Simple Tribute-Profound Love

Dear Peeps,

Ever wonder about life?  What matters and what doesn’t?  What is of lasting value and why it is of lasting value?

Ever wonder if you really make a difference? And ever wonder how to express your feelings about those who have made a difference in your life?

Ever wonder if others understand when you are sad or distressed, especially when you miss a loved one or you are struggling with huge challenges in this season of celebration and happiness?

My niece, Lisa, is a survivor of two brain aneurysms, lengthy brain surgeries and a stroke. She lives with the challenges that come with traumatic brain injuries.  But she lives and she loves. And that is what matters to all of us.

Multi-tasking is difficult and exhausting for her. So she put up a tree with lights and chose to leave the ornaments in the box.  Except for one.  One she made and hung for “Uncle Tom.”

When she sent this picture, it took my breath away. And it touched my heart.

In this one picture-this one symbol – she speaks for all of us who knew and loved Tom dearly.

One picture. One life. Wait . . .one picture two lives – an uncle and a niece.

Just a moment. Wait again . . . what is that you are feeling?

It might be your heart beating with hers, and with mine and with one another. It is the beat of love and memory.

So it is much more than one picture and one life, as special as they are. It is  represents not one, not two, but many lives. How does that work?

You see, when our hearts beat in unison in rhythms of Love and joy, awe and wonder, praise and gratitude …our world within us and around us is renewed. We change and things shift for the better . . . 

Just like when I received her email. Just like when Tom made us laugh. Just like when a hero is recognized, when someone has become cancer-free or a dog has rescued a child. Notice, when our hearts resonate or beat together resonating with love and victory, hope and promise, things shift. Our mood shifts. Our thoughts shift.

Sometimes it happens in odd moments here and there when we suddenly feel an almost mysterious surge of love and gratitude from one another for one another.

That is how it works here on planet earth.  We connect with each other through our heart.  That can be through music, art, conversation and gifts. How we express love is individual but its power to change us is universal.

And it is often the seemingly small things that make the biggest difference in our days, even in our lives.

Again, like a simple email.

Thank you, Lisa.

Love IS the gift of Christmas. And I have found comfort even in sadness in admiring the beauty of that gift that is expressed in so many ways. Just like I find happiness when I see couples walking hand in had or families laughing together, taking pictures.

Christmas is a season of remembering. Again, remembering Love-the Ultimate Gift from God for all of us.

We just have to accept it. And unwrap it.  Daily.

And Tom, I thank you every day, honey,  for all those little things you did to make my heart skip a beat when you walked in the door after work. And for the ways you made us all laugh.

I can almost hear your voice from heaven mixed in with other loved ones on The Shared Journey of life and death.

We who are left behind with feet on the ground all miss our loved ones whose spirits are free to soar.

As for me, I think I might be hearing Tom telling a story.  Just maybe.

The Christmas lights twinkled a gentle “so long” last year. This year they light up the dark nights in remembrance of the Love this season represents and of those who have gone before us. Including Tom.

Solomon, SJ and little Lovey-the-Lamb sit quietly pondering these things too.  

Solomon has just told them, “The wisest thing we can ever do is to embody the Love that comes from God. Love is God’s way of shining light in the darkened corners of our world.”

Thank you, Lisa, for the gift of remembering. And sharing the love. Sadness and joy melt together in the warmth of love in our hearts.

All is well here in our still temporary headquarters. We will be moving soon.

Much love to all of you faithful readers. I am very thankful for you.

Margie

And Solomon calls out.. “Me Too!”