Sunday Musings, and>>Prayers and Blessings

When spirit speaks to the soul

it takes your breath.

This is a picture of

flowers I received this past week;

they have filled me with joy,

with fragrance,

filled my heart mostly

and

is my most favorite combination

together!

Happy Sunday,

I hope you too enjoy their

brilliance

and

smell their fragrance

...

And now feel the spirit

of

todays short thought

and power of spirit connection

><

My dear friend Laura; a hospice employee of 18 years and I attended the memorial of

MARY LABYAK

yesterday morning together.

As she was driving us there

(and oh she is such fun behind the wheel of her car as she just zooms down the roads like you've never seen *My Mario*)...

We shared memories of

Mary; back in the day.

Mary's voice, her vision, HOSPICE at its finest! Back when the colors (branding of Hospice were blue)

I love the "blue" that used to be Hospice, it stood out, it "popped"!

We arrived at the beautiful

Ruth Eckerd Hall,

a place where the arts are held;

comedy, music, tragedy unfolds on the stages there.

We had been there just last month to see Willie Nelson,

I had been there two nights in row!

Patti Labelle and Willie Nelson

wow

over the rainbow and I was right in the middle of it that week;

enjoying two greats on that stage.

Ruth Eckerd;

what a place; what a stage.

I now know a couple whose son has died at 17 and they are working on the annual jamfest in his memory with the proceeds to go for scholarships for music

with the support of

none other

than

Ruth Eckerd Hall.

And

yesterday here we were driving up

to

Ruth Eckerd Hall

to join with others

to celebrate the life

of

a visionary, an artist herself

of

HOSPICE

and a grand dame

MARY LABYAK

...

So,

here's where spirit comes in,

as we walked into the beautiful halls of

Ruth Eckerd here at

Clearwater,

people were gathering,

people from all over the place ...

and

what was astounding

and hit me where I lived

was

the huge

vase on the stage

beside a poster of

a picture of Mary;

the vase overflowing

with the most magnificent

Mountain lilies

and on a cloth draped table

a single candle burning.

Just stunning

and

as the hall filled with those there to pay their respects

and remember

a lovely and brilliant

Hospice Pioneer

I was riveted by those

Mountain Lilies.

I kept thinking of the complexity of lifes circles and cycles,

stages and phases

challenges, courage,

cycles, and shifts

and

"authenticity"

...

I reflected on the many years,

the people,

HOSPICE

the many paths travelled

as people found their seats,

as I looked at the program

and

I mused at

all the many years.

I believe there was a time that the Native American influence had crept into Mary's heart

as she always say and lived in circles

rather than the "linear way of thinking"

and at times it drove many insane in their conceptualizations and understandings.

Many commenting on her "circles" during their talking on the stage...

Interesting how that is.

YOU know it's always interesting to observe and to watch when others speak, to discern those who speak from their hearts

and those who speak from their heads and from written scripts.

Yesterday was no exception.

...

Don Schumacher of the

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

gave a stunning tribute to Mary;

his words were filled with emotion, he spoke from his heart

and

his love apparent.

We had the wonderful opportunity of listening to a woman I hadn't seen in many years by the name of

Patti Moore now of the

Watershed Group

speak through her pain of loss

and into a voice of great strength

about Mary.

As her voice seemed to crack with emotion... it was then I noticed and watched intently; I saw the essence of spirit; Mary's spirit over Patti's left shoulder... she was there to guide Patti through her pain of loss and into a place of strength on that stage!

She was their to offer and provide her strength of leadership; and to give her what she needed, and you could see it as Patti regained her composure her body shifted, her shoulders moved into one of strength, her head raised,

her voice got stronger

and she continued!

And upon a request of

Taft

she allowed us to see

Mary's last interview

and

it was so very inspiring.

It was truly lovely and powerful,

and I was so delighted that I was able to share that with Patti later in the day...

It filled my heart to once again hear and see Mary

as she talked about the importance

of

"It begins with YOU".

It seemed as though Mary was sharing her final thoughts with Patti then, was giving people a message that she hoped they would

act upon, that they would

"get it",

and I couldn't help but smile

as

I thought about speaking around the globe

about the importance of

"self-care"

to others in the work that is being done for others

professionally.

It is critical that professionals

regardless of their professions

take best care of self

in order to do for others.

During this remembrance

of

a Hospice pioneer

I just about

well OK,

my feet brought me from my seat

after

Melinda Womack

sang for

Mary.

Amazing Grace

(one of Mary's favorites)

was sung with a passion

that filled

Ruth Eckerd

and

the souls of so many.

"She took us to church"

with her rendition

and

I am only sorry I didn't think to record it on my phone

to share with all who are reading here.

Melinda, bless you darling,

for I am sure you had

Mary weeping tears of gratitude

as

we were filled up

by and with you.

><

As all left Ruth Eckerd Hall

there were stones

handed out

for those there,

and

wouldn't ya just know it

I picked up a stone

and

it said

"COURAGE"

As we left the building,

many folks I hadn't seen in a long time

said hello, hugged and shook hands.

I was glad to be remembered.

I embraced my old friend

Taft, letting him know of my love and gratitude for him.

Many then travelled to

the "big house" located on Roosevelt street;

the main campus of hospice

where a reception was held.

And oh goodness

the

Mountain lilies were just about to knock me over once again!

In little vases,

in big vases,

inside the lobby,

outside on rails.

Are you feeling me here?

I saw folks I haven't seen since my leaving that hospice;

saw and hugged an old old friend Lou;

she is the woman who actually

hired

Mary Labyak as the CEO

for

the Hospice of the Florida Suncoast!

We both agreed it is the end of an era...

Folks gathered, ate, visited...

It was a time of remembering, of sharing...

I looked around and remembered the many times of seeing Mary walk those paths...

I saw the many who were approaching Taft; hugging him as he stood with grace in his suit and shades. I just had a feeling he would like to be home, in comfortable jeans listening to some music and wrapped in the comfort of his memories.

The gardens of that hospice were designed and maintained from a place of great talent and love

by Taft; and they are spectacular.

...

It is Sunday

and now the services of remembrances are past

the church bells have rung

and

it is time for the prayers to continue for all here

and everywhere.

I look to YOU

to have a

magnificent day

of discovery

in all that is special

all that is sacred

all

that YOU are.

I hope this will find you

standing in a day

of

Amazing Grace!

Mahalia Jackson

"takin ya to church"

Blessings on the winds

to all

FOR:

The music world and family of singer
Whitney Houston...
Taft Abras, Mary Labyaks' family , Neil, Lori, Cindi, Tom, Shasta, Bill Simpson and Family, Jenn, Steph, Dana, Kari, Sandy, Marty, Marsha, Wanda, Ellen, Cindee, Peggy, Joyce Cruz, a CANCER surivor working at Southwest Airlines *it was an honor to meet you dear one*,
Ike Davis, in New Mexico, an artisan who plays in the mud and creates beautiful tings out there, *www.negroartist.com*
what a joy you are to so many of
SOUTHWEST, thank you for visiting with me,
prayers of continued success and tobacco to your Pueblo uncle!
and for

Liz Brewster and Lee Brewsters' dear friends
who are now fighting Cancer;
Christos Fandaros - 44 - Stage 4 lung cancer
Thomas Galvin - Lung Cancer
John Knudson - Prostate cancer
[Creator hold them and those that love them
in this horrible disease giving them strength]
CANCER SUCKS

Curtis, Susie Langham, Stasia and Billy Hall, Christina Chavez and Rick and Ryan, Pam Meyer, Whitney, Diane Bystista, Susan, Leann Vincent, Roxanne Duran, Carole Poppendeck, Mary Jo H-shortes, Bridget, Robert Tanner Mara Tanner, Yolanda L Acosta, Antonio F. Balderrama, Denise Flowers, Lisa Balance, Sherry Stedman, Rose, Marquette, Acosta, Ortega, The Pueblo Peoples,

All those I was honored to spend time with in

"Michigan, Oklahoma, Ohio, Crossroads Hospice, El Paso, Santa Fe, Albuquerque"

Jeremy, Florence, Cal, Sarch, our friends of Portugal, Mike, AnnMary,Stephanie, Jimmy, Keli, Kasi, Katherine, Julie, Allan, Lynda,LeeAnn,
KS Comfort Keepers, Stephen Bright, Linda and staff Melody,Brenda A and children Sarah, David Rachel; Gloria, Pete, Fred, Max, JJ, Barb and Leo Henning, Rick Fechner, Ryan Baurain, Melissa Reid, "Probation Professional pals", Jim Vander May (*who has been working in the Professional field for 45 years in Michigan*, Dale, Herschel, Bonnie, Louise, Holly, Jerry, Faith, Yvette, Happy, Audrey,

and Rod Markowski and family, Lynn, Ryan, Jordon, Darryl Markowski, I thank you for your service) Brian Markowski, Shannon Becker, Nick, Reagan, Dr Iris of Detroit Medical Center, (was lovely meeting you on the flight, please take best care of you) Sandy R. Carol, Stephanie, Marnie, Geri, Chris, Matt,
those in Oklahoma City, in Tulsa, In Ft Worth, Dallas, Ike, Isabel, Teresa, Janelle, Patricia, Susan, Karen, Laura in Yuba City CA,
Crossroads Hospice and those who care out there working and walking the walk, Perry, Clayton, George, Janet, and all in green!
Rick, Calley, Ron, Rebekeh, Brenda, Becca, Audrey, Gabe, Dena, BEth, Lill, Jay Hanson, Jennifer, Beth Jett, Huntsville AL, Sheri, Wendy Reese and family, The Boy Scouts of Dora AL, Cam, Sandy, Toby, Edith Vaughn and family,Susan, Greg and Kyle Korabek (Landon Korabek on the other side now), Stephen Bright and family, Walter Littlemoon, Jane, Laura, Mitch, Jenn, Chris, Mary, Taft, Martha Deaver, Morris, Dahlee, Rose Brick, The Baitinger Family, The Yaslowitz Family, The St Petersbug PD, Congresswoman Gabbie and her family, Dahlee in NJ, Judy Kelley, beloved husband and family, Jennifer, (now being watched over by her beloved husband and child), Norma, EE, Little Cub to CJ and Angel eyes Jack, Daniel, Dave, Cindy and Steve, Marty, Sweet Pea and Pie Face, Florence, Jeremy, Dennis, Darrel, Greg, Leroy, Rebekka, Carly, John, Diana, Crystal, Karen, Janet, Callie, Lorie, Laura, Larry, Clive,

2 Wolves and Jinx in SD, (http://www.2wolvescreations.com/)

Kelly and family,Judy W and her 4 sons up there in New England, Cherokee Wick, Benni, Gayle, Jonathan, Great Aunt Effie's family, Marilyn Warren, Ilene, Tweak and Chris, Jen and Bian, Ericka, Shannon, Hannah Sherabow, Pam C. and family, Susan S., Angela A., Nancy W, Sue G, Kelly and family,Mato Oyate Kola, Susan Brouse, Cindy and Stevie, Kim, Olatz, EVB, Guin, Yiva, Mary, Sandra and family, Christina Hellen, Dotti B., Susan and Greg, Amy, Becky and Barry Long, Christina, Matt and children, Aaron, Lisa and family, Freda, Linda Katie, Pat D, Tink and Mitch, LITTLE Ben, Jerry, Trish, Barb, Anastasia, Mary, Rylee, Lindsay, Ann, Sarah, Ruth, Johnny, Bobby and the Tucker Family, The Spraker Family,Kenny H, Michelle, Sandy, Addie and family in Canada, Sandy, BraveHeart, Rowena, Chris, Robyn Elizabeth, Jean, Duke,Rowena, Chris, Baby Robyn Elizabeth, Diane Smallze and family, Patti and family, The Korabek Family and friends, The Gasse Family and Friends,

Officer Crawford of St Petersburg, The Kocab Family, baby Lilly Nicole Kocab, The Curtis Family, Tarpon PD, those serving here and there in Uniform... Those now walking The Thin Blue Line, (far to many joining that line recently across our Nation),

Mylee, Mikey and family in DC, Jack M & Janis in OC, Stephen, Stuart Wittel (back from his 4th tour as a fighter pilot of the US MARINES inAfghanistan) and his parents Sandy and Stuart, Lavie Coltrane and her loving family, Andrea Gasse and family here and in New England, Ali and family, Randy and Winnie in New Mexico, Jill Wheaton L, Dr Peter in NY, Dr Rev Bev, Irene M, Bernice, Eileen and family, Dorothy, Angela, Kamryn Elijah, Ode, "Southwest VA", Vicki, Matthew and family, Chris, Lovie, Nancy, Pedro and Our adopted family in BRAZIL, Our North American Black American Bears, The Windcross Convservacy and those beautiful Spanish Mustangs known as "pocket ponies"... the dolpins , always our most remarkable dolphins!!!

AND for:

Anne, Jim, JADE, Joseph, Cathy Madden, Nathan, and her family., Cindy in NC, Liz, Lee, Molly, Joanie, Jude, COFA, Judi, Ken, Matthew, Nick, Matt, Mark's family and many friends , Pat, Irene, Kevin, Dr D, Deb, Randy, Dr B, Isabelle, Kelsey, Sabrina , Charlie and family, Jean, Julie, Rhonda, Victoria, Mildred, Andi and family, Faith, Denise, Jim, Tom, Joey, Shelby friends and family, Judi, Phylis, Joyce, Gina, Tonya, Beverly and Family, Janeth, Melissa,Virginia, Stacey, Elizabeth, Nita, Gary Siegal, Adrienna, Brian Mawbey, the Boyan Family, Jean R and friend Christy Rider, Victoria and hubbie, Stephen, Gayle, Steph, Chris, Erica, Eileen, John, Mindy, Jack, Susan Werth Becken, her brother Mike and family, Craig James Lightfoot and his family, Kenny, Audrey, Ed Saner, Patty Crowley, Bennie, Gail, Jonathan, Moe, Beverly, Dennis, Peter, Trish, Cynthia, Heidi and her family, Kathy Knights family, Edith Vaughn, Candy, Cynthia, Jenn, Eve, Edith, Jason, Karen, Linda, Joyce, Belinda, Jeanette, Jennifer, Patti, Sandy S, and ...

(Feel free to let me know if you would like to add your/or a friends name to our prayer bowl)

Prayers goin up for those

mourning Mary Labyak, one of many hospice pioneers
may they always remember her vision for hospice
and continue her work, by keeping it "real";

and

for EE in Colorado who has been and is so very ill out there; she is soon on her way to Denver for that Kidney surgery and we will all send her healing energy for a positive outcome
and the Creators hands to lead her team of surgeons there
and
strength in speedy healing and recovery in her beautiful home with her son to care for and nurture her to wellness!

you are being thought of so very often

We all want
ONE MOMENT IN TIME
and
must stand and reach
and
go for IT
Perhaps today?

Walk in Beauty dear ones!
DRSES

author of

Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss and Life

www.drsherryeshowalter.com