enna

I do not have any animals here.  I'll PM you.

5 hours ago, Clematis said:

The oddest thing happened. I am not sure how to describe it, but at some point, the environment around me lightened up in some psychic vibrational way. I think this was probably when my supervisor figured out a clear path on how to separate me from my job. I can't say how I knew but I felt like a shift was about to occur. I thought it might mean that he was going to leave and I was going to stay. Nevertheless, everything seemed lighter  - at work and in general, and I felt more optimistic.

 

Thank you for your kind words, Laura.  I do remember your talking about needing to be up north because of your allergies.  I was happy when you found the job that you are in right now.  You and your work are much needed in our school systems these days. 

I firmly believe that there are ‘vibrational signs’ surrounding us.  Perhaps it comes from those we love who are no longer here in their physical presence. 

You have many talents like your musical talent playing the cello or your artistic ability in what you paint, and your generous soul when it comes to sharing your Lena with others who find comfort in Lena’s visits.  I have three of your paintings in my home that I purchased at the art forum in Scottsdale when Steve put it together to raise money to keep this forum open. I think of you and keep you in my thoughts and prayers. 

I usually make a trip up to Sedona once a year.  We need to get together for tea and a visit. My door would be open for you and Lena and your cello if you ever get down here. We could go over to Scottsdale and eat at Maui Pasta and visit with Patty and Steve. 

I’m hoping to spend a few weeks in IL this summer to put lots of love on my daughter and SIL and three grandchildren.  My latest grandchild will be two next month. 

Hugs,

Anne

The above Easter webinar was excellent.  If you have a chance watch it below. 

I love this thought...

DAILY MEDITATION    Where Mourning and Dancing Touch Each Other March 28 Photo courtesy of SDGimagery.com "[There is] a time for mourning, a time for dancing" (Ecclesiastes 3:4). But mourning and dancing are never fully separated. Their "times" do not necessarily follow each other. In fact, their "times" may become one "time." Mourning may turn into dancing and dancing into mourning without showing a clear point where one ends and the other starts. Often our grief allows us to choreograph our dance while our dance creates the space for our grief. We lose a beloved friend, and in the midst of our tears we discover an unknown joy. We celebrate a success, and in the midst of the party we feel deep sadness. Mourning and dancing, grief and laughter, sadness and gladness - they belong together as the sad-faced clown and the happy-faced clown, who make us both cry and laugh. Let's trust that the beauty of our lives becomes visible where mourning and dancing touch each other.

You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers dear Kay.  You always do so very much for others and I just want you to know that I so appreciate who you are. Thank you for caring for so many who are in grief.  Hugs to you.  Anne  

I wrote the first part and then added t it...

 Hi Laura,

Just voicing my opinion ~

I am reading your posts and I admire you for your guts and determination to do what you are able to do for one child at a time.  As you and others have said it is quite different today working with children in school.  As an educator for over forty years I have seen the pendulum swing from one end to the other.  I retired from a classroom over a decade ago and continue to hear from teachers how difficult it is today.  It seems like teachers and administrators are not the only ones dealing with paperwork.  Doctors are getting lost in all the coding and paperwork they are expected to do on a daily basis.  What I am hearing over and over again is that those who need the help (students, and patients) are just not getting it because those who are in this service spend too much time either looking at a computer documenting or fighting with administrators over what the needs of their chargers are. 

I was in administration the last decade of my teaching career and I know how frustrating it is to try over and over again to make changes.  All that can be done is keep bringing up concerns and hope for a listening ear that can/will help.

No teacher or teacher’s helper should ever have to deal with a student who lashes out in a physical way.  Those students should be removed so the teacher is free to do his/her job ~ teach. 

I know this sounds simple but it isn’t.  Today, a teacher is expected to deal with disruptions as well as teach and if they can’t then it more often reflects on their inability to manage classroom 101! It is very sad for me to hear from teachers who are frustrated on a daily basis. Those of us who love what we do find it hard to throw up our hands and quit.

I just read your last post and I must admit I am glad for you that you are going to be getting out of the toxic situation you have been in. I am sad for you that this last job is not working out for you.  I wish you could come down to the Litchfield Park – Goodyear area and apply for a position here that you love so much.  I know you do not like a busy city area but the area out here is not as busy as Phoenix.  I have lived here since 1999 and I know how great the Litchfield Elementary School District is since I taught here from 1999 until 2007 when I retired to take care of my beloved husband before he died in 2012.  I know you love being up north but if you want to continue in the line of work you are so qualified for you would not be disappointed.  I am only a three-hour drive (or less) from Sedona.  We met in Scottsdale when Steve sponsored the Art exhibit to keep this discussion forum going.  I still have the origami piece you made for me when we met. I agree with Marty.  You do have many lives just like your Lena. I would like to meet Lena. Hospice of the Valley has the greatest pet therapy program and you and Lena would fit right in ~ just saying.

Hugs to you,

Anne

My dear Kay,

I am thinking of you during this most difficult time.  My prayers and thoughts are with your family. You have my number and I only wish I was not so far away or I would be there for you. 

Anne

It doesn’t matter if it is one day, one week, one month, or many years…

Mourning a loved one will last a lifetime. We do the best we can.

 How We Survive by Mark Rickerby

  If we are fortunate, we are given a warning.

If not, there is only the sudden horror, the wrench of being torn apart;

of being reminded that nothing is permanent, not even the ones we love, the ones our lives revolve around.

 Life is a fragile affair. We are all dancing on the edge of a precipice, a dizzying cliff so high we can't see the bottom.

One by one, we lose those we love most into the dark ravine.

 So we must cherish them without reservation. Now. Someday.

This is certain. There is no time for bickering. And their loss will leave a great pit in our hearts; a pit we struggle to avoid during the day and fall into at night.

 Some, unable to accept this loss, unable to determine the worth of life without them, jump into that black pit spiritually or physically, hoping to find them there…

 And some survive the shock, the denial, the horror, the bargaining, the barren, empty aching, the unanswered prayers, sleepless nights when their breath is crushed under the weight of silence and all that it means.

 Somehow, some survive all that and, like a flower opening after a storm, they slowly begin to remember the one they lost in a different way...

 The laughter, the irrepressible spirit, the generous heart, the way their smile made them feel, the encouragement they gave even as their own dreams were dying.

 And in time, they fill the pit with other memories the only memories that really matter.

 We will still cry. We will always cry. But with loving reflection more than hopeless longing.

 And that is how we survive. That is how the story should end. That is how they would want it to be.

WOW!  This just took my breath away...

Finally, the place is so inviting. I look forward to my first meal there and to visit with both of you. I'm all set to taste Patty's Alfredo sauce.

 I agree with you Steve ~ it is a very spiritual place and I'm so glad it's right here in Arizona. The paintings are so nice. 

Anne 

Oh, Karen, I'm so glad you have the dentist behind you.  Now for the healing. Sounds like you have a good dentist. I hope you heal quickly and that the pain eases up.

Anne

Sometimes it's better to be positive...even when you keep getting knocked down. 

I just watched this again and wanted to post it after a few years ago ~ excellent. 

 Hi Katie,

Of course, your heart and soul are aching.  And it absolutely is not acceptable to lose a child let alone four.  This is not something that needs to be” fixed” and I’m sorry you feel that Allen is trying to “fix” things…  I am sure he is not but perhaps only trying to support you in your deep pain.  I believe that Mother loss can only be understood by a mother and cannot be compared to any other loss.  

I know how much you love each one of your children and Caleb and Ryan will continue to give you a run for any energy you have or don’t have.  Know that we have you in our thoughts and prayers. We are always here to listen.

Anne

Someone sent this to me and I find that it says pretty much how I feel and probably how anyone who lost a spouse or significant other might feel.  I'm with you Gin about the evening hours ~ even after almost six years I still have those moments that going on seems pointless.  We do go on because that is what we do. I know nothing will ever be like it was when Jim was here.  I accept that.  I talk about my grief and make some people uncomfortable when I do.  I know there are no answers as to how I'm going to live this different life but there are things I can do about it.  When I get up in the morning I am grateful to have another day. It doesn't mean that I like how it is going to go but it does mean that I have a chance to do something even if it seems pointless.  I have been doing more volunteering because it fills part of my day.  I read and meditate even though I don't know if it will help me in this different life.  I try to find at least one thing I do each day that takes me outdoors.  I love my yard and the area I live in gives me opportunities to enjoy nature. I also have a hobby that fills up some hours of my day.  There will always be a hole in my heart. We do what we can to make the best of things.  

At some point in our lives, we all feel anxious. It's always a good thing to be pro-active and follow some of the suggestions. 

I am so very sorry that your Grandma passed away today.  We will be here for you.  

 Someone who inspired me in my early months of grief and who reminded me that it is always important to tell those you love that you do love them. I miss her wit, and her ability to make us laugh. Every time I see a roll of toilet paper it reminds me of the gifts that Darcie Sims shared with us.  I still have a little box on my fireplace that I use to add a positive thought of the gifts I do have.  “Thanks for the Little While…” and thank you, Alan Pedersen, for the song.

Remembering...

I use this video as background music for my meditation hour.  View it in full screen and allow yourselves to relax to the beauty around the coral reef. Just be in the present moment and if you can't do the hour try 15 or 30 or 45 minutes.