To all the things I’ve ever lost, couldn’t change, hurt me or, I had to let go of, THANK YOU for setting me free.
You taught me how to cope, how to survive, how to shift my perspective, how to adjust to change, how to process loss, how to receive and accept the unexpected and, you taught me humility.
Most importantly, you taught me how to accept “what is”, without judgement, to be a curious observer and to relinquish the need to “control”.
As the age-of-grace settles in and our hearts soften, we begin to see life through the warmth of our authentic selves, and see life for how she is supposed to be;
~gentle
~compassionate
~loving
and
~simple
We begin to remember the loving little souls we were, before the outside world got its messy hands on us and pushed us off our path.
This latter stage of life, when the wisdom and experience we’ve acquired over decades is firmly planted, might be the most beautiful stage of life as we begin to see things as they really are. We shine brighter, letting go of the regrets, the fears, the behaviours, and material possessions that have weighed us down.
And, although our physical beauty may begin to fade, there’s a new beauty that blossoms, one that whispers a loving caution to those who follow, urging them to let go and live with lighter hearts and tender souls.
But like “us”, the ones who follow, must live their learning, and, if they’re lucky, they too will reach this gentle point in life when they look back and realize they made life too hard, too complicated, perhaps too angry, too chaotic and too cluttered, and, they’ll realize, it didn’t have to be this way.
On any day, in any moment, we can decide to live gently, compassionately, simply and shine brighter than we ever have. Because one day we all reach an age-of- grace where we look back and wish we had.
Thirty four years ago (Feb– 1991), my two sons, Korey 5, Ryan 7, and I, stepped off the plane on to the icy tarmac at Cranbrook airport. We had just moved 900 kilometers away from the people and city that had always been our home.
I had accepted the position of chief of administration at the Canada Employment Centre in Cranbrook in hopes of building a new and better life for my children, and, thanks to the community of Cranbrook, I did. Cranbrook provided my boys and I with a life we would never have had in the city.
Sledding at Idlewild Park, hiking the many forest and mountain trails surrounding us, swimming in Jim Smith and Moyie Lakes, time spent exploring Fort Steel, attending Kooteney Ice hockey games, the fun we had skiing Kimberly, Fernie and Invermere. Weekends in Creston with my cousin Val, auntie Margaret, uncle John, Alicia, and Daria, and time spent with great friends from my work with the Canada employment centre, the College of the Rockies, Cranbrook Cubs and Scouts, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, and the United Way. These times will forever be some of the happiest moments of my life, and definitely the best days spent with my sons.
Ryan is no longer with us, however, a few short months before his passing in 2013, he sent me a letter thanking me for moving him and his brother to Cranbrook. He beautifully described his childhood adventures and how grateful he was that he had the opportunity to grow up in Cranbrook and experience, the great outdoors the way we had.
So, as I reflect on the 34th anniversary of my move to Cranbrook and Family Day approaches, and, my son Korey approaches his 40th birthday(what!) I’m sending out a whole lot of love to those who became a part of my Cranbrook family. The colleagues and friends that continue to be an important part of my life.
Family whether near or far, is made up not only of those who share our DNA, but those who bring comfort to our lives, help us lay the stones that become our life path, and make our life journeys the extraordinary adventures they should be.
We lived in Cranbrook for almost 15 years, perhaps the best 15 years of my and my children’s lives. So cheers to you Cranbrook! Thank you for our extraordinary and marvellous adventure.
Life’s big beautiful things, really are the small, simple, joyful, things🔆. ~a smile from a stranger ~that first sip of coffee in the morning ~watching the sun rise or set ~the quiet that comes with the snowfall ~a lingering hug ~a hand to hold ~a friend to call ~puttering in a garden ~ hearing a baby laugh ~someone who listens ~a thank you ~ a puppy on your lap ~a heartfelt apology ~a walk in the forest ~walking barefoot on the grass ~the smell of fresh lavender ~ a bubble bath ~feeling the wind caress your face, ~waves rolling onto shore ~sitting next to a crackling campfire ~the colours of autumn leaves ~waking up and feeling well ~peanut butter cups 😋
… and so much more.
The best things, the really good things, are the millions of beautiful, simple (often free) things that help get us through the difficult things.
I hope this day, and every day, is filled with simple, beautiful things that offer you comfort and bring you joy.
When you’re struggling, be aware of who enters your life unexpectedly.
These unexpected souls may be different than those who’ve wandered into your world in the past, they may be here to help or guide you.
If you feel lost, or you’re drowning in the messiness of life, or you’re in pain, you may not recognize these helpers when they arrive, you might even push them away.
Put your ego, judgment and stubbornness aside and accept that they are here to help and guide you through whatever you’re facing.
If you don’t have the strength to reach out for help, accept the help when others reach in.
No matter how strong, brave, smart or tough we think we are, none of us can do this alone.
There are those who have been sent to lift you up, bring comfort, wisdom, healing, and light…..let them.
There’s a funky little soul residing in you who has the answers you’re looking for.
Step away from the busyness, the noise, and the crazy-makers. Then, close your eyes, relax and let that funky perfect little soul speak, now, LISTEN, really LISTEN.
You’re too beautiful, bright and powerful to let negative, toxic people, the madness around you, or the critics stifle your wisdom OR your magic. So don’t let them🪄
The Whimsey Angel 