Wishbones

     The peculiar, although amusing, ritual of using the breastbone of a turkey (generally) to make a wish follows many holiday feasts in my part of the world. Two people grip opposite ends of the curved bone in their fingertips and pull. The wish is supposed to be granted to the person left holding the larger half.

     The only specific wish I remember making as a very young child was that I would end up holding the biggest piece, which (if I won) miraculously always came true ... much to my amazement and delight.

     I'll admit that I've never been clear on the concept of what entity possesses the power to make this wishful thinking materialize. The mental image of a 25-pound turkey waving a magic wand in its wing while attired in a ruffled tutu doesn't exactly inspire credibility. Regardless, the downside to this custom is that only one participant 'receives'; the other is left holding nothing but a broken stub.

     What if you and I asked for gifts that benefited us both? One of my readers expressed her desire on Facebook that everyone receive her wish for more "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." I could certainly use an extra dose of those qualities.

     So ... take hold of your visionary wishbone with me. Ready? Pull! *SNAP*

     Happy New Year, World!

Time Capsules

     The following question was posted on Facebook earlier this month: "Why is it that the majority of this year seemed to fly by, but now that I want it to last for a long time it is flying by?"

     There was a haunting quality to this which caught and held my attention, realizing my friend is coping with her final moments with a very close relative. My desire was to respond, to let her know someone was listening and cared about the situation, without invading the veil of her privacy in a public forum.

     "I think you'd have to pose that one to Einstein," I wrote (as I briefly contemplated theories of time travel), "Every minute is precious, but when we begin counting them they become finite."

     Yet her question and my 25-words-or-less response are still resurfacing from my subconscious daily, demanding more of my attention. So ... I'm listening again. I've concluded that it's the numbered minutes ticking away (within my own life experience), that I'm not aware of which presently concern me the most. Those capsules of measured time leading to a final second when something unforeseen occurs, leaving no time left to say what should have been said all along, over and over, including: I love you, you are important in my life, and ... I'm listening to your heart.

Touch Somebody Special

     Weeks before my husband underwent surgery for cancer, he told me that if things didn't go well and he ever reached a point where he was unable to tell me what he needed ... it was human touch. I was struck by how simple and profound his request was of me. Quietly holding hands, a hug, stroking his face, massaging tired limbs ... even when words fail or become inadequate, the power of skin-to-skin contact says it all.

     Thankfully, his 13th-year anniversary of being cancer free is approaching. This year especially, we have been reminded about how much we mean to each other. I had a scary looking mammogram a couple weeks ago and received a phone call to come back for another, plus an ultrasound. I was convinced I'd be in surgery before Thanksgiving, but everything turned out to be harmlessly benign.

     We fell into each others' arms in a tearful hug of relief. Our eyes did the speaking.

     Friends have hugged me, placed a hand on my shoulder, and when distance prevented physical contact I still felt it across the miles. I was never alone. Most of the people in our circle don't even know there was even a situation yet, because we just didn't have enough information to share before it all evaporated like a bad dream, but they were there beside me anyway because of my trust in their deep friendship. It has turned out to be a blessing in disguise to be reminded of the faces of all these people who would selflessly step up to help in whatever way possible. Hugs to them all!

     As you consider all the things for which you are grateful this Thanksgiving ... become a gift to someone else by reaching out and simply touching them.

Handshake with a Stranger

     Our weekly shopping had been completed and the bags of groceries were tucked away in the trunk of the car. This part of the routine typically follows eating breakfast at a favorite restaurant. The logic behind this is the advice that one should never go to the supermarket on an empty stomach, or else you'll end up at the cash register loaded down with lots of impulse items (usually high calorie). Personally, I haven't noticed my stomach and brain communicating with each other any better after breakfast than before, but I'm not one to turn down a delicious omelet ... so I'm willing to keep testing the theory.

     Only one errand remained before heading back home to spend a rainy day indoors. The fuel gauge on the car was registering 1/4 full. I pulled into a station, far enough forward so that my husband would be standing under the awning instead of in the drizzling rain. That put me close enough to notice several stickers in the window of the vehicle parked directly ahead of me.

     I leaned forward (stupid bi-focals) and realized that the gentleman who owned the car was a veteran. He displayed the branch of service, the company he had been assigned to, and a specific battle in which he had participated. I opened my car door and stepped out, calling out, "Sir?" He turned to me and shook his head, "I don't hear well." The stranger slowly walked toward me, and I stepped toward him while pointing to the stickers on his back window.

     "I just wanted to thank you for your service, especially with Veterans' Day coming up this week." I held out my hand; he returned my smile with his own as we exchanged a friendly handshake.

     All politics aside, right or wrong, ... world history wears a human face. Thank you for the freedom I enjoyed this morning to eat a hearty breakfast, shop from a plentiful selection of produce, fill my car with gas and return to my warm home. Thank you.

Song of Gratitude

     I'm listening to a community of sparrows and finches chattering at the bird feeder, discussing the weather and putting in a request for increased rations to see them through the changing seasons. Twenty years ago this area was bordered by fields and farms, but their habitat has shrunk with demands for human houses and a shopping center. My feathered friends are finding it more difficult to find food and water without assistance. I'm happy to be able to provide for them and am rewarded by songs of gratitude.

     This is also a season when thoughts typically turn to providing a little extra help for people who have found themselves without employment, losing their home, experiencing a health crisis, or some other critical life-altering situation. Just putting adequate food on the table can be a challenge.

     Hunger is a 365-days-a-year problem and as thoughtful as providing a traditional holiday meal at a shelter may seem, it isn't enough. My husband and I discovered that long after the Food Donation Barrels disappear, the grocery store where we shop continues to donate to an organization which distributes food throughout the year. We add a contribution each week which goes directly into our community.

     Long ago when life was rough, I made "Ketchup Soup" because that's all I had. Receiving a box of rice or a package of beans would have meant the world to me. If you are able, please pay it forward and share a little when you can. If you are in an economic position where this is not possible, then I hope the generosity of others will reach you and restore your spirit.

Flying with One Wing

"We are each of us angels with only one wing,

and we can only fly by embracing each other."

-- Luciano deCrescenzo

     It's not necessary to believe in angels to understand the wisdom of supporting each other. I keep this quote behind the mirror of my medicine cabinet where I can be reminded a minimum of twice a day, that I am not Super Woman, nor is anyone (besides myself) expecting me to leap tall buildings.

     There are days (make that weeks) that I should probably consider pinning this message to my shirt, because I over-extend myself. Oh, yes, I can fly with one wing. The problem is flying without adequate encouragement and assistence makes me tire easily and, predictably, travel in circles without any forward momentum.

     Asking for and accepting help is a humbling experience. Sometimes I'm able to pay it forward by being the giver and other times I'm the one who needs a little boost. It all works out in the end. 

     I'm inviting you to come fly with me. I don't know where I'm going, but getting there is half the fun! 

      

Under Construction

Please be patient and come back again soon. Thank you for visiting!