Filled with Love

I have the most amazing group of friends! I am overflowing with their love. I'm in the middle of a move, of a divorce, and adjusting to my Dad's passing... yet I am overflowing with love.

I had been talking to my Etsy friends the other day, browsing around Etsy at the same time, and dreaming of decorating my new apartment. I put up several links to different paintings, prints, etc. Then we all commented on each one and I went back to my favorite... a painting with the asian symbol of "acceptance" on it. It was perfect for me, so I made the promise that as soon as I could afford it that it would decorate my new home.

That very painting arrived in my mailbox yesterday. Attached with a card that said "Life is Nothing without friendship"-Cicero. And on the inside it said "To new beginnings" and was signed by a long list of my friends.

My etsy friends... all the ones whose name was on the card, and so many more, have given me love and support every step of the way. When I was in Utah for my Dad's funeral, I checked in with them at least once a day and they let everyone else know how I was. I received so many emails and felt such an outpouring of love. My heart was breaking, and all of these people were helping hold me up.

I was drawn to the painting because my dad was so accepting. Of so many different types of people. It was one of his best qualities, and you could tell by the amazing tribute to him at his funeral. I want to be as accepting as Dad. This will be a daily reminder.

Pics to come soon, after I decorate.

Things I learned Yesterday

Yesterday I learned so many things. It was an exceptionally challenging day. So... here are a few things I learned:

I learned that communication is the key. And sometimes, when a relationship ends, you must assure others in your life that it's not their 'fault'. Even if there is absolutely NO WAY it could be, they still need that assurance.

I learned that no matter how close to death a spirit is, you can't predict the timing. I nursed our near-death ferret all day yesterday. He stopped taking fluids around 4pm, I let him rest, checking on him and talking to him periodically. I knew he would be gone by morning. This morning, still no stirring, but he is taking fluids. Who knew that Oliver was such a fighter?

I learned that when my heart is hurting, it is ok to finally let the tears spill out. I seldom let that happen, but the cleansing I felt was astonishing.

I learned that there are people... some very physically close to me... some who I have never met in person... who can soothe my soul.

I learned that no man is an island and no-one is on this journey alone. And I learned that my duty is to reach out when I need the support. Friends can't be there for me if they don't know what I need.

I was reminded that life is amazing. What did you learn yesterday?

Healing

This teddy bear is on the sidewalk near our Holocaust Memorial in Portland, Oregon.

Yesterday, a murderer was sentenced to 77 years and 10 months. I did not know the 2 year old that he murdered, but I was very involved with the family (how to disclose without totally disclosing everything?)... I was with the baby's grandmother when she got the news that her angel had been murdered. I sat through the funeral where they sang "You are my Sunshine" and even now, still tear up at the thought of it.

I hope for healing to begin. I hope that the family can move on, to a place where they can love and trust again. I hope her memory lives forever in their hearts, but becomes a memory of her sparkly smile... of the love they felt for her.

I hope that they pull closer together with this, and don't let it wedge itself in between them. I hope that in the end there is love... always love.