UPS and DOWNS
Each and everyone of us has difficult days. The bleak days help us to appreciate the joyful and positive ones even more.
The last post regarding my sister, Constance Gordon-Johnson, and her legacy...threw me for a loop.
Still, I have not quite recovered. Private messages and tributes came rolling in and I feel honoured that many people took the time to write me about Constance and share how she impacted their lives. Thank You. I was overwhelmed with appreciation.
Life goes on. Life is for the living. How many times have we heard that? And, as true as it may be...it hurts when you find out a good mate or an overseas relative or a work colleague from the past is struggling with a difficult diagnosis. There is never a right time for anyone you care about to die. But, I am glad that countries and some individual states throughout the world are coming to terms with the fact that WE should be able to have a say in our own individual care and ultimate ending. It just makes sense.
So today my heart and my hand goes out to those trying to navigate through a medical system and a family dynamic where a loved one is nearing the end. It's a horrible place to be, but it doesn't have to be. IF you know in your heart of hearts that everything possibly has been done for your loved one and there are no other possibilities of recovery, just be there. Just breathe, smile, hold hands, laugh if there is enough energy left in the space, fill the room with precious, simple flowers and maybe some really decent music - the music that has played a huge part in your loved one's life. Easy for me to type; I know. But, this was a journey I participated in and not very long ago. I learned the BEST part of the situation was the ability to be close and to stay close. And, do not forget to take care of yourself, too. ASK for help. ASK for someone to listen to you. People (even other family members) are at a loss for words. They don't want to say anything that will cause you pain in any way. People DO want to help though...they usually don't know how. Death is sad, but it should not (to me) be frightening. We are born alone. We shall die alone. People are gathered around us for our birth. People shall gather around us for our death. But, ultimately...these last steps will shall take alone just as we did in the beginning.
Australian farmers are doing it tough. The drought is not anything new; it's been around for such a long time, but the strength, the depth, the sheer horror of this particular stage of the drought feels debilitating.
The rains are here. They are pummeling the earth and everyone is saying, 'too little; too late'. Please don't say that. This soil needs whatever it can get and hopefully, retain.
Grey skies, hearty, dreadful gales of wind are setting the tone for this entire day...perhaps the week ahead. GO RAIN. POUR DOWN UPON US.
Wash away our tears and give us a fresh, new beginning.
Posted in PEACE ~
Blanco of The Roaming Stevens
PS: Please excuse all typos.
The last post regarding my sister, Constance Gordon-Johnson, and her legacy...threw me for a loop.
Still, I have not quite recovered. Private messages and tributes came rolling in and I feel honoured that many people took the time to write me about Constance and share how she impacted their lives. Thank You. I was overwhelmed with appreciation.
Life goes on. Life is for the living. How many times have we heard that? And, as true as it may be...it hurts when you find out a good mate or an overseas relative or a work colleague from the past is struggling with a difficult diagnosis. There is never a right time for anyone you care about to die. But, I am glad that countries and some individual states throughout the world are coming to terms with the fact that WE should be able to have a say in our own individual care and ultimate ending. It just makes sense.
So today my heart and my hand goes out to those trying to navigate through a medical system and a family dynamic where a loved one is nearing the end. It's a horrible place to be, but it doesn't have to be. IF you know in your heart of hearts that everything possibly has been done for your loved one and there are no other possibilities of recovery, just be there. Just breathe, smile, hold hands, laugh if there is enough energy left in the space, fill the room with precious, simple flowers and maybe some really decent music - the music that has played a huge part in your loved one's life. Easy for me to type; I know. But, this was a journey I participated in and not very long ago. I learned the BEST part of the situation was the ability to be close and to stay close. And, do not forget to take care of yourself, too. ASK for help. ASK for someone to listen to you. People (even other family members) are at a loss for words. They don't want to say anything that will cause you pain in any way. People DO want to help though...they usually don't know how. Death is sad, but it should not (to me) be frightening. We are born alone. We shall die alone. People are gathered around us for our birth. People shall gather around us for our death. But, ultimately...these last steps will shall take alone just as we did in the beginning.
Australian farmers are doing it tough. The drought is not anything new; it's been around for such a long time, but the strength, the depth, the sheer horror of this particular stage of the drought feels debilitating.
The rains are here. They are pummeling the earth and everyone is saying, 'too little; too late'. Please don't say that. This soil needs whatever it can get and hopefully, retain.
Grey skies, hearty, dreadful gales of wind are setting the tone for this entire day...perhaps the week ahead. GO RAIN. POUR DOWN UPON US.
Wash away our tears and give us a fresh, new beginning.
Posted in PEACE ~
Blanco of The Roaming Stevens
PS: Please excuse all typos.
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