In 2008 we lived in a nearly idyllic bayside community in Galveston, catching fish and crab in our literal back yard while soaking up salty sea spray and sun rays. Until Ike, a Category 4 hurricane, plowed right over our shores and into our homes. Ike turned island living into years of construction and boarded up homes and businesses. In the aftermath, one of our cats disappeared. We officially grieved his loss until a bedraggled version of him returned four weeks later. Oh the joy and celebration! And the mystery. Despite our pleas, he would never reveal how he’d spent those weeks away.
Last week, more than 14 years later, we said a very tearful goodbye to Ami Gray. There will be no returning from unknown circumstances after a storm but along with that sadness are happy memories of those bonus years. If you are a pet lover, you know in the deep trenches of your heart you will one day tell them a permanent goodbye. Don’t dwell on that. Enjoy every purring, ruffing, howling, scratching, tail-wagging or lap-sitting moment and count it all as joy, even the litter boxes and early morning wet-nose wake-ups.
Quote of the Week…
“Christmas is a tonic for our souls. It moves us to think of others rather than of ourselves. It directs our thoughts to giving.” B.C. Forbes, 1880 – 1955
Delight in the Light…
Yesterday was Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, and yet, it falls during the season of light; candles in various faith traditions flicker amidst strings of bulbs adorning houses and trees. While my family celebrates the birth of the Christ Child (in faith-based as well as commercial traditions), I appreciate and respect other…
Limiting Beliefs…
Like it or not, we all view our slice of the world through a limiting lens. It is part of human nature (and maybe survival) to harbor deeply rooted ideas of life based on observations and experiences of the past. Isn’t that what most movies and novels are about? The character wants something but can’t…
Quote of the Week…
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.” Dalai Lama, 1935 –
It’s All About The Love…
In last Wednesday’s Substack post I mentioned the 10 ELAN Principles by which I strive to live. ELAN was a self-development course I created and facilitated a few years ago, hopefully to the benefit of all who participated. These principles have since informed my life and these posts: 1. Honor a Higher Power = Love God by…
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