"Lucky Potatoes" is a Danish saying for all the blessings in ones life.
The aroma of morning brewed coffee wakened by body, shuffling into the kitchen, pouring the steaming liquid into its daily receptacle; my eyes open to the the new day.. The view from our home is "heaven" on this earth.. Ridges off in the distant, smokey clouds creating ballerina skirting..The hydrangea's are brilliant pinks and blues..Deer parading by on their familiar path, steam rises off the pool; Peace, serenity and calm; the atmosphere of this place we call home.
Our journey together has endured so many bumps however Frank and I are experts at dodging boulders, crushing them and creating sand to level the foundation when it becomes uneven. We are facing a new challenge; early stages of Alzheimer's. The diagnosis can not negate the life lived nor is it a sentence of "the end" ; in truth, it is a beginning; a new journey added to an already remarkable adventure. We will navigate these waters with the same enthusiasm we live today; "we live"...
We are so grateful for dry eraser boards; our life is in black ink reminding us of the obligations, gatherings, social engagements...The Lucky Potatoes of our life...
It is now time to look out the window realizing that everyday brings new surprises, new beginnings and opportunities...
I close with gratitude for all the love of family and friends; the sand that levels the ground we both stand on.
We are " Lucky Potatoes"
Friday, July 8, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
Good Morning Daddy..(1971)
The morning sun casts a brilliance over the white carpet of snow creating a pristine environment. I can only imagine from your vantage what beauty await those who have not joined you, Bunny and Donald.
The tears were met with memories of your loving contribution made 40 years ago as I remember mother calling me to tell me you had gone away. Daddy, you were so young 49, and after all these years your smile and laughter are ever present. You are still a strong moral thread woven into many lives of young men and women; children you mentored; your values continue because of the generosity of your love. You set the standards: "Never Shame Your Name". Daddy your name is encased in respect. I am proud to be your daughter and continue to live by the wisdom you so inspired in my soul.
"Rats live in sewers; I would rather be a mustang or an eagle"
I promise you, I will continue to soar and as for my whinny; the nostrils flare as I run through the pasture of living.
Ecclesiastes: 3:1-8 I now understand this passage.
Keep sailing into the sunset.
I love and miss you. I am a strong woman; You and mother created the foundation I stand on.
Patty
The tears were met with memories of your loving contribution made 40 years ago as I remember mother calling me to tell me you had gone away. Daddy, you were so young 49, and after all these years your smile and laughter are ever present. You are still a strong moral thread woven into many lives of young men and women; children you mentored; your values continue because of the generosity of your love. You set the standards: "Never Shame Your Name". Daddy your name is encased in respect. I am proud to be your daughter and continue to live by the wisdom you so inspired in my soul.
"Rats live in sewers; I would rather be a mustang or an eagle"
I promise you, I will continue to soar and as for my whinny; the nostrils flare as I run through the pasture of living.
Ecclesiastes: 3:1-8 I now understand this passage.
Keep sailing into the sunset.
I love and miss you. I am a strong woman; You and mother created the foundation I stand on.
Patty
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Quotes that I refer to in my letter
three great quotes on grace...
The grace of God means something like: Here is your life. You might never have been, but you are because the party wouldn't have been complete without you. Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid. I am with you. Nothing can ever separate us. It's for you I created the universe. I love you. There's only one catch. Like any other gift, the gift of grace can be yours only if you'll reach out and take it. Maybe being able to reach out and take it is a gift too.Frederick Buechner, minister and author, 20th century
Grace fills empty spaces, but it can only enter where there is a void to receive it, and it is grace itself, which makes this void. -- Simone Weil, 20th century
Grace is not a strange, magic substance which is subtly filtered into our souls to act as a kind of spiritual penicillin. Grace is unity, oneness within ourselves, oneness with God.
Thomas Merton, monk, author, 20th century
“All is an Ocean. All flows and connects so powerfully that if, in this life, you manage to become more gracious by even a drop, it is better for every bird, child, and animal your life touches than you will ever know.”
--- “The Brothers Karamazov,” Dostoyevsky.
The grace of God means something like: Here is your life. You might never have been, but you are because the party wouldn't have been complete without you. Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid. I am with you. Nothing can ever separate us. It's for you I created the universe. I love you. There's only one catch. Like any other gift, the gift of grace can be yours only if you'll reach out and take it. Maybe being able to reach out and take it is a gift too.Frederick Buechner, minister and author, 20th century
Grace fills empty spaces, but it can only enter where there is a void to receive it, and it is grace itself, which makes this void. -- Simone Weil, 20th century
Grace is not a strange, magic substance which is subtly filtered into our souls to act as a kind of spiritual penicillin. Grace is unity, oneness within ourselves, oneness with God.
Thomas Merton, monk, author, 20th century
“All is an Ocean. All flows and connects so powerfully that if, in this life, you manage to become more gracious by even a drop, it is better for every bird, child, and animal your life touches than you will ever know.”
--- “The Brothers Karamazov,” Dostoyevsky.
Dear Donald and Bunny
I received these quotes yesterday but was not in the mental frame of mind to read them.. Today, after watching the final episode of LOST was I able to grasp the coincidence of the timing of these quotes..
I realize that LOST is a TV series however the poignancy of the message allowed my soul to sob, releasing the sorrow of loss and allowing me to let go and rejoice in the journeys of my life. The gratitude felt for the experiences of living; the joys, sadness, redemption, forgiveness, mistakes, wins, firsts etc... I felt them; their presence.. The metaphoric light of freeing oneself is an opportunity to let the spirit of our souls ready themselves for more; no expectations, just to experience.
I lay in bed this morning before viewing the final episode. I saw my body as a separate entity of my being.. I have never thanked it for carrying me through 60 plus years (including womb time;) This chamber has stood strong during times of abuse, paralysis, illness, embraces, dancing, laughter, loving,verbal whipping and disappointment in the physical appearance;
Never has it allowed the mind to destroy the gift of the flesh.. It is the first time I have ever thanked the encasement of my being. I have made a vow to honor what I have been given and not allow other outside influences to demean the GIFT..
Then I got up, said hello to myself, looked at this miracle sculpture and watched with openness the message received from the FINAL EPISODE.. This episode evokes the opportunity of possibilities...
Thank you for being on this part of the journey and being able to share it knowing that you understand without allot of explanation.
With warm love, blessings and thankfulness,
Your sister, Patty
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Dear Bunny,
The meticulous mental calendar continues to mark each minute of where we were a year ago today.
Who knew that you would leave your home in an ambulance never to return again. My heart is so heavy with sadness as I miss your wisdom, laughter, enthusiasm and tenacity.. I never knew anyone who fought the foe of cancer with the spirit of lioness like you.
What I do know, is that your body was very ill and although your mind fought with dignity the cancer would not let go.
I am allowing the grieving to ride out its journey therefore healing is on the other side.
Thank you for being my sister, letting me take care of you and the pajama party we shared as you lay in bed. All our memories of childhood shenanigan's relived with laughter.
I miss you... Squeeze Donald's hand ...
Love,
Patty
The meticulous mental calendar continues to mark each minute of where we were a year ago today.
Who knew that you would leave your home in an ambulance never to return again. My heart is so heavy with sadness as I miss your wisdom, laughter, enthusiasm and tenacity.. I never knew anyone who fought the foe of cancer with the spirit of lioness like you.
What I do know, is that your body was very ill and although your mind fought with dignity the cancer would not let go.
I am allowing the grieving to ride out its journey therefore healing is on the other side.
Thank you for being my sister, letting me take care of you and the pajama party we shared as you lay in bed. All our memories of childhood shenanigan's relived with laughter.
I miss you... Squeeze Donald's hand ...
Love,
Patty
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