A Blessing And An Update

I was cleaning my desk yesterday and found the folder that was left to me when my grandmother passed away. On the outside it simply says "This is for Lynn". It is filled with clippings and sayings, prayers and hand-written scraps, letters the children and I wrote to her, pieces of my writing I sent to her. It warms my heart that she kept it all and made a folder just for me. The best parts are the handwritten words. The lost art of writing. Handwriting, like the voice, like fingerprints, uniquely one's own. I love looking in that folder and seeing Grandma's handwriting. Knowing her pen moved methodically over the paper putting every mark down deliberately and thoughtfully. I'm going to share a piece she had saved for me. It is not written by her (rather copied) but obviously held value. My gift from her I now share with you.

A Blessing of Solitude: May you recognize in your life the presence, power and light of your soul. May you realize that you are never alone, that your soul in its brightness and belonging connects you intimately with the rhythm of the universe. May you have respect for your own individuality and difference. May you realize that the shape of your soul is unique, that you have a special destiny here, that behind the facade of your life there is something beautiful, good and eternal happening. May you learn to see yourself with the same delight, pride and expectation with which God sees you at every moment.

p.s. Huge, huge thanks to all who have kept Mr. Lennon in your thoughts and prayers. It was the oddest thing. After over a week of self-starving (even with the meds in him) and fading, he suddenly started eating! Yesterday he ate three cans of food and returned completely back to his normal self. Overnight! It was crazy!!!! Now he's back to being Mr. Naughty Pants (one of his many nicknames)! Thank you all.