Another beautifully written and thought provoking piece this week. I liked your answer to the question posed and it got me thinking about how I would answer. To be loved and feel contented in our daily lives is as much as I could ask for. I am 65 and am grateful for every day that I wake up feeling refreshed and healthy. More things to be grateful for. You are an inspiration and I think ‘inspiring others’ should be added to who you are.
If all I do is to love and be loved by friends and family as I pass away, I really do think I shall be an extremely lucky person. It's a heavy topic, isn't it?
It's true. It's a given that it will happen and acceptance would surely make it less traumatic. I know I'm generalising but there's much to said for acceptance.
I agree Prue - it all comes back to love, becoming more loving and more grateful with every year. Life really is lovely and focusing on all the small joys makes it even lovelier. Thats a wonderful legacy to give to those we leave behind.
It will be a legacy by default, I suppose, Leanne. They will have observed and perhaps learned that life can come down to very simple things. But hopefully they will see that it is entirely worth it.
Oh Prue, this is so beautiful. This gentle post about, well, actually, everything that's important, is one I will be spending time pondering. I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend, but wow, the love you described as shown by everyone at his wake, that's very special.
Thank you, Rebecca. It was actually a really tough question and I went through a few iterations before my answer (for me) arrived.
Truly, the wake was the thing. Perhaps we get too familiar with love within a family so that it isn't as remarkable to us. But last weekend, I FELT the love for David. It was humbling and such an eye-opener.
Thank you, re heron. The untidy lines of the head are all concealed under the heron's head feathers (leather and metal).
Lovely thoughtful post Prue. Soft lambs, gentle blossoms, and a gorgeous heron. And all you need is Love. (Great recording by Nat King Cole btw). A good question to ponder at this time in one's life, and the wake of your friend sounded both tender and joyful along with the love. What more can we ask for?
You know, whenever I go to a funeral, I always come away washed out and exhausted. But Gavan arranged this beautiful celebration that was funny and relaxed and joyful. There was no funeral - that had been very private a few weeks ago. This was exactly a manifestation of David's life for his friends and so the love just flowed naturally, uncontrived.
I thought it was serendipity that I was pointed toward Rootsie's post by Elizabeth Beggins and thence pointed to Baur's post from Rootsie's post. Life is awfully spooky sometimes...
Ah, Nat King Cole. I don't think there's ever been a song of his I haven't loved. I grew up with them and they make me feel quite young again!
Love and gratitude, yes! Always, but especially more aware after a series of health crises. With the state of unrest in the USA, I try to stay present and joyful. Thank you, as always for your timely posts!
This winter just past, I was terrified I wouldn't make it through all the surgeries. I felt weak, insipid and there were a couple of times where I did cry. Not from pain but from anxiety and frustration. It did give me food for thought. Baur's post lit the fire, I guess. I am grateful to her. Do read it if you have time.
Behind all those exquisite lambkins and extraordinary stitching (beyond impressed that you are able to do this incidentally, you must have such strong fingers!) I do feel the pull and weight of your sadness, Prue. You are so resilient but it's hard when someone that you love passes - for me, all the other griefs come tumbling back, wanting to be unravelled all over again. Awful. But also, as you say, so fortunate to have had friends and loved ones because in my book, after that, everything else is kind of icing on top.
I love that you shared all this today and the photos as well. I was reading it first thing with coffee and have re-read and ruminated a few times. Also, appreciated the link at the top! You always have the best recommendations! (Winkie face implied here)! Take care xo
I’ve been to two ‘Celebrations of life’ in the past month. So much more joyful than a funeral. One had only recently died and the room seemed full of his presence! Sigh. Sending hugs. Stay warm. 🤗🤗
Feeling the quiet tug of appreciation and affinity, Prue. There is so much -- SO MUCH -- more than "I." I hope the two of us get the chance to meet some day, in person, or beyond. Thank you.
Your metal threadwork is stunning - as are the wildflowers. As for who I want to be when I die? For me it's a legacy thing - what (rather than how much) will I be leaving ie what have I brought to the world? Food for thought...
So much there to consider and to think upon....I am a similar age, and having watched Dad turn 100 (no congrats from anyone wanted other than our family) and then finally get his wish...to die...some 6 weeks and 5 days later, I know I don't want to live that long. He did very well as an independent person in a lovely community of 0ver 55s but Covid years, and advancing fraility and macular degeneration saw his world of socialisation shrink. We, are in our mid seventies and both have chronic health conditions but we are so grateful to be in Australia, and within a part of Sydney where we receive excellent medical care. I loved your photos of Spring where you are.
And I am so sorry about the death of a friend and memories that come with friendships and who we love and are not longer here
Macular degen was one of Mum's ailments and it truly upset her last two years. That and sustained fallout from serious ligament and tendon damage. It was sad to see her independence literally cut off at the knees. It's perhaps where I learned the deepest lessons in life - that it doesn't matter what one might do, what one might achieve, what one might have.
In the end, all if all there is is to love and be loved, then that is enough for me.
You approached a difficult topic with so much honesty and grace. I too am at the stage of life, where I start thinking more deeply about the years I have left. I agree wholeheartedly: I can’t think of anything more important than to love and be loved.
I so enjoyed your pics!! I am full of admiration, seeing you doing your ballet soon after your surgeries, despite discomfort. You keep me inspired to keep moving!
I’m so happy to hear the new lambkins are coming along beautifully! Do you have 500 *new* lambs??? It sounds like your early spring turned back to winter. Still, may the new babies thrive this season! PS I love hearing about your farm 😊
I think I would like to be known as kind and that I was loved loved by friends and family.
I think of my Aunt and Uncle who are getting very frail at 89 and they are kind and very much loved by their immediate family and my family I feel blessed and greatful to have them for whatever time they have left. (looking forward to seeing them on Friday when we travel up)
Another beautifully written and thought provoking piece this week. I liked your answer to the question posed and it got me thinking about how I would answer. To be loved and feel contented in our daily lives is as much as I could ask for. I am 65 and am grateful for every day that I wake up feeling refreshed and healthy. More things to be grateful for. You are an inspiration and I think ‘inspiring others’ should be added to who you are.
Thank you so much, Rosy.
If all I do is to love and be loved by friends and family as I pass away, I really do think I shall be an extremely lucky person. It's a heavy topic, isn't it?
It is indeed, Prue. But somehow, that seems enough.
Perhaps it is heavy, but it seems like facing one’s end with curiosity and courage will make life between now and then more meaningful.
It's true. It's a given that it will happen and acceptance would surely make it less traumatic. I know I'm generalising but there's much to said for acceptance.
I agree Prue - it all comes back to love, becoming more loving and more grateful with every year. Life really is lovely and focusing on all the small joys makes it even lovelier. Thats a wonderful legacy to give to those we leave behind.
It will be a legacy by default, I suppose, Leanne. They will have observed and perhaps learned that life can come down to very simple things. But hopefully they will see that it is entirely worth it.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Oh Prue, this is so beautiful. This gentle post about, well, actually, everything that's important, is one I will be spending time pondering. I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend, but wow, the love you described as shown by everyone at his wake, that's very special.
Your heron is absolutely stunning. 😍
Thank you, Rebecca. It was actually a really tough question and I went through a few iterations before my answer (for me) arrived.
Truly, the wake was the thing. Perhaps we get too familiar with love within a family so that it isn't as remarkable to us. But last weekend, I FELT the love for David. It was humbling and such an eye-opener.
Thank you, re heron. The untidy lines of the head are all concealed under the heron's head feathers (leather and metal).
Lovely thoughtful post Prue. Soft lambs, gentle blossoms, and a gorgeous heron. And all you need is Love. (Great recording by Nat King Cole btw). A good question to ponder at this time in one's life, and the wake of your friend sounded both tender and joyful along with the love. What more can we ask for?
You know, whenever I go to a funeral, I always come away washed out and exhausted. But Gavan arranged this beautiful celebration that was funny and relaxed and joyful. There was no funeral - that had been very private a few weeks ago. This was exactly a manifestation of David's life for his friends and so the love just flowed naturally, uncontrived.
I thought it was serendipity that I was pointed toward Rootsie's post by Elizabeth Beggins and thence pointed to Baur's post from Rootsie's post. Life is awfully spooky sometimes...
Ah, Nat King Cole. I don't think there's ever been a song of his I haven't loved. I grew up with them and they make me feel quite young again!
Love and gratitude, yes! Always, but especially more aware after a series of health crises. With the state of unrest in the USA, I try to stay present and joyful. Thank you, as always for your timely posts!
It's a pleasure, Susan.
This winter just past, I was terrified I wouldn't make it through all the surgeries. I felt weak, insipid and there were a couple of times where I did cry. Not from pain but from anxiety and frustration. It did give me food for thought. Baur's post lit the fire, I guess. I am grateful to her. Do read it if you have time.
Take care.
Behind all those exquisite lambkins and extraordinary stitching (beyond impressed that you are able to do this incidentally, you must have such strong fingers!) I do feel the pull and weight of your sadness, Prue. You are so resilient but it's hard when someone that you love passes - for me, all the other griefs come tumbling back, wanting to be unravelled all over again. Awful. But also, as you say, so fortunate to have had friends and loved ones because in my book, after that, everything else is kind of icing on top.
I love that you shared all this today and the photos as well. I was reading it first thing with coffee and have re-read and ruminated a few times. Also, appreciated the link at the top! You always have the best recommendations! (Winkie face implied here)! Take care xo
Ah, funerals. Perhaps that's another post in itself. And not in a sad way...
I’ve been to two ‘Celebrations of life’ in the past month. So much more joyful than a funeral. One had only recently died and the room seemed full of his presence! Sigh. Sending hugs. Stay warm. 🤗🤗
Exactly so, Beth. 'Full of his presence'...
XXXX
Feeling the quiet tug of appreciation and affinity, Prue. There is so much -- SO MUCH -- more than "I." I hope the two of us get the chance to meet some day, in person, or beyond. Thank you.
Wouldn't that be fantastic? Let's hope it can happen as I feel I've known you in a past life.
If in the beyond, do you mind me taking the shape of a sea-eagle? Or a dog? ;)
I think we will recognize each other no matter what! 😊
Your metal threadwork is stunning - as are the wildflowers. As for who I want to be when I die? For me it's a legacy thing - what (rather than how much) will I be leaving ie what have I brought to the world? Food for thought...
Thank you, Joanne.
For me, love IS the legacy. That my family and friends have felt it, feel it now and will do into the future so that perhaps they can pay it forward.
So much there to consider and to think upon....I am a similar age, and having watched Dad turn 100 (no congrats from anyone wanted other than our family) and then finally get his wish...to die...some 6 weeks and 5 days later, I know I don't want to live that long. He did very well as an independent person in a lovely community of 0ver 55s but Covid years, and advancing fraility and macular degeneration saw his world of socialisation shrink. We, are in our mid seventies and both have chronic health conditions but we are so grateful to be in Australia, and within a part of Sydney where we receive excellent medical care. I loved your photos of Spring where you are.
And I am so sorry about the death of a friend and memories that come with friendships and who we love and are not longer here
Denyse
Macular degen was one of Mum's ailments and it truly upset her last two years. That and sustained fallout from serious ligament and tendon damage. It was sad to see her independence literally cut off at the knees. It's perhaps where I learned the deepest lessons in life - that it doesn't matter what one might do, what one might achieve, what one might have.
In the end, all if all there is is to love and be loved, then that is enough for me.
You approached a difficult topic with so much honesty and grace. I too am at the stage of life, where I start thinking more deeply about the years I have left. I agree wholeheartedly: I can’t think of anything more important than to love and be loved.
I so enjoyed your pics!! I am full of admiration, seeing you doing your ballet soon after your surgeries, despite discomfort. You keep me inspired to keep moving!
I’m so happy to hear the new lambkins are coming along beautifully! Do you have 500 *new* lambs??? It sounds like your early spring turned back to winter. Still, may the new babies thrive this season! PS I love hearing about your farm 😊
Yup, 500 new lambs...
Spring is such a fussy time of year - should I be hot, warm, cold, freezing! I wish it'd just make up its mind!!!!
I didn’t realize you and your family had such a large farm! Sending all positive thoughts and vibes to your lambkins 😊
It's chicken feed compared to many fodder and sheep properties, Susan but we all love it!
I think I would like to be known as kind and that I was loved loved by friends and family.
I think of my Aunt and Uncle who are getting very frail at 89 and they are kind and very much loved by their immediate family and my family I feel blessed and greatful to have them for whatever time they have left. (looking forward to seeing them on Friday when we travel up)
Beautiful, Libby.