What We Are

"Love," wrote Jean Vanier, "doesn't mean doing extraordinary or heoric things. It means knowing how to do ordinary things with tenderness."

In a book I just finished reading, and highly recommend, How, Then, Shall we Live? by Wayne Muller, he says, "Many of the gifts we offer to others are small, ordinary things:  a kind word, a simple meal, a comforting visit, a gentle touch.  We give from what we have.  If we have apples, then apples are our gift.  If we have good humor, then laughter is our gift.  If we can cook, then food is our gift.If we can make music or hold a hand or listen or build or love well, these are our gifts.  The currency of our kindness flows from what we are, what we love." (P.239)

And so it is with my feelings for Suzy.  Every day she graces my life with kindness and affection, even in the afterlife.  For, I feel her loving shroud, visualize her beautiful face and touch her lush, soft fur.  I know that she is with me, even now.  I think about her all the time and dream about her when I'm asleep.

Sometimes I wonder if the ache in my heart will ever subside?  How can such a bond ever go away?  Would I even want it to?  How can the flame of love ever diminish and grow dim?  It can't.  It won't.

As time goes by, perhaps our memories wane.  Perhaps not.  When there are strong feelings of love and attachment, the heart clings to that nourishment. Forever.  And so it is with Suzy.  My heart won't let go, because she is the breath of life that infused it with such radiance all those years.  Such hope and charm, grace and gentility.  Such depth of soul and beauty of spirit.  Suzy.  All that and more.