All of the time we live by the watchwords of “Don’t get overwhelmed.” This meaning don’t let the bad stuff become too much. Keep in charge of the situation in other words. But this week has been exceptional in a little different way.
What do you think of a week that was full of remarkably good things to be on the verge of overwhelming. Not that everything was easy or unchallenging but it all was exceptional. Maybe I can power through this now and give you a rough idea.
Wednesday was my and Our Jennifer’s big every other week big treatment day. This is such a hurtle to get over and it isn’t always pretty but we did it once again. That was Wednesday and it is an all day project.
Then Thursday morning we received a blessing from Father Marc at St John Vianney’s here on the Island. He is such a positive warm person and so supportive of our mission. This is so inspirational to have this kind of backup.
Then back to the hospital on Friday to complete our treatment. Sister Joyce saw us afterward for an hour at her office. She was on her A game for us, all guns firing, if I can say that about a Sister. After hearing what was new with us she gave us a talk on the “thin moments” of life. These are moments when the distance between us and God is very close, when the veil is very thin. These are the moments that we would love to repeat, to experience again and again and again. Maybe specifically it would be the birth of a child or intense beauty or witnessing a heroic moment. We know it by our longing to get back there. These “thin moments” are glimpses of heaven according to Sister Joyce. Yes. This is rich juice to get us through the low times.
And then this morning I spent some time with friends talking with Art Kopecky who is president of Telious. This is an organization that oversees over a hundred men’s small group bible classes in Western Washington. I have been going to one on the Island for ten years now. And my other great connection is that Art walked the Camino this last summer and I had a chance to help with his preparation. Also a cool detail is that he took my walking sticks and used them and they went across again. Anyway, it a shot in the arm to be with him and just another good thing for me.
OK, just one more. I told you that I am overwhelmed. Then this early morning was one of my talks with the cancer messenger. He had me looking at a miniature scene like a diorama in a museum or interpretive center. It was a rectangular expanse of forest and we were looking down on the canopy. This was so thick that the ground could not be seen from our vantage point. It was clear to me, though implied, that there was a trail down there beneath somewhere to be walked and we were looking down on it in a bird’s eye view. And he said, “This is the day that you have.” Yes, simultaneously clear and obscure.
Well, there you have it. Have to go Skype with Angela in Australia. It’s all happening, this is the day that we have, love, Felipe.
Dana always says: “We have this present moment,” especially when we receive “bad” news, news that someone whom we love has died or is facing some difficult suffering. Being aware in the moment lets us experience those “thin moments” that Sister Joyce talked about. The beauty of the person, the scene, the experience is so beautiful, so perfect and so fleeting or impermanent that we are deeply moved by it. The Japanese actually have a name for the experience and it’s attendant feelings of tender awe and melancholy: “mono no awari”. So Felipe, we have this moment to walk together. I am so grateful for your friendship, your mentorship and your good self.
Catherine ~ the thin moment is what we live for in the end. Thanks for walking with me, love, Felipe.
Ahh, yes, this is the day that we have. I’ve been thinking alot about how a great tree falls in the forest. (There’s a Maya Angelou poem and more of a story). There were so many trees that fell around Fisher Pond. I’m writing this thinking there is a connection with your birds eye view of the forest. And I think about when great trees fall, the forest is forever changed. More light. New growth. Different critters come and occupy the space. the tree returns to the earth and nourishes the forest around it. What does all that mean? I’m not sure. But you are a great tree in the forest. It’s not your time to fall. I love the privilege of witnessing your process. You are indeed such a mentor for me, and a blessed good friend. Buen camiono, dear Felipe.
Dana ~ the feeling I got looking down at the “forest” was that it was a space that I was supposed to transverse. It was a day’s walk like on a Brierley map. But the trail was hidden, yet to be discovered. But it was a unit, one walk, one finite space, one day. Yup, Felipe.
Oh, and it was Joanna Macy who said (actually) “We have this moment”. And we do.
Big love, dana
Dana ~ well then, we will have to drink to Joanna, I would think. Love, Felipe.
“Thin moments” Wow. I have a lot to think about. I was told, and I do believe, that the Camino is place where the veil is thin. Perhaps that is why it has such an impact on those who walk it. I also believe that because the veil is thin, it is easier to commune with those on the other side. It definitely was for me 🙂 <3 Love you, Egg Man! Going to sleep pondering "Thin moments".
Annie ~ miss hanging out with you like the olden days. Thank Sister Joyce for clarification on this one. She is always worth the price of admission. The best to you, love, Felipe.