Unexpected Blessings

While talking with my Mother last night, we spent time discussing the last 5 years -- from Columbus, to Cleveland and back to Columbus.

Moving from Columbus to Cleveland with Michael being so very sick was hard. At the same time he found himself -- actually, we found ourselves -- among a group of friends who accepted him and excepted and loved him unconditionally despite his illness. He could be who he was to be nurtured and heal to the best of his ability in the company of true friends. We didn't have that in Columbus.

Moving back to Columbus was hard. I had to leave our house, my friends, my comfort zone to come back to a place that had become unknown. What I found here was new work, wonderful friends, and unconditional love. I have entered a world where people love me despite where I've been and for the difficulties I've faced. Had I stayed in Cleveland, I wouldn't have had this opportunity to heal without all of the baggage I collected while there.

It's an amazing life that buoys us all in support -- even in the darkest moments and most difficult choices in our lives.

With great gratitude for it all on this Thanksgiving...Wishing everyone a beautiful holiday season and a year where we all have the gift of offering thanks every day.

clevelandsnewstory.com

It seems to me that the new story is the same old story with the same old cheerleaders.

As an outsider who was a pseudoinsider and is now clearly an outsider looking in, I see the irony of the well-heeled flower children and the microbloggers superimposed against the impoverished and jobless.

I see alot of talking, drinking, brainstorming; I see no action.

I see the desire to be a role model, but I see no acceptance of collaboration or ideas from the outside.

Growth and strength come from walking that razor's edge; from listening to self and listening to other and creating a co-mingled reality.

Let's see if that can happen at www.clevelandsnewstory.com. Let's hope Cleveland rises to its real challenges. Many have a lingering love that would shine a light on the rebirth of that city.

NoNoNo

Today was a strange one...funny, as my friend Mary would say, "in a cartoon world.

Everyone saying, "No." "We can't." "We won't." "Ugh, no -- you surely won't."

In a world where a simple word can sometimes inspire greatness and other times dash all hopes, why lead with negatives -- why not lead with strength?

Why let "no" be the word of the day?

Why let "no" be the word of the day when we are talking about a new school...about our children? Let's work together to turn "no" into "I think we can find a way." "I believe in our talent." "I will invest in my community." "I will engage now so that I might create the brightest future."

...for us all.

My Pain is Not Yours

...nor is your pain mine.

I cannot know your sorrows; neither can I take them on.

I know that I must live life that is support of my joy, and in doing so I may be there for you even in your pain. For I can feel sadness for your pain, but I cannot take the journey that releases that pain for you. It is yours to walk.

Let me live in my joy; welcome me to join in celebration of yours.

That is there where our lives intertwine.

Passages

The first week of November

November 2008
In love, I am mesmerized by the world and embracing change

November 2007
Newly widowed, I felt the warm comfort of community

November 2004
With concern for my safety and life, I rose to the challenges of loving

November 2001
I sat in the bonds of new friendship; we, providing comfort to my uncle as he was dieing

..--..--..--..--..--..--..--..--..--..--

These years have taught me much that I wish to most gently share with those who embrace the lessons.

Living

"For hope, contrary to popular belief is tantamount to resignation. And to live is to not be resigned." ~ Albert Camus