True story: If you have been following my stories you know that my dear 99 year old grandmother passed at the end of 2011. We have the same name, she and I, first and last. A long time friend saw the obituary in the newspaper and on first blush thought it was me. After reading on she realized it was not, but it was the impetus for her to reach out to me, send condolences, and see how I am doing. It made me think about what if it had been me. What have I been putting off, and I don’t mean the usual stuff like exercise consistently, quit my “vices”, clean the garage, etc. I mean the important things like connecting with family and friends, giving back in a meaningful way for all of the many opportunities I have had in my life. No more waiting. I might miss the opportunity to tell special people how much I appreciate them. How about you? Try it, it will work for you too.
As 2011 came to a close, I reflected on the wins and losses, there is much to be grateful for. However the end of the year brought the passing of my beloved grandmother. For all who have lost someone this year. I offer this poem:
In Loving Memory…
We thought of you with love today,
But that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday,
and the day before that too.
We think of you with silence we
often speak your name,
All we have now are memories
and your picture in a frame.
Your memories are our keepsakes
with which we’ll never part.
God has you in his keeping,
we have you in our hearts.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
but you did not go alone,
A part of us went with you the
day God called you home.
(Author unknown)
True story: people pick their own time to let go, honor it, and find peace in your own heart.
Happy New Year!
True Story: I have one sister, close in age, and close in every way. She married in her early 20’s and I remember feeling like I was losing my best friend on her wedding day to a guy three years older who lived down the street. Every year I send anniversary wishes via mail, electronic now. This past November was their 36th year together. My brother-in-law, recently retired, surprised me with a response to my well wishes.
“It didn’t hit me at the time, but now, years later, I realize that your sister could have picked a lot of guys back then. I’m a lucky man…that she picked me. I wouldn’t trade those 36 years for anybody or anything…(ok, maybe the 2 or 3 days she was mad at me). I’ve always believed that marriage was intended to enhance the life of your partner, not to change, or shape them into your clone. Your sister has made these years oh so sweet. Thanks for giving your OK to date an “older guy”. Someone had to give permission, because it sure wasn’t your mom or dad :-).”
Now, years later, I realize I didn’t lose a sister, but gained a brother, and one who appreciates what he has, not just someone who is a wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, but a person who has realized her potential and made her own mark in the world.
This story encourages me to take a moment to appreciate the wonder that is my own life and how those special to me have enriched it. Take a moment.
I work with talented, diligent, hardworking people. We have recently accomplished something special and have been trying to take a break from the regular routine to go out for lunch or dinner and celebrate. It took over 2 months to co-ordinate schedules, but finally we found the time. What a treat! We not only enjoyed a new restaurant, but got to know each other better as people, not just co-workers, and most importantly breaking away from the routine for a few hours made the rest of the day more productive. Stepping away showed the work will get done and breaking the routine offered encouragement to get the work done with a new perspective. Try it, it will work for you too.
Are you ready to play, to do the work you love to do, the things you want to do?Pay your dues, take the time to learn so whatever it is becomes part of you.True story(s):I wanted to incorporate a handstand into my yoga practice.Little by little I built my core, my arm muscles, and most importantly my anti- fear muscles.Now I can do it naturally, my body and mind have invited me to do it.In my work I have reached the point where I have attained leadership in a given area.Because of the passion and confidence I have for my expertise I get invited to prepare and present information in my field.I can readily speak from the heart.I love that.I get invited because I have done the work to be invited.What about you?
