DAPPLED SUN ON NEW GRASS

Dappled Sun

Memories

Moments Remembered

Times Yet To Come

Dappled Sun on New Green Grass ~ ~ ~ promises of another hot day here... but the coffee is hot, the taste ever so good!
Good morning world, you sure do look good today... Prayers to those in TN and surrounding areas ~ those who are working to restore balance and HOPE to so many... I am thinking of you as is the rest of our Nation.

I am sitting and watching the morning antics of the four leggeds; this morning Gypsy and Jeepers are involved in a race around the pool with Gypsy (the little black one) in the lead with a toy in her mouth but still able to bark her resounding celebration!




What speaks of a sweeter morning than the sun gently kissing newly sprouted grass, and dancing on the hanging Spanish Moss this morning I ask me and those reading here?






The song of the red birds, along with their feathered friends calling back and forth. A slight breeze, the blush of Jasmine scenting the air. The Jacaranda in early bloom. Every plant, every bush squeaking out new tiny leaves. The promise of tomorrow. The beauty of today. Last years pots of Geraniums already in color. Not yet tended, or fertilized, against all odds, blooming in spite of a season of neglect. This amazing explosion of rebirth.

When all around, so many of us are acknowledging the anniversaries of the death of our loved ones, the earth brings forth it’s gifts. A reminder that as we feel sadness and loss, life beckons us. Nature surrounds us with it’s colors. These gifts anchor us in this day. The circle of life goes on even when we do not fully feel a part of it. Take all the time you need. The glorious colors will still be here when you feel ready to return to the place where you can embrace them.


In Southwest Virginia a dear little lady named Mrs Ocie, 99 years old died peacefully in her sleep yesterday; she was being cared for by my two aunts for quite awhile... they said she was quite a lady; quite spunky to be certain; reminding them of Granny at times!  While her death has been expected to occur in a few months, all were taken aback; seems someone who lives to be 99 is just expected to go on another year or two, particularly when they are as spunky as this woman was!  She will be missed by her caregivers; my aunts, her son a physician, her grandson... the community at large.  She died the way she lived... on her terms and in her time; her passion and "spunk" will be missed for a long time I am sure.

Many have told me that they have survived another anniversary of the death of a parent; a grandparent, a child, a loved one in the last couple of days and weeks. 
 Anniversaries can be hard. They take us back to the time of new, fresh grief. They call to us to address our loss, sometimes taking us by surprise in the calling.

While we make change along the journey day by day, the anniversary of our loved ones’ death, or birthday, or other special time we once celebrated with then, tugs at our hearts. Once again we are confronted with the fact that they are no longer physically present with us in this moment. These feelings also come up when we are confronted with unexpected things too; things like calls to the courtroom; needing to re-hash personal papers or after death dealings with systems, lawyers, or others... They can produce tremendous stress and anticipatory anxiety that may cause a sudden temporary upsurgence of grief reactions.
In this important moment. During these uncomfortable and often stressful times.. please remember to B R E A T H E... remember that you are a SURVIVOR, that you can and will control your reactions to whatever is going on if you just remember that you must relax, and breathe, and remember your truths.



So we must pause and honor their memory in some special, sacred way. You know best what that honoring looks like. What your heart needs to feel, to say, to do in the honoring. Perhaps you will cry unshed tears, or adorn a grave with flowers, or sit by the ocean and find comfort in dolphins. Each expression that honors and comforts is good.
It is necessary. I sometimes like to bring out the photo albums and retell the stories of life shared. Perhaps you have something special, a necklace, a ring, a stone, coin... something that you can have with you that will help you to hold, to touch during these times that empower you to restore the balance that you feel is temporary out of kilter if you will.

If the grief is too new, you may not feel ready to share your memories with others, so something that is personal for you may work best. This too is OK. There are no right or wrong ways to address our needs. Do whatever feels right for you. Whatever you heart calls you to do. You have been on the healing journey, you know yourself best.



I honor your need to remember.
To celebrate the life of that special someone you have loved. Be not neglectful of those you love that are still here.

As Mother’s Day approaches next week, many of us must face this day with a heavy heart. For many here have lost their Mothers. For those who have surviving relations, take the time to remember that while you lost your Mother, they too lost her. Their spouse. This may be a difficult day for them too. Perhaps including them in remembering her will be the gift of your love that you choose to offer.




And so I close, offering again the desire of my heart that you be whole. That you take best care of yourself and those you love. As you can, spend a bit of time taking in the beauty of the earth and the many gift’s that are here to soften these difficult moments we all face. Step on the grass barefoot. Feel the texture of the earth beneath your feet. Breath deep and smell the fragrance of all that blooms. Marvel at a flower in bloom, notice beauty that is around you.
Soak up the warmth of the sun.
    Feel the air as it caresses your skin.
  Be well, know I am holding you in my heart ~

And yes ~ the fire is always burning, the embers are hot already this morning.
Sending HOPE on the gentle breeze and thoughts of strength to all who know who they are today ~ Blessings to you and those you love.

Wherever you are and whatever you are doing...
Stop for a moment, send thoughts of HOPE in healing to those in TN and surrounding areas, prayers for our troops fighting for our freedoms...

Warpaint on for Chris, Jill, Cindy, Laura, and all who are fighting the battles, we are with you, you are never alone, the tribe and arms of angels are around you always... When weary, we will fight for you, when restored, we are at the ready, fighting with you.

Walk In Beauty,
DRSES
author of
Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss and Life
http://www.drsherryeshowalter.com/