Facing the death of a loved one once again, I am reminded of a few comforting words I learned a couple decades ago which always give me strength and perspective.

Life is of a love which flows gently through our hearts.

Without experiencing death, one cannot comprehend how Life is Love, and Love is Life.

To my mother in law: You'll soon be home. Your strength, faith, and convictions have inspired me greatly. It's been an honor and a privilege to be the daughter you never had. I love you Mom and your love will always flow within me.

post script: One hour after writing this, we got "the call". Yes, somehow....I "just knew". Thank God the extreme pain this sweet woman endured for years is over. She's gone, but never forgotten....her love lives on in the hearts and souls of those who love her.

Facing the circle of life this week. Depth of emotion overdrive. As my mom-in-law always said, "Growing old is not for sissy's or the weak of heart." So ironic this lovely women lived to the age of 78 after having open heart surgery at the age of 30. Proof that love alone, freely given, gives one the strength of a thousand men.

Yet another example of why I take time to smell the flowers, exercise my ass off to stay healthy, and appreciate every little nuance of every moment in life to its fullest.

Life IS too short...

I have a dear friend who shared some terrific news recently. After years and years of struggling, good fortune is finally smiling upon them. She swears thinking, "stable, abundant income" helped. She has a friend who put that phrase on a business card in her pocket and her husband has stayed employed even through dept. layoffs, a first! Another friend of hers sold her house 2 weeks before foreclosure.

Hmm...to consider the power of positive thinking. It can't hurt.

So for a Christmas wish I think I'll wish for this....stable, abundant income for all my friends and family! :)