The Story of Life
[I read this at the beginning of the feast prepared and served to us fathers and sons by the mothers and daughters of the La France Area Gathering to celebrate Father's Day.]
Lea's father passed away yesterday afternoon.
Both Jon and Lea's birthdays were yesterday.
My dad died 13 years ago on this day.
Today we are gathered as neighbors AND as friends AND as an extended family to celebrate Father's Day together.
Not all of us are fathers, of course, but everyone of us began our life with a father - and an act of connection.
I'm overwhelmed this morning as I think about all these events and how they are connected - connected by MEANING.
As Jon and Lea travel this morning (and we will miss their presence here), they will be considering the loss of Lea's father as an active participant in the big Story of life (we could call it the Book of Life) that is in a continual process of being created. They will be thinking of the stories that Lea's father shared with them, and they will be remembering and telling the stories of his life to one another and their friends and family as they get together over the next few days.
Jon and Lea have been gathering with us for the last year and we have become included in their stories, and, in turn, we have become included in Lea's father's story as his chapter of life has come to its conclusion. Even though Lea's father's story telling days are over, the meanings of his stories and the meaning of his story as a whole continues, connected by meaning to our stories and to the meaning of the Story of Life - and that Story has no ending.
We are celebrating Father's Day, but we are doing it in a womb which is this Gathering, a matrix where new stories and meanings are being birthed, and here we are nursed with the milk of kindness and love that flows through us to one another... and the Story of Life continues.
Lea's father passed away yesterday afternoon.
Both Jon and Lea's birthdays were yesterday.
My dad died 13 years ago on this day.
Today we are gathered as neighbors AND as friends AND as an extended family to celebrate Father's Day together.
Not all of us are fathers, of course, but everyone of us began our life with a father - and an act of connection.
I'm overwhelmed this morning as I think about all these events and how they are connected - connected by MEANING.
As Jon and Lea travel this morning (and we will miss their presence here), they will be considering the loss of Lea's father as an active participant in the big Story of life (we could call it the Book of Life) that is in a continual process of being created. They will be thinking of the stories that Lea's father shared with them, and they will be remembering and telling the stories of his life to one another and their friends and family as they get together over the next few days.
Jon and Lea have been gathering with us for the last year and we have become included in their stories, and, in turn, we have become included in Lea's father's story as his chapter of life has come to its conclusion. Even though Lea's father's story telling days are over, the meanings of his stories and the meaning of his story as a whole continues, connected by meaning to our stories and to the meaning of the Story of Life - and that Story has no ending.
We are celebrating Father's Day, but we are doing it in a womb which is this Gathering, a matrix where new stories and meanings are being birthed, and here we are nursed with the milk of kindness and love that flows through us to one another... and the Story of Life continues.
Wow,.... Thanks, Don Now I have a copy of what you shared before the meal. Yes,... it packed a real punch. How precious life is... and how precious each moment is.... for isn't that what life is all about....??? Just one moment after another.... strung together like one pearl after another. We must live each day as if it were our last: Put music back into our voices when we answer the phone... allow our faces to crack open with a smile when we encounter someone, be kind to one another, make out a grateful list each day... and go over it, never taking anything for granted. Do something special for someone.... at least one daily act of kindness. Make someone smile or laugh, hug at least one person daily. Comfort those in pain. As we hone in on these skills... they become second nature for us,.. allowing us to grow. When we take the focus off ourselves,... we get so much more back, and that truly enriches our lives. As this behaviour becomes the "norm" for us,... it becomes easier to do... and we find ourselves happier when we bring others happiness,... or give them comfort,... or assistance.
ReplyDeleteHow cool,... that Don read & shared his thoughts with us... thus able to set aside the pain of losing his Dad on Father's Day,... by making it special,.. in honoring him.... and remembering the happy memories, as well as the sad... and going one step further - opening his and Terry's home to share Father's Day Celebration on that very same day. The News about Lea's Dad,... made me sad,... but I also felt a great sense of "release" for Lea, Jon, their family, and most of all her Dad... who could now fully spread his wings and "soar". His stubborn-ness... and frustration in accepting his illness,... are now a thing of the past,... for he is in an amazing place. Keep Lea, Jon, her Dad, her Mom, and Family in your prayers. With Love, Roma P.S. Was soooo cool seeing Shannon,.... scurrying about: socializing, helping, laughing, washing dishes, cleaning,... and enjoying life. Life DOES go on.. for the ones our departed loved-ones - leave behind.