Two days and counting… Lilly sleeps by my side as I write tonight. We are both grateful for the peace and comfort of a ‘mother’s care’. It has been good to share these days with Mom in her home.

More boxes, last minutes details – one more visit to doctors and veterinarians, a quick run to get a hair cut and meeting with friends to drop off gifts, share a glass of wine and hold them tight enough to seal our love beyond this change of address.

The mountains call and wouldn’t it figure, Jimmy Buffett re-appears. While in seminary, my friends would tease me, saying that Buffett’s lyrics were really at the heart of my theology (politics withstanding). When his music begins to echo in my home, I know time has once again expanded.

Tonight, I thank a friend who while celebrating a birthday today, shared this song and video. The words resonant with my own experience of the past year. With all that I thought I was ‘organizing’ I could never have seen what was coming. A move, a place to go where I can be comfortable and a closer view of the night sky! Plans can go so many directions from where we might expect. Makes life feel like a carnival ride at times.

Today, I am quite certain that this song’s lyrics work best as my mantra (though a bit long) during this transition and beyond, ‘I’m just hanging on while this ole world keeps spinning and it’s good to know its out of my control. If there one thing that I’ve learned from all this living, is that it would not change a thing if I let go.’

So, I plan to enjoy this ride…

There is a moment in any large project I undertake when I am humbled by the people who surround me to support and assist. The exchange between myself and those who catch my vision or rally to my aid is often filled with grace and humor. The most difficult part for me? To SIT and watch as my directions are taken. I cannot touch any of the objects being unwrapped and placed in drawers, cabinets or hung on walls. When my directions begin to sound like demands I know it is time to stop, to take a break for a walk outside or to share a glass of wine. May I have the insight to know when those moments are needed.

The last days are here. This time next week Lilly and I will be sleeping in our new apartment and waking to the sun’s light as it crests over the mountains. There have been more unexpected challenges than I thought possible. Yet, with family and dear friends, what seemed impossible has been accomplished.

Surrounded by grace – I continue to give thanks.

“The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved – loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.” ~ Victor Hugo.

The choices we make during seasons of the year touch people’s lives in so many ways. This entry in the blog, ‘I Have A Dream’, speaks to the importance of “choice” in life and the result of our inability to choose. It is a telling of one person’s Valentine gift given to a group of people unique among us – who so need to be remembered and loved.

Take time to read the piece below and, (if you have not already) meet the author, Michael. His reflections will enrich and inspire you.

‘What I DId This Valentine’s Day’

May it offer a gentle moment on this Valentine Day –

FIELDS OF GOLD

These days Lilly seldom leaves my sight. Her intuition is sharp – she knows we are in another time of transition. Boxes have begun to appear, and as before, she knows that means change is in the air. It is no secret to friends and family, from the beginning my retirement has filled me with mixed emotions. There are moments in a day when I have to stop – to regroup – to grieve. Overwhelmed with the change and the current preparation to move, I decided long ago – when I needed a “crying break” I would take it.

A few days ago it was time for one of those ‘breaks’. With all of the resources she could find, Lilly tended to my sadness. From cleaning my hands to putting her head in my lap, she tried everything to ‘settle’ me. Finally after a whimper or two of her own, she went to the door and barked. As my assistant entered, Lilly led her to me and stood by my side. She watched – when I began to calm she stretched out beside me with a sigh.

 As I continue to re-adjust to my newer limitations, Lilly carries hope. She brings delight in each day and maintains a routine that helps me refocus when I am feeling most scattered.  With only a few weeks before she and I move to a new home, she reminds me time and again that I am not alone.  She will remain by my side waiting to nudge me when ‘we’ need a break from the work of  sorting and packing.  She knows to keep track of the important things –  a walk in the fresh air or the evening game of ball – after all, (she says with her wise and playful eyes) life is an adventure and so much lies ahead for us. Her presence in my life remains a delight, bringing comfort when no words need be spoken.  

I end this day in gratitude for my companion, Lilly.