A few weeks ago, a friend, Cathy (not her real name), I’d known all my life died after a painful illness. She and one of her closest, lifetime friends, Jane (also not her real name), spoke with one another as Cathy died.
They were fully present for each other as their long journey together came to a quiet end. It was quite a deeply emotional experience for them both, as you might imagine.
Jane gave Cathy the greatest gift any of us can give another—the gift of her presence.… Read more
In a recent post we talked about a neighbor who died by euthanasia.
Berna and I ran into her widower the other day. He was, understandably, sad and sorely missing his wife. They’d been together 63 years. And their son had died many years ago when he was just 7 years old.
Berna, a deeply compassionate woman, spoke with him for a few minutes. He did not speak English. So he and Berna spoke in Dutch. I didn’t understand their conversation, but she told me about it later.… Read more
Some folks I know get depressed as our days grow darker in December with the approaching winter solstice. (In the northern hemisphere.) Ironically, this time of year is actually my favorite, which leads some to think there’s something wrong with me. 🙂
So many feel a sense of fear and dread as darkness descends. But the darkest days also herald the end of the darkness. Each day grows lighter as the darkness fades.
So why do so many suffer through this annual misery?… Read more
A prominent stereotype today is homeless people.
In several recent conversations I’ve had with folks about homeless people, the common attitude was, “If they had any ambition, they wouldn’t be homeless. They’re simply irresponsible.”
In other words, it’s their own fault. But is it?
The Canadian organization, New Leaf Project, recently did a research project on homelessness. They gave 115 homeless people $7,500 each. One year later, most of the 115 people had $1,000 in savings, and were able to feed themselves and their families.… Read more
People with courage and character always seem sinister to the rest.
~ Herman Hesse, German poet and novelist ~
We’ve told this story before, many years ago. But it’s worth revisiting, especially in the context of today’s world, where courage, secret or not, seems so rare.
When we were kids, my brother, cousins, and I loved to roam through the forests and fields, hills and valleys of our rural home area.
Back in those long-ago days, it was perfectly safe.… Read more
