Universal Wisdom Shared is a Gift
Life is Richer with a Little Help From my Friends
With two weeks behind us and many summer days ahead it is times like these that you really discover that you are not alone and that there are helping hands everywhere.
The stories that are being shared by my mother when she talks on the phone with friends and family work to keep us connected all prompted this post.
Many folks responded to the question I asked at the end of the post Camp Betsi – Chapter One. It was in reading them that I was reminded of the importance of story telling and deep connection.
I know that story telling is a great way to teach and facilitate. That when you let individuals tell their stories and they feel heard it nurtures trust and relationship.
During life events it is in our relating to each other that lessens the burden of the journey, lightens the load and breathes humor, joy and perspective into situations.
I would like to share some of the stories prompted by Camp Betsi:
Thinking of you at this time as I know what you are going through. I lost both my father (in Feb) and mother (in Nov) last year. My father lived out of town but I had been fortunate to take him out to lunch and visit with him two weeks before he passed, suddenly of natural causes. My mother was here in Cleveland and had been for almost 12 years. Many of the things you are going through, I went through last year, as well.
After a series of small seizures she weakened and passed with four weeks. Remembering the love and being able to talk with her (as you know hearing is the last thing to do) about what a wonderful Mom she was and all the wonderful memories, special in so many ways and not easy. Getting the grin from her and periodic squeeze of the hand were all so special. Seeing a tear come down her check when she was told she was in Hospice will be something I don’t think I will ever forget. Seeing the dog lick and nudging her cold nose on her hand were comforting, I am sure. She knew that I was there, and other family members when they could be. The waves still come, but less frequently and hard, but life is a gift and it, at least for me will always be important to make a difference in others’ lives and treasure the moments and opportunities. My thought are with you during the period. Jennifer Markworth
I have learned that one is more resilient than one believes in challenging life circumstances……and the strength comes mostly from an inner source. It is important to nurture and take care of oneself so you are in good position to do it for loved ones, and you learn what the important ‘things’ and priorities are in life…..and sometimes they are not what they were before the challenges arose. Celebrate the time you have with the person and make it real and honoring. I believe you are exercising those tenants with you Mother. Rolf Gruen
My parents died a couple of years ago. Mom (88) was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. They moved out of their home and into a huge veteran’s hospital in Toronto. They both served with the Royal Air Force in London during WWII, dad a navigator in the bomber fleet flying 16 sorties over Germany and mom, an EA to a Commanding Officer. Dad, healthy as a horse at 91, moved with mom because he had always depended on her for meals, laundry, etc. She immediately went into hospice and died within 2 months. Dad died peacefully in his sleep three months later. Although healthy, he just said he didn’t need to be around taking up space now that his bride was gone. They were married almost 70 years.
We asked mom where she would like her ashes to be placed and she said, spread in my gardens. Dad wasn’t happy to be scattered in the US….”I’m Canadian. Why would I want to be buried with the bloody Yanks?” but said wherever your mother is, that’s where I will be. Ian Kennedy
I am grateful for the smiles brought by the sharing, the wisdom and affirmation and the friendship.
This is what life is about.
- What are you favorite stories to share?
- Have you stopped to tell a story or listen to a story of a friend or coworker?
‘In the end only these things matter; how much you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.’ Buddha
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