Ice forming
I am thinking about my friends this evening.
One friend awaits to discover tomorrow if lymphoma has deepened inside her; how far cancer extends its ever-extending reach.
Another friend nurses her parents; one with Parkinson’s Disease, the other with neurological challenges.
Another friend and blog reader awaits shoulder surgery.
Yet another pauses between meals without definitive income, wondering, always wondering, how shall she live, how shall she eat?
Another–yes, he’s a special friend–limps upon two challenged knees, always poised between improvement and surgery, always carefully watching every single step, lest he unexpectedly fall to the earth.
Another one awaits the revelation of a job interview, a grant application, a possible expansion.
I keep steadfastly finishing up tasks, errands, jobs, preparing to fly south next week.
It’s a tentative world.
I wish you all well.
I wish you all the very best.
I wish that your heart leaps joyously even amidst whatever pain or suffering or indecision or confusion you might find yourself. I wish that it glimpses beauty in unexpected places. I wish that it finds delight amidst life’s trials.
I do wish you the very best. Always.
Lake Superior Spirit 
Safe journey
safe return….
Fountainpen
Thank you, fountainpen! (I am sure I will be posting several more blogs before leaving…I think…)
So much pain… but we don’t need to go through it alone. Nice pic, Kathy.
I am glad that we all have friends to accompany us through challenging times. Glad you liked the ice forming, wolfrosebud.
Sending positive thoughts and best wishes in return.
Positive wishes for all our dear friends, whoever and wherever they might be! Thank you, Heather.
Godspeed
Godspeed to all of us, wherever we might travel next. Thank you, Laurie.
My prayers go out to your friends, Kathy.
Hugs,
Kathy
Thank you, dear Kathy. Our prayers shall travel together on the wind…
I feel compelled to righ “Amen!” not something I hardly ever say but it feels like the appropriate response to your wishes Kathy.
I sigh “Amen”, too, Terrill, a simple and heartfelt prayer for all those who suffer tonight. Thank you.
Offering up prayers for your friends in need as well as for you to have a safe and enjoyable trip ♥ Life can be difficult but with the help of prayer and the help from friends, then it doesn’t seem so bad. And perhaps we will, through them or because of them, we will see the blessings around us. You are a blessing to me and I am so grateful for your presence, Kathy. ♥ I wish you peace, happiness and hope for better things to come ♥
Blessings to those who pray with us, those who sit steady at our sides during good times, during challenging times. Your sweet words mean a lot to me, Brenda. We are all inter-connected… Wishing all the same to you…
Kathy,
Sharing your good fortune doesn’t make it any harder on those you are leaving behind. Sharing joy only spreads joy. Looking forward to hearing about the amazing destination wedding. Safe travels!
Lisa, what lovely words! I am glad that you will vicariously enjoy the destination wedding. I only wish that much joy for those who are suffering, too. Bless YOU!
Backpain
Rumi
Muhammad went to visit a sick friend.
Such kindness brings more kindness,
and there is no knowing the proliferation from there.
The man was about to die.
Muhammad put his face close and kissed him.
His friend began to revive.
Muhammad’s visit re-created him.
He began to feel grateful for an illness
that brought such light.
And also for the backpain
that wakes him in the night.
No need to snore away like a buffalo
when this wonder is walking the world.
There are values in pain that are difficult
to see without the presence of a guest.
Don’t complain about autumn.
Walk with grief like a good friend.
Listen to what he says.
Sometimes the cold and dark of a cave
give the opening we most want.
Sending more love to all from me.
Thank you for this gorgeous post Kathy.
Travel safely.
I too am traveling this week to my Uncle’s funeral in Palatine, IL.
Will be tracing the sky with love,
S
Oh Rumi, Oh Suzi! I shall walk with grief like a good friend; I shall listen to what he says. I will think of you traveling to your uncle’s funeral; I will think of your traces in the sky. With love, Kathy
I wish I was more like you Kathy …
Take it back, Sybil, take it back! There is only one Sybil in the world and we must love her as she unfolds into her absolute beauty and expression. Heck, the world would spit out more than one Kathy. It wants Sybil in her glory! Be Sybil so completely that the world won’t help but blink in amazement and joy–look, a Sybil lived upon the earth, bless her very wonderful soul…
Man, Sybil, I just danced around the living room to several old Disney hits: Bare Necessities, Hakuna Matata and just danced like crazy to this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZCmxizh0Jk&feature=related
C’mon sista, let’s DANCE!
The very, very best to you always, my dear friend.
The very, very best to you as well, dear Nicole!
Wow! That poem Suzy posted was such a great connection with your thoughts!
…Have you ever noticed that I predictably start my replies with “wow”?
My intent was simply to send you a hug and wish you well, as of course, I always do! Also, Kathy, if you read this, could you please send me your address via gmail? There’s something I’d like to send you. Thanks.
I like that your responses start with “Wow”, Martha. Oh Wow! I just remembered that I need to send you my snail address via gmail. Will do right now! I am so–Wow!–excited!
I like the photo with what you’ve written, Kathy. Life is always so tentative. You are part of my one good thing most days, Kathy – I can always depend on you. Have a wonderful trip. Drink something with a little umbrella in it just for me.
Barb, I love being part of your one good thing. You are part of mine, too! OK, I promise. A drink. A little umbrella. Maybe at one of those beach-front tiki bars? **grin** Thank you. I’m saving room for you in my suitcase.
My thoughts and prayers are with all your friends, Kathy. ((hugs))
Thank you, Dana. Gosh, lots of people are going through rough times. Seems to go in cycles, doesn’t it? (hugs & love back…)
I’m so sorry to hear your friends are troubled and struggling – sending happy thoughts and prayers to you all. ((hugs)) from me too.
I am thinking, Reggie, how in a small town there always seems to be friends/acquaintances who are struggling, while others are prospering. I can think of at least three folks in the L’Anse area who are facing some pretty dire situations right now. Sigh…waiting til tomorrow to hear of the test results from one of them.
Beautifully expressed sentiments. After a lifetime of working as a nurse in various forms, it was touching to hear about those who wait at the other end. Best wishes to you and your friends
Lynn, I admire you for your career as a nurse. Barry and I met so many loving thoughtful nurses in the past year of his heart/knee challenges. At one point he said that in a next life he wouldn’t mind be a cardiologist-type-nurse. No kidding. We love you guys!
Thank you Kathy, I needed that this morning. The perspective of others all just living and doing and thinking and being one thing or another thing. The puter is again virused so, I’ll be sporadic.
I am so sorry that your computer is virused–again–Elisa. Shame on it. It needs to behave, especially when you’re on a creative streak. Wishing it well…and you, too.
We all know someone who is in pain, in trouble, or in a scary situation of some sort. What helps, is when they know that people love them. Most of the time, no one has to DO anything – just be there to listen. 95% of the time, the only thing that heals the wounds is time. I always try to remind myself that the situation can ONLY get better, and so I look forward to better days ahead.
I like what you say about simply being present, listening, with a person who is struggling. Something as simple as that can make a huge difference. And I am always wishing the best for you, Holly.
Kathy, your beautiful wishes and blessings are a healing to everyone they touch.
I believe that healing happens all the time, even when people die. Healing is a way of opening the heart even bigger, don’t you think? Thank you, Colleen.
We all do know someone in pain, trouble or bad situations, it;s true–and it seems to me right now I know more of them than ever before. Your post hit me right where I am living at the moment, and it i good to know there is a web (and a Rumi poem from Suzi) that connect and hold us all.
I am glad this post resonated with you, Janet. (And wasn’t that Rumi poem wonderful? I do love Rumi so much. I wrote a blog once saying I wanted to be him.) Blessings to you.
This is an awesome post, Kathy. Thank you. Wishing you the very best as well.
Sean, I am glad you enjoyed this post, and thank you for your wishes back.
Kathy this post is so wonderful because it’s the perfect reminder that we all have a story and each one is so unique. How wonderful that you’re there for your family and friends – if only to listen!
MargeKatherine, I am glad you enjoyed this post. We ARE all so filled with stories and uniqueness. Always wanting to be as present as possible… thanks for visiting.
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