Gratitude

Seven years ago today, my best friend died of ovarian cancer. A year and a half later, her youngest son suicided. A year and a half after that, her daughter died. Her husband, my friend Dave, has prostate cancer that is rushing him toward the grave.

This time of year is always special to me. I usually create my own card of Thanksgiving and a Holiday one as well. I go through my entire database and write a personal note as the spirit moves me. I have a lot to be thankful for and I’m finding that as the years mount up, I spend more of the year in touch with gratitude and expressing it.

My friend stopped dreaming today
She opened her eyes in the other world

A kaleidoscope of tears assaults and soothes my soul
Love & Rage, Joy & Sadness, Anguish & Understanding
A shower of memories – like fairy dust
Illuminates our time together
In every future moment
I will miss you – as I wonder
How is this possible?
When everywhere I look inside of me
There you are

Hearken to this reed forlorn
Breathing ever since was torn
From its rushy bed a strain
Of impassioned love and pain

The secret of my song though near
None can see and none can hear
Oh for a friend to know the sign
And mingle all their soul with mine

Twas the wine of God inspired me
Twas the flame of God that fired me
If thou wouldst know how lovers bleed
Hearken, hearken to the reed – Rumi