BLESSINGS ABOUND

Having been dealing with personal financial "issues" with the government for over a year now, and being mortally depressed by the state of said government under the current administration, I've had to rely on love, understanding, and more than a little support from others. Not wishing to sink to the level of leaving this formidable mess, I've been using many affirmations, pep talks, prayers, and spiritual websites and books to keep me at some level of sanity. After speaking with four different friends in the past week on several different topics and hearing from others via email, I reminded myself this morning to recognize the richness of having so much love in my life. It reminded me of a poem I've had bookmarked in a volume of Leaves of Gold, which was given to me by one of my best friends (now deceased) when I was going through a divorce at the tender age of 20.  

Old Friendship

by Eunice Tietjens

Beautiful and rich is an old friendship,                 

Grateful to the touch as ancient ivory,

Smooth as aged wine, or sheen of tapestry

Where light has lingered, intimate and long.

Full of tears and warm is an old friendship

That asks no longer deeds of gallantry

Or any deed at all -- save that the friend shall be

Alive and breathing somewhere, like a song.

I am blessed with friends not only from my high school years (still breathing like a song), but also newer ones. I treasure the high school friends that I have reconnected with, and friends I made so many years ago -- some as long as 50 years ago, that still correspond with me. When I begin to feel a sadness overtake me, I shake myself, and thank God and the Universe for such an abundance of riches! Even though we may not see each other in person, there is joy in the communications we share.

Ahh, then I am delighted to have a new friend show up in my life from time to time. As I rarely go out anymore except for medical or dental appointments (this will change soon, as my daughter's new residence is less than 5-minutes away), the Universe has taken to moving someone in next door to rattle my thoughts and become a new friend. The latest happens to be a lovely woman around the age of my children. She's from the mid-west, and until recently
she worked from home for the U.S. government. Our latest talks revealed the concerns she has on the government shutdown. She is one of the ones
placed on furlough. Luckily, she is a smart, savvy woman who has a savings account to keep her afloat if the shutdown doesn't go on forever. Not married, and having no children to come to her rescue (as I do) if things got really tough, my own fears seem minuscule in comparison. I am determined to put a damper on my complaints when talking to others

Just a few friends..I need new photos, please!

This self-absorbed reflection on my personal life is something I guess I really needed to do to get out of my blue funk, and to express my gratitude for all the friends and loved ones in my life. Now that it is out of the way, I am going to share the good news that abounds in the lives of my loving family. My grandchildren in particular have had lots of interesting events going on. Many of us got together Christmas for good food, music, fun and laughter. Lots of news since my last posting. It will have to wait until next time.

Love and Peace,

Marilyn