Pennies from Heaven

 

Dearly beloved Boxer dog, Jax, is great proof that heaven spills over on earth. The pets, pooches and pussy cats in life absolutely make life more livable, lovable and laughable. Not very chatty yet able to convey a love sublime, special, simple and unconditional. 

How wonderful to have a good dog around who is at once protective, playful, peaceful and precious the best kind of companion without fuss just happy to be there on the ready for a walk, a hug and kiss about the head and furry face. A faithful loyal presence as quiet as he is at times crazy, silly and super sweet, surely what God had in mind when best friends and the most cherished family members we will ever know, were created. Indeed, pets are like pennies and whispers from heaven. A powerful and sometimes prayerful presence equipped with wet kisses and warm bodies to cuddle with and keep you warm in the coldest, cruelest moments of our lives. I🤍Jax 🐾

Dear Mom

Sunday, August 28th, 2016, you would have turned 91 years of age. We gathered to celebrate your life, we laughed and cried, sang and milled about recalling your courage as a single mother and the lessons you taught us. We talked about what a great role model you have been and what a good person you will be remembered as. While we missed your physical presence I know you are at peace resting in a state of perfection with Mark by your side.

My big sister, Sophie, found this laminated prayer among Moms' belongings.

Mom wrote the names of her children around the edge. My sister, Marcie

read the prayer at Mom's burial site on August, 28th, 2016.

I miss you Mom, from a place deep in my core, from a place that is empty yet filled with love and longing. I see your smile, your frown, your beautiful face, the goofy ways you crossed your eyes to rattle my cage and snap me out of myself. I hear your voice so clearly and feel the gentle warmth of your soft hands. I believe you are with me throughout the day and in the still of the night. You are in my heart and soul. I need you to help me through life just as you did in the most subtle and spectacular ways, when you were here in your physical form.

The times you come to mind are frequent and permeates throughout the day-in day-out grind, just as before. I know you are present in more ways than I can fully comprehend. What a special place you will always have in my very being. I hope I am a good reflection of you and your great spirit, your compassion, your sense of fairness and kindness. In the good times and fiery times we loved each other through them all as the love and respect prevailed and you kept us all in tact. Your children, family and friends revere you and look up to the sold citizen you were, your sense of decency and loyalty to those you loved and cared for are still in place.

I love you so dearly Mom, the layers of life we shared, the faith you maintained throughout your life on earth proved time and again how important it is to hold on to hope, to do the right thing and get on with life peacefully. I hold on to you tightly yet tenderly and I am happy for you where you are in all of your glory with the Lord, where you prayed to be some day. I am thankful for you that we were appointed to one another and I am grateful for the hard and soft lessons I learned from you. THANK YOU MOM! I know your first birthday in Heaven was something wonderful, even more wonderful than the precious memories of you.

Sincerely yours,

Marlena

It's All Good ~

There is a place where it is all good and calm, clean, healthy of mind, body and spirit, secure, safe and beautiful. It is where love and peace dwell and all is well, where blessings are itemized, the inventory vast, constant miracles abound and whispers from heaven, common. With a keen sense of appreciation for countless blessings received I wrap humble gratitude around my heart like the warm glow of fire underneath the massive hearth.

I pray we access the sacred place of peace in the midst of doubt and despair. I wish the young and old, forgotten and forsaken, the mistreated and traumatized from all walks of life in every part of the world would find the peaceful, perfect powerful place they long for. For light in dark places where suffering and fear are no longer constant companions nor reality so harsh. I pray consolation overthrows what seems hopeless and joy hastens to diminish sorrow.

It's not all good and not quite clear as to why anguish, anger, greed, hate and oppression become main languages spoken. One person lives with chronic mental, emotional or physical pain while another lavishes in the pleasures of life. If only life were fair and provided equal distribution of love, compassion, happiness, where kindness and respect are the first and last order of the day and we realize every moment in between is an opportunity to make it all good.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

“I arise today
Through the strength of heaven:
Light of sun,
Radiance of moon,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of wind,
Depth of sea,
Stability of earth,
Firmness of rock.”

~from Saint Patrick’s ‘Breastplate’ Prayer

Miracles Abound ♥

♥♥♪♥♥♥♥♥♥☼♥♥♥♥♫♥♥♥♥☺♥♥♥♥☺♥♥♥♫♥♥☼♥♥♪

Spiritual Dwelling

The business of death and dying is tricky business, death is tough on the emotions and involves core feelings, gut wrenching, reality-checking things. The finality of death can leave loved one's weary, winded, in shock, kind of numb and overwhelmed with grief.

Many fascinating aspects of death, the manner in which one die's, the age and other circumstances surrounding a death can have much bearing on the degree of mourning that takes place.

When the last breath of life is exhaled, the first breath in heaven, is inhaled- this is something I heard at a funaral years ago right around the time I most needed to hear it. It is an idea that I find very comforting, when there is a death that is close to me.

Mysteries prevail, as well as my faith in the presence of ultimate goodness, sacredness, life giving, spirit lifting perfection, a spiritual dwelling beyond human limitations and understanding.