And Still, We Find a Way…

Sunday, May 3rd

And Still, We Find a Way…

What a beautiful week it’s been. Even amidst all the sadness and hardship this virus has created in our world, people are adapting and persevering, and finding new, creative, and loving ways to connect and gather. Just this morning we watched a live feed of a wedding (Congratulations Valerie and Brandon!!) ~ very different than the one originally planned, but nonetheless indescribably beautiful. It brought laughter and tears and stirred memories of all our years together, not unlike if we’d been able to travel back east and gather in ceremony in person. The bride and groom’s parents watched from different parts of the country, and were “present” on phones set up on tripods so the couple could see them as well. It will no doubt be one of the most memorable weddings we will ever witness in our lifetimes (we wonder if they are still looking for the groom’s ring, which Kosey, the dog ring bearer, lost somewhere in the woods!)!
Yesterday, we participated in a memorial service for one of our Paths community members (our deepest condolences on the loss of your mother, Ann). We were able to provide music in person, though the number of participants was severely restricted, and only 2 people were allowed graveside. Still, maybe because of the restrictions, Betty’s Celebration of Life took on an even greater beauty and significance.
While on the way to the service, we were surprised at a stoplight, when a woman in the car in front of us jumped out of the driver’s seat and up to our window, handing us a small cup of treats with a May Day poem in it ~ “So tired of staying at home, You know we’d rather roam, But we bring you some cheer, ‘Cause May is here! Happy May Day!” To our astonishment and delight, it was actually someone we knew (thank you, Con and Rhonda!), though of course there was no time for words, as the light turned green! What sweet serendipity! And later in the day, we were delivered another May Day gift at our home ~ a viola plant, some flower seeds, a small stone with a message of hope and love, and another May Day poem (thank you, Becky!).
There’s one more poignant and beautiful moment in time we’d like to share from this past week. A group of masked friends gathered (socially distanced) outside the family home of a friend who has just entered hospice. We all signed a huge banner with messages of love and gratitude for all the joy our friend has brought us over the years. At 8 pm, we howled together (as has become the custom in recent weeks), then held up the sign, lit sparklers and candles, and danced wildly to live music (thanks, Dave!) outside our friend’s window (sending so much love B, J, and family!). What a privilege it was to take part in this touching ritual.
Oh, my…such an outpouring of love, kindness, and generosity we bore witness to this week. And we know there are stories like this happening and being shared every day all over the world. This is what we need right now ~ to shine our lights and be there for others in their time of need. As Carrie Newcomer reminds us, “We can do this hard thing” (sending love and light, Deb!). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRGnftH_g4I

With gratitude and love,
Colleen and Mark

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

We’re going to try something new this week! Starting this Sunday, May 3rd, Mark and Colleen will be available each Sunday on Facetime from 10:30 a.m. – noon (when we’d normally be hanging out with you at Paths of Heart).
We’d love to visit with you individually in 10-15 minute increments to just visit or maybe share a poem or a tune that you love. Let us know (you can reply to this newsletter) what time is good for you and we’ll confirm with that time or the closest available. Depending on demand, if all the slots fill up for this week, you’ll be first in line next week! We’ll see how this goes and where it might lead…More is always being revealed!

Gratitudes

We are truly grateful for all the support we’ve had in the past 6 weeks in donations through the mail and on Paypal, even from folks who have never attended Paths of Heart in person. Wow!! It warms our heart that our gatherings and even just our newsletters are an important part of your week and that they bring you inspiration and solace during these days of isolation. Thank you!

This Tuesday, May 5th has been designated #GivingTuesdayNow, a new global day of giving and unity (in addition to the regularly scheduled Dec 1, 2020 #GivingTuesday) serving as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. Instead of asking for your donations to Paths of Heart (as you’ve been so generous already!), we invite you to give to other charities that are addressing more immediate needs of folks in this challenging time. For more information and ideas, visit https://now.givingtuesday.org/

“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.” ~ Roy T. Bennett

“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorns have roses.” ~ Alphonse Karr
“Today I choose to live with gratitude for the love that fills my heart, the peace that rests within my spirit, and the voice of hope that says all things are possible.” ~ Anonymous