I miss you Sam!!

I miss you Sam!!
I miss you Sam!!

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Evening, Wisdom and Beauty In a Difficult Time


The past couple of days have been quite difficult. My children’s father has been diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer and given maybe a month to live.  We’ve been divorced for many years but our inability to work through our problems back then have nothing to do with the fact that he has always been an incredible father to our four children.  He hasn’t been well for some time and it has been so hard for the kids to see their Olympic Medalist father sinking down to where he is now.  I thought I was prepared for whatever, but learning last night of the latest diagnosis has been gut wrenching.  So, tonight I was definitely looking for peace and beauty and wisdom from somewhere and realized I needed a chance to put my thoughts, feelings into words. Thank you for understanding.


The most valuable possession you can own is an open heart. The most powerful weapon you can be is an instrument of peace.
Carlos Santana
 If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.
Mother Teresa
Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one.
John Lennon


Beautiful words from my friend Suranga.

The rose bush
resplendent
in flowers and fruit
of beauteous colors,
when young,
is very aware of its thorns.

They hurt,
but do not affect
the quality of the wonderful flowers.

The rose
also remembers the bees,
the honey,
and the buzzing
around all the little buds
waiting to grow.

Different gardens,
different soils,
living amidst
many flowers,
and you learn,
that
yet,
Life is beautiful.


Life's fall and winter,
the petals
detach
and slowly float down,
yet 
enriching
the Garden of Life
with
the flavors, the perfume,
the color,
and the caring
and amazingly,
no one
remembers the thorns
as the petals
become one with the earth,
finally at peace.


 



23 comments:

Al said...

I'm sorry to hear the news, Sylvia, and there's not much to say except that my thoughts are with you. Your photos and quotes are inspiring.

lotusleaf said...

I am sorry about it, Sylvia. I too went through the trauma of a young,loved one dying of cancer recently. My heart goes out to you. I am sure you will find peace in your work.

magiceye said...

So sorry to hear about this Sylvia. Holding good thoughts. You take care.

Kim, USA said...

Hi Sylvia, I am so sorry to hear this news. Hold the good memories and rest assured of my prayers for him and for the whole family.

DeVona said...

Dear Sylvia, I hope you weather this period of your life with compassion and grace. I wish you and your children strength to deal with the emotions of these days. Pancreatic cancer is devastating. Your blog has been a great source of daily inspiration and levity and encouragement to me as I've been dealing with both my parents' deaths this past year, and I thank you for reminding us of life's goodness and beauty. I hope you will find moments of joy to help you and your whole family through this time of great uncertainty and sorrow. Love, Linda

Arti said...

That is sad news Sylvia. My prayers and best wishes for you in this moment.
Keep strong.

TexWisGirl said...

oh sylvia, i'm terribly sorry - for you and your children, and your ex-husband. i am certain this will be a very painful time for all of you. God hold you all...

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

That's hard news to come to terms with, especially for your children and also your self and others affected. Your quotes, especially the first two are very special.

Kay said...

I am so sorry, Sylvia. What a very difficult heart wrenching time this is. Please know that we are all sending our love and hugs across cyber space.

Anonymous said...

You shared years of your life with the father of your children, so I understand your sorrow during this difficult time. I hope his pain is brief and the going peaceful. Blessings, Sylvia!

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

So sorry, I am thinking to you, Reflect on the good times.

Oman said...

my parents also got seperated two decades ago and they have learned to be civil to each other for the sake of us, their children. and whenever one of them got sick, one of them still cares for the other so I know how you feel because my mother is feeling that too.

hang in there and let GOD work in his mysterious ways.

Unknown said...

Hi Sylvia, a great shot, which makes us look to penetrate through that wonderful dream.
the first shot is spectacular.
Greetings .-

PerthDailyPhoto said...

So sorry to hear this awful news Sylvia, as a Mother you will be feeling your children's pain, hope you know there are masses of vibes coming your way from Perth. Take care.

Margie's Musings said...

That's just terrible news, Sylvia. I will have you and the family in my thoughts and prayers.

penny said...

Sylvia, I am so sorry to hear your sad family news.
My prayers are with you and your family.
May his grace comfort and console.

Hugs,
Pam

Unknown said...

Take care and Keep well...

Teamgsquare said...

Very sad to hear about this . Our best wishes are with you .

Dianne said...

I will be thinking of you Sylvis at this hard time - you have love and respect for the Father of your children and I'm sure many memories of happier times between the two of you. Take care xx

Tash said...

Oh, Sylvia, I do sympathize with your sadness. Take good care of yourself.

Arija said...

Your headers are so spectacular they are starting to overshadow your wonderful blog!

Lovely photos, poem, how do you do it?

Francisca said...

Oh dear Sylvia, this is bad news all around. I understand from my last year's experience of losing my mother to pancreatic cancer that you and your children will feel the pain of helplessness as you see the father of your children slip away. When there is little hope, the grieving starts now and you learn to say good-bye, but not without pain and sorrow in your heart; while he must feel the ultimate pain, not only physically, but also of bidding adieu to everyone, his whole world. I hope he can do so in peace and love (and the pain well-managed), surrounded by his loved ones, as my mother was. I send you cyberhugs.

Unknown said...

I'm in awe! The top shot is absolutely stunning, what a scenery, Sylvia!

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I'm interested in almost everything. Use to like to travel, but it's too expensive now. I take Tai Chi classes, swim, volunteer in a Jump-start program for pre-schoolers. I'm an avid reader and like nearly everyone these days I follow politics avidly. I'm a former teacher and Special Projects Coordinator for a Telecommunications company, Assistant to the President of a Japanese silicon wafer manufacturing company. Am now enjoying retirement -- most of the time. I have two daughters, one son-in-law and two sons scattered all over the country. No grandchildren.

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