The list is long and open-ended - the things I have to be thankful for....
At the moment the main reason for gratitude is the amazing way our dear granddaughter of 34 is recovering from two major strokes!!!
Here she is with her grandfather, many years ago......
And in the last few months as she works at her art of wood sculpture....
And following close behind on the thankfulness list - the many things my family does to make life pleasant and easy! And the thoughtfulness and love each of them express...
The daily visits...loving and reassuring and helpful and such a good part of every day....
The house I live in and the garden I can call my own, to add a little zest and beauty.....owned by family and lent to me to make town and church accessible as I drive less and less. So much appreciated.....
All the help I have in keeping the garden looking respectable .....
The phones calls, night and morning.....
The sunset evening calls on Skype that share with me the marvels of the Chilcotin sky, painted with purples and blues and mauves and rose and cream, - changing momentarily as the camera moves across the sky...
The weekly loaf of bread from DIL's contribution to the Farmer's Market in Penticton.
Tall sons to change lightbulbs! And to put railings along the long hallway that I find assurance in and unexpectedly use much more than I ever thought possible......
The thoughfulness of family who ask - would you like to see the Columns, or go on a little road trip in the countryside with the camera, or go shopping, out for lunch, visit the garden shop, see an art exhibit, share a holiday with us.
Books, - always books....
The marvelous contraption the Meadow son attached over my bed that holds the Ipad and puts me to sleep at night, as I watch as much as I wish, and when my eyes grow heavy just press the close button. A nice Spanish TV series right now, - The Gran(d) Hotel....
Weaving - that keeps my mind working as I plan warps and dress the loom and delight (mainly) in the finished product.
Friends - and the memory of friends who have gone on ahead of me. So many of them, but they leave behind wonderful remembrances of a life shared...
The opportunities the internet provides to keep in touch with new friends and old, and the surprising peek into the way the world goes round!!
Grandchildren - and great grandchildren. The lovely continuance of life - the world as seen through the eyes of a child.....
Good health - a blessing I am always aware of and for which I am eternally grateful.....
Snapshots, that remind me what a wonderful journey it's been through life....and how fortunate I was to have that lovely man to share it with!
Music!!!! The piano, - when I am sad I play Albinoni's Adagio, - when I am happy or reminiscing I play some Scott Joplin. Or jazz up hymns on the organ.....
The humming birds in the Bee Balm....
The scent of Phlox and evening stock and nicotiana in the evening...
And the Abraham Darby rose....
Only the beginning of a long list, but certainly enough to remind me what a lucky old lady I am!!!!
And how love sweetens life....
Praise What Comes
surprising as unplanned kisses,
all you haven't deserved of days and solitude,
your body's immoderate good health
that lets you work in many kinds of weather. Praise
all you haven't deserved of days and solitude,
your body's immoderate good health
that lets you work in many kinds of weather. Praise
talk with just about anyone. And quiet intervals,
books that are your food and your hunger;
nightfall and walks before sleep.
Praising these for practice, perhaps
books that are your food and your hunger;
nightfall and walks before sleep.
Praising these for practice, perhaps
you will come at last to praise grief
and the wrongs you never intended.
At the end there may be no answers
and only a few very simple questions: did I love,
and the wrongs you never intended.
At the end there may be no answers
and only a few very simple questions: did I love,
finish my task in the world?
Learn at least one of the many names of God?
At the intersections, the boundaries
where one life began and another
Learn at least one of the many names of God?
At the intersections, the boundaries
where one life began and another
ended, the jumping-off places
between fear and possibility,
at the ragged edges of pain,
did I catch the smallest glimpse of the holy?
between fear and possibility,
at the ragged edges of pain,
did I catch the smallest glimpse of the holy?
Jeanne Lohmann
7 comments:
Such a lovely post.
Your list is filled with love, family, beauty, and nostalgia, Hildred. That your list of gratitude is a long one bespeaks a life well-lived. To have such fond memories while still living a full life is a great accomplishment. I'm so sorry to hear of your Granddaughter's illness - I'm glad she's recovering well. Keep writing and reminding us that we all have much for which to feel grateful.
Oh Hildred! Such a wonderful way of expressing your gratitude and sharing your beautiful full life with us. And I did love the poem as well (although your own words are always as meaningful to me.) I am glad for your sweet grand-daughter's recovery.
I see so any people, many younger than I am, who have lost their independance and are in poor health, have no family nearby, and who are living in facilities for the ill and aged. How can I help but be grateful and feel fortunate for the circumstances I am in, and for a family who are so kind!
I believe the ability to appreciate beauty and blessings is a great rejuvenator. I am thankful for the folks who early in my life passed on--by example--the art of enjoying what is 'new every morning.'
Books, music, gardens, the ability to create with our hands, add so much interest and depth at any age.
Your granddaughter's work is impressive, especially the detail of the owls.
I would like to point out one thing you have missed out from this blog Hildred and that is the love and care you have given as a wife, mother and grandmother to all your loved ones over the years.
Thank you Pat, - it is returned a hundred fold....
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