That Place of Deep Silence

I received news today that stopped me in my tracks, that completely took my breath away.  News that moved me into that place of deep silence.  News that is really not that surprising, given the times in which we live.  News that might have been expected after phone calls received last evening.  And yet.  The news hit like that wave that catches you on the shore and tosses you violently face first into the sand.  The news that ripples out to dozens and dozens of family and friends, tossing them as well.  Everyone given the news broken open.

It seems fitting to post today.  It's not every day that grabs your heart and squeezes it thus.  Given this blog is all about the soul and things that matter most, today I write.

Yesterday I received the first of the two COVID-19 vaccines.  I am joining in the company of others my age who are graced with the gift of this hopeful drug.  There is so much discussion around this and the social protocols asked of us to try and diminish the spread of the virus.  So much that close family members, neighbors and friends often walk away from each other, unable to come to peace with the others' views.  Today a family member died from complications of COVID-19.  He was too young to be in line for the vaccine and I don't even know if he would want it.  What I do know, is that he died.  And leaves behind so many people who are just not ready to say good bye.  And yet, they have no choice.

I have know this man since he was born.  He is my nephew, even if I divorced myself out of the family years and years and years ago.  My heart aches knowing this family is facing the future with him not here.  I am tired and my whole being aches.  How much more are they suffering.

If you ever read my stuff, you know I am familiar with dying.  Working in hospice for over a dozen years gave me an education that is beyond any school's ability to teach.  Lessons about living as if this day is your last, living life with passion and purpose.  Living with the knowledge not one day more is guaranteed or promised.  

I know this stuff.  And I try to live it.  Reality is, we probably can't stay in the depth of that awareness day to day.  Imagine if every day, you wake up, imagining this one is the last one.  Who would you reach out to?  Where would you spend your time?  What would you want people to know about you?  Who might you forgive?  What frustrations would you simply let go of?  Who will you tell that you love them?  While we may not be able to descend to the depths every day what if we at least try now and then.

Maybe the day you read this, you will be inspired to reach out to someone.  You may be inspired to forgive someone,  Maybe you will try something you always wanted to but were afraid to.  Maybe now is the time.  Maybe today.

Let's live with purpose, with honor, with integrity, with love, with compassion.  Wake up every morning and give thanks for this day.  Rise to the occasion and sing your song.  The song that is yours to sing.

As I end this post, I take a moment to honor "Little Bobby".  I imagine I will inhabit that place of deep silence for some time to come.