Healing

So, i'm just jumping back in here.  Yes, i'm still here.  It's been a very busy few months.  We have been getting Mark's parent's home ready to sell.  It has been a very big undertaking.  Where do you even begin?  Packing up, giving away, keeping, honoring and sorting through a lifetime of love?  So many treasures and memories.  It's overwhelming.  I'm thankful that my mom and mark's brother were able to devote so much time and energy to the task with me.  The house went on the market yesterday.

We still have much to do.  We were in a hurry to take advantage of the spring market, so we packed much of their things and brought them over to our house.  There is still a lot of sorting to do.  I've never felt more motivated to get my own home organized in my life.  {the main reason i have been absent here}  I have a new clarity about the worth of things...and a new appreciation for letting things go.  I'm very sentimental and have always been a keeper.  But, after this experience i want so badly to pare my possessions down to what is truly important and meaningful.  When you really examine what you own, and you look at it from that perspective, it's easy and liberating to purge the excess and make room in your life for what really matters. 

I'm using the same approach when it comes to my health and the health of my family.  We ate our way through our grief.  Comfort food.  'nuff said.  It's time to prioritize and get serious about it.  And honestly, it feels good.

Through it all, we have been surrounded by love.  From both friends and family.  So much kindness and support and understanding.  I am STILL writing thank you notes.  Having been on the receiving end of this outpouring of love, i just want to say that every little message, hug, smile and gesture has meant so much.  I know how awkward it is...not knowing what to say...how to say it.  But, just know that it all helps.  I only hope and pray that i can be that kind of light for others when they are in need. 

As early as i can remember, my grandmother and mom have both always had a candle on their countertops in their kitchens, which they would light as an offering in prayer...in the midst of their busy everyday lives.  i think it's a Catholic thing, primarily, but i don't see why anyone can't do it.  Whatever is on your heart...light a candle and say a prayer.  It's that simple.  My grandmother had these big chunky candles that would melt over time and eventually would reveal a plastic Virgin Mary statue.  as a kid, it was kinda magical and i loved them.  i have continued this tradition and often buy those tall, colorful Jesus votive candles in the Mexican food aisle in my grocery store.  My store also sells some that are simply clear glass and i of course only see that as a blank canvas. 

So i made these...

I found those words on Pinterest, but i don't know their origin.  If anyone out there does, i would love to credit them.  It sooooo speaks to me.  I have put them in my etsy store because i posted that picture on instagram and was happily surprised at how much interest they got.  They're sparkly and pretty and hopefully encourage prayer.  They're available here.

I pray that you all know how much i appreciate you and that you are blessed with much happiness!

Here's to happier days ahead! xo

 

Comments

[Angela Giles Klocke]

(((HUGS))) Glad you're back. The candles are gorgeous!