“When Life Hands You Joy in Clusters: Learning to Hold the Good Moments Close”

Within the last month I have attended the wedding of a dear friend’s daughter, been on a glorious boat ride with girlfriends, had breakfast with neighbors who proved to be the best ones I have ever had, had a lovely surprise dinner party given in my honor, started taking Mahjong (Chinese board game) classes, had a much-needed visit from my grandchildren and former daughter-in-law, played the piano at my monthly music club, received a good report from my annual physical, and attended my family reunion where it was evident healing has occurred in relationships I hold most dear. What a time I have had! These were all very happy moments. I hugged a lot and smiled a lot. Today, I am just being more quiet than usual as I marinate in the memories. My heart feels full. I am taking it all in because I know that life does not always include so many happy times in quick succession.

I relish the joyous times because it was but a short time ago when bad news kept hitting me in waves; one right after another. So much so that I could barely catch my breath. That’s just the way life is sometimes. There is no prescribed script, no cues about the next scene. It just happens and you find yourself trying to find your footing so that you stand in just the right place to make the scene end. And then it doesn’t. It is in those moments that I remind myself that this particular story will end and another will start. All I have to do and can do is stay alert to the signs that each day begins anew and as long as I breathe I get another opportunity to play again. 

Lou