My wife and mentor of nearly half a century frequently alluded to life as an opportunity to learn important lessons and she had a clear sense of what her "course major” was. Me, not so much.
I love Emily's signs in her office; it's as though she left them there to guide you. Once again, thank you for sharing each step of your process, Mark. Your honesty and authenticity are so raw -- in a good way. Sending you strength to get up each morning and see what the day has to teach you, then the clarity to understand the lesson.
Thank you very much Jeanne. Your comment - "see what the day has to teach you, then the clarity to understand the lesson," is so poignant. So many times, we're struck or riled up by an experience and yet have no useful place to "stash it away" unless we step back and consider - what could I learn from this? I appreciate all of your ongoing support.
It very well could be the main reason. I believe we are here to encounter lots of challenges but what's the end game? I think wisdom is what it boils down to. After all, you can't take anything material with you, but you can take the wisdom and by that, I don't mean intelligence, just the wisdom from experiencing all the things we do and learning from them, again and again. I'm very sorry for your loss and I hope things get better. Thank you for sharing, Mark.
I do believe you've hit the nail on the head -especially making the distinction between intelligence and wisdom. Thanks, Parker, for your kind words and thoughts. In terms of "getting better," two steps forward and one step back is still progress.
Wonder-full contemplation. You are always welcome in NH should you wish to travel at some point. My heart will be with you all as you celebrate Emily. So sorry our pre planned hiking trip got in the way of journeying your way. Peace and Agape’.
Once again Mark, I am so touched to follow your learning curve on uncharted territory. I pray that you don't put any undo expectations on yourself and allow the learning curve to unravel in it's own time. Be patient with yourself and allow time to reflect on what it is to learn. I few days ago I learned about a beautiful native plant with lovely, delicate yellow blooms. I look at them every day and say "Good Morning Emily" and they smile back at me. These plants are a new learning curve for me, but I'm learning!! Never stop learning and my "learning" is just another way of saying that Emily's legacy continues. Keep on keeping on....
Your comment is so on the money - "don't put any undo expectations on yourself and allow the learning curve to unravel in its own time." Such words of wisdom there!
"I few days ago I learned about a beautiful native plant with lovely, delicate yellow blooms. I look at them every day and say "Good Morning Emily" and they smile back at me." Such a wonderful part of her legacy - thank you Sharon.
Since turning 80 and retiring from nursing and chaplaincy, I am wondering what the next chapter holds. Maybe Emily is right: a wholly new area of learning. Although I am pretty sure I have not fully conquered the areas I now dabble in - choral singing and quilting.
Thank you for your deeply felt words. You were there for her throughout her illness and at the end. You gave the last greatest blessing.
Thanks so much Suzy- "a wholly new area of learning" - I would say so. We just gotta grab for all the gusto as long as our grabber's intact. Are you doing any writing? I have a hard time imagining you slowing down any.
Mark, I would confess this true as well. I lost my one brother when we were both in our early 30's. It had been a slow motion train wreck of an illness. I can tell you it broke me open to people, not by my choice. I sure don't always get it. But my brother helped become more of the things I needed to be. Peace on your journey.
Thanks for sharing such a sad but also critically important part of your life, Ron. As you apparently understand, so many parts of us are thrown out of balance when we suffer such a huge loss - some for the better and some for the worse. I'm glad you grew in a positive direction from this loss at such a young age.
I love Emily's signs in her office; it's as though she left them there to guide you. Once again, thank you for sharing each step of your process, Mark. Your honesty and authenticity are so raw -- in a good way. Sending you strength to get up each morning and see what the day has to teach you, then the clarity to understand the lesson.
Thank you very much Jeanne. Your comment - "see what the day has to teach you, then the clarity to understand the lesson," is so poignant. So many times, we're struck or riled up by an experience and yet have no useful place to "stash it away" unless we step back and consider - what could I learn from this? I appreciate all of your ongoing support.
It very well could be the main reason. I believe we are here to encounter lots of challenges but what's the end game? I think wisdom is what it boils down to. After all, you can't take anything material with you, but you can take the wisdom and by that, I don't mean intelligence, just the wisdom from experiencing all the things we do and learning from them, again and again. I'm very sorry for your loss and I hope things get better. Thank you for sharing, Mark.
I do believe you've hit the nail on the head -especially making the distinction between intelligence and wisdom. Thanks, Parker, for your kind words and thoughts. In terms of "getting better," two steps forward and one step back is still progress.
Wonder-full contemplation. You are always welcome in NH should you wish to travel at some point. My heart will be with you all as you celebrate Emily. So sorry our pre planned hiking trip got in the way of journeying your way. Peace and Agape’.
Thank you for the kind words and offer, Priscilla,
I might take you up on that.
Once again Mark, I am so touched to follow your learning curve on uncharted territory. I pray that you don't put any undo expectations on yourself and allow the learning curve to unravel in it's own time. Be patient with yourself and allow time to reflect on what it is to learn. I few days ago I learned about a beautiful native plant with lovely, delicate yellow blooms. I look at them every day and say "Good Morning Emily" and they smile back at me. These plants are a new learning curve for me, but I'm learning!! Never stop learning and my "learning" is just another way of saying that Emily's legacy continues. Keep on keeping on....
Your comment is so on the money - "don't put any undo expectations on yourself and allow the learning curve to unravel in its own time." Such words of wisdom there!
"I few days ago I learned about a beautiful native plant with lovely, delicate yellow blooms. I look at them every day and say "Good Morning Emily" and they smile back at me." Such a wonderful part of her legacy - thank you Sharon.
Since turning 80 and retiring from nursing and chaplaincy, I am wondering what the next chapter holds. Maybe Emily is right: a wholly new area of learning. Although I am pretty sure I have not fully conquered the areas I now dabble in - choral singing and quilting.
Thank you for your deeply felt words. You were there for her throughout her illness and at the end. You gave the last greatest blessing.
Oh, and thanks for restacking.
Thanks so much Suzy- "a wholly new area of learning" - I would say so. We just gotta grab for all the gusto as long as our grabber's intact. Are you doing any writing? I have a hard time imagining you slowing down any.
Mark, I would confess this true as well. I lost my one brother when we were both in our early 30's. It had been a slow motion train wreck of an illness. I can tell you it broke me open to people, not by my choice. I sure don't always get it. But my brother helped become more of the things I needed to be. Peace on your journey.
Thanks for sharing such a sad but also critically important part of your life, Ron. As you apparently understand, so many parts of us are thrown out of balance when we suffer such a huge loss - some for the better and some for the worse. I'm glad you grew in a positive direction from this loss at such a young age.
Peace to you as well.