What a month May has been!
This month I travelled again to New Brunswick to play with the Grandbabies. I taught my oldest Granddaughter to play solitaire on the computer. She will be six in August. Unlike her Grandma, she caught on very quickly. Her brother who is three loves to dress up in his suit & tie and looks very dapper. He puts his fedora on and looks so darn cute. He is the fort builder. The twins will be two in July. They are walking & running everywhere. Usually in different directions too! Their giggles as they play together are priceless. In their cribs they throw their books back & forth at each other. Latest fad is totally undressing! They try to dress themselves too, but not as successful at this task.
It is always great to visit with my daughter & her husband. Crème caramel was devoured by me. My son-in-law is amazing at specialty desserts. Diets get thrown out the window when I am there. My daughter & I worked diligently on their gardens. They looked pretty spectacular when I left. The new flowers look amazing.
My flight down was pretty eventful with a very low ceiling. At one point they said we might have to go back to Montreal! It was a very bumpy ride in and just as we were about to land I saw the runway. I loved the fact that the pilots told us what was happening all the way along this trip. I believe most people can handle things when they know what they are up against. That is so true for life in general.
I have had two friends of late who have been battling with their own cancer or that of a spouse. I wish there could be more I could do for them. All I can do is to offer them support and let them know I care and will be there if they need to talk or to just get away from it all for a while. I know that having experienced cancer in both of my parents, at times it can be all consuming.
There needs to be some time to just be the person they are and not the label of their disease. There also needs to be a time for caregivers to have some breaks so they can refuel. They are the rocks for someone who is ill, so if they do not look after themselves then all around them things fall apart. When you know someone might be struggling, offer help whenever you can. Even a quick chat, a smile, a cup of tea will help out. Meals prepared are awesome as well. The last thing someone wants to do is cook when all their energies are out there helping their loved ones with an illness. I remember these kindnesses done for my spouse & I when looking after my parents.
I would of course use my Reiki skills as well, not only (with permission) to help an individual but to renew my energy. Sometimes I think this is what kept me going. I can’t believe it is 6 years since my Dad passed and almost 5 for my Mom. The memories of friends helping out remain strong within me. I felt blessed then, and now for their friendships and supports.
I hope for you in your life as you experience troubles, friends are there for you too. Be reassured that often they are waiting for you to ask if they could help you out. Sometimes people want to help out but do not know what you may need. Remember to be clear in your requests for help. People want to help out without overstepping their welcome or your boundaries.
From experiences such as these, I have found that I have been able to reach out to help my friends as well. What goes around comes around. The circle of life IS profound. Do remember people cope with illness in different ways. Some are very private about this and this indeed needs to be respected.
So as summer is cropping up soon, enjoy the warmth of the days and the joys that can be experienced daily. I am totally enjoying my garden with its sense of renewal. Here’s to renewal of not only gardens but of self!
Sue