That’s how the train of unwanted thoughts creates situations WE DON’T WANT. That I DON’T WANT. How many of you can relate?

Promptly, I kicked out that train of thoughts. I realigned with Spirit and my Faith in Spirit. “I am perfectly aligned” is a great affirmation.

I intentionally thought of five happy events. I watched my worry pack her bags and leave. I repeated my affirmations. I remembered things working out. I took a breath.

I sent love and mantrams to me, my friends, and to the global community. I thought positive thoughts. Realigned, I sighed. Here, at midday, things are in flow and alignment.

LIVING ON FAITH IS MY GROWING EDGE.

Recently, I’ve done inner work, cleaning out yesterday’s negativity. My new inner life is transforming my outer one. I still need, on occasion, to keep faith that the changes not yet here ARE coming. It’s my growing edge.

FAITH BELIEVES IN WHAT’S YET TO BE SEEN.

I once “talked” a disabled, abandoned VW bus into running. I then went on a 515-mile road trip. That same year my partner, a friend, and I were waiting to board a plane. From our stopover in Dallas, our friend, Jean, would fly to New York for the holidays. My partner and I were flying to my sister’s wedding. We had three hours once the plane landed to arrive at the church.

The announcement blared out: “Due to storms, this flight may be delayed.” Jean was thrilled. She was frightened of flying and hoped the flight would be cancelled. I strolled over to the desk attendant for a chat. Yes, cancelling the flight WAS a possibility. No, no other flights would get me to the wedding on time.

SPIRIT WANTS US HAPPY AND TO SUCCEED.

I took another stroll around the area. I quieted my pounding heart. I could not let my sister down. I was a Bridesmaid. I asked Spirit what to do.

Take a breath. See you arriving on time, safely. Breathe. Sit down. Keep the Faith. Lean into Faith.

Another announcement came: This flight might be cancelled. Jean was giddy. I quietly closed my eyes.

We were told to get on board three minutes before the decision to cancel the flight was to be announced. SHAZAM! The Universe OPENED the Gate.

LIVING ON FAITH is a practice. WHEN was the last time you LIVED ON FAITH, dear Reader?