I too, believe we are all connected (even if we experience myriad layers of that reality with each one we encounter). Still, there are those we've loved family, friends, partners - who, in their absence there remains an imprint in our, in MY soul. To honor them, I speak their names: Stephen (brother), David, Peter (partners), Marsha, Pa Nhia, Cheryl (friends), Camryn, Peter (grandchildren), Marie (grandmother).
And those I love who are marching toward their transition (mother, sister) I am making memories NOW. And with dear friends & family: NOW, NOW & NOW is the time to experience and express our love...which, in turn, will live as memories.
I imagine that one day I will be a memory, too. I pray my life is lived as one who loves and is remembered as one who loves still🙏❤️
Thank you, as always, for this thoughtful comment -- it elaborates beautifully on what I started, which grew, in turn, from words of others. I love the idea of speaking names of loved ones out loud. It somehow makes them more present, as the spoken word goes out into the universe.
I fully believe that your closing prayer is already on its way to fulfillment.
Your words made me pause and reflect on the people who shaped me, many of whom are now gone. It’s humbling to realize their impact didn’t end with their lives.
Thanks so much for your comment and for re-stacking my essay, Kathleen. Writing it made me think deeply about how we are all connected - not just horizontally at the same time, but vertically, across generations past and future. I just subscribed to your substack and look forward to reading your posts as well.
Thank you, Pat. How are you doing?? I know you've had so many changes all at once. I am not on FB anymore, so don't know if you sold the house, whether you moved, etc. Send me a DM or text if you get a chance some time. You are in my thoughts.
So poigiantly true, Hal.
I too, believe we are all connected (even if we experience myriad layers of that reality with each one we encounter). Still, there are those we've loved family, friends, partners - who, in their absence there remains an imprint in our, in MY soul. To honor them, I speak their names: Stephen (brother), David, Peter (partners), Marsha, Pa Nhia, Cheryl (friends), Camryn, Peter (grandchildren), Marie (grandmother).
And those I love who are marching toward their transition (mother, sister) I am making memories NOW. And with dear friends & family: NOW, NOW & NOW is the time to experience and express our love...which, in turn, will live as memories.
I imagine that one day I will be a memory, too. I pray my life is lived as one who loves and is remembered as one who loves still🙏❤️
Dear Jane,
Thank you, as always, for this thoughtful comment -- it elaborates beautifully on what I started, which grew, in turn, from words of others. I love the idea of speaking names of loved ones out loud. It somehow makes them more present, as the spoken word goes out into the universe.
I fully believe that your closing prayer is already on its way to fulfillment.
Your words made me pause and reflect on the people who shaped me, many of whom are now gone. It’s humbling to realize their impact didn’t end with their lives.
Thanks so much for your comment and for re-stacking my essay, Kathleen. Writing it made me think deeply about how we are all connected - not just horizontally at the same time, but vertically, across generations past and future. I just subscribed to your substack and look forward to reading your posts as well.
love it
Thank you, Pat. How are you doing?? I know you've had so many changes all at once. I am not on FB anymore, so don't know if you sold the house, whether you moved, etc. Send me a DM or text if you get a chance some time. You are in my thoughts.
Very thoughtful Hal - Merci Beaucoup
Thanks so much, Bill. Getting philosophical these days....