It has been an eventful 24 hours.
Yesterday evening, I said goodbye to a much beloved client. Her death was peaceful and the hospice commented about how at ease and relaxed she seemed with the process, both before and after death. Minimal struggle, and left with a smile on her face. She teaches me.
Yesterday morning, I attended a milestone event for the grandkids of a former client, and sat next to the widow of a different former client while there. The daughter and widow both told my son how loved his mother was for the love she gives others, and I saw my son smile. I am so grateful for these women’s availability to accept love, and reflect it back. They expand me.
A different widow of yet another former client texted me this morning with a photo of a collaborative grief art piece I helped make with their community at the Celebration of Life. It’s now hanging next to their bed in her home. Her intentional engagement and willingness to lean into her grief inspires me.
We’re truly just walking each other home. That’s all any of us have.
Express your love often, give freely of yourself and don’t hold back. The only way to reach death’s door with acceptance is to live the life you were meant to live. This doesn’t mean perfection, or always knowing the way. It’s about digging deep and honoring yourself and others each step of the way. Being generous, kind, affirming, and supportive. Doing what you can to mitigate harm. Aspiring to learn and grow. Opening to child’s mind and knowing true power comes when you don’t have all the answers. The truth is, no one does (and watch out for those who purport to).
You are whole. You are beautiful. You are here to do something great, even if (and perhaps especially when) it’s not grandiose. Beauty happens through the small things that add up.
Now go out and live today as if it was your last.