World Cancer Day

February 4th was World Cancer Day. I didn’t know it until now, so obviously I am a day late. It’s strange how I saw people post Happy World Cancer Day and I found it hard to read. Because even though I am a cancer survivor myself, I’m not quite sure I could put the word “Happy” in front of it even though I understand how they’re thinking. That it is a day of remembrance for all cancers world-wide.

I pulled this off a post somewhere today so I can’t give credit to whomever made it unfortunately. But I was stunned as to the different colors associated with each cancer. I began to look at each one and think of those whom I know who have endured that type of cancer. It took me quite awhile to go through the color wheel of cancers as I sat quietly in their presence and sent each and every one of them a prayer of healing. To those whom we lost to their battles with cancer, I sent them a blessing and prayers up to Heaven.

I have yet to meet anyone who doesn’t know of someone who has had cancer, let alone anyone who hasn’t had a family member who has been touched by cancer. I truly wish we could find a cure for all of it.

Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of the passing of a very dear friend who had pancreatic cancer. She fought her battle like the warrior she was and left family and friends bereft without her light in this world. Her legacy of love and of the inclusion of all was a blessing to many. Her family not only included the biological members and their spouses, significant others and even the children, but the ex’s as well which some may have a difficult time understanding. She made it all possible with her light of love and her compassion for all people. While she never made anyone feel uncomfortable, her welcoming nature helped many wounds heal over time and she made this world a better place by being herself.

Today I ask that you take a moment as well to review the color wheel of ribbons, each representing another cancer and take a moment to pray for those whom you know/knew who had each one cancer. You may be utterly surprised as I was as to the amount of dear friends and family’s lives that cancer has touched.

I am shining my heart light to you today and to all whom have been affected by cancer.

Shine On!

xo

A Mother’s Legacy of Love

It is a quiet morning here. The Christmas tree is brightly lit with white twinkly lights. The cats are nestled around it and the children are still in bed. Sipping my coffee, in the early morning stillness, my mind is melancholy. The week between Christmas and New Years has become a relaxing one for me. One when I feel tremendously present, blessed and grateful for all of those whom have touched my life.

This year, my Mom isn’t here and the tears began falling. Silent reminders of a life well-lived and with gratitude for being her daughter. I miss my Mom for many reasons, but most of all for her unconditional love and kindness. While none of us are perfect, her love and her heartlight were always shining. She is my role model when it comes to loving people for who they are with unconditional love and understanding.

I found the poem below and it brought me much peace so I thought I’d share it with you. Hold your loved ones close and find the goodness always.

Shine On!

xo

She Is Gone

You can shed tears that she is gone
or you can smile because she has lived. 

You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back
or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left. 

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
or you can be full of the love you shared. 

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. 

You can remember her and only that she’s gone
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. 

You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back
or you can do what she’d want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on. 

David Harkins, © 1981

A Visit From Someone Who Has Passed?

Two years ago, my Aunt AAngel passed away.  She was very special to us and was a part of our family’s life for more than 60 years.  AAngel wasn’t a biological aunt, but instead, a part of our family by love.  I am not sure if anyone remembers that she passed away two years ago, but her loved ones who have memory issues, were talking about her suddenly and I found it interesting.

I have a theory that our loved ones who have passed, visit us.  Has this ever happened to you?  With memory issues, my aunt who was most impacted by her passing, forgets that AAngel has passed away and believes instead, she is visiting her own family.  But the other night, suddenly my aunt wanted to talk on the phone with me to tell me how she had been talking with AAngel.  What I found as a precious coincidence is that the very same day marked the two year anniversary of her passing.

When a loved one passes, I think they often check in on those of us who are here on Earth, still in human form.  They hover around, comforting us when we are grieving if we would only open our hearts and minds to see the signs.  We’ve all heard of feathers, pennies from Heaven, songs being played on the radio, etc. as signs that our angels are nearby.  Has this ever happened to you?  I know I’ve been visited in dreams by loved ones who have passed away and I always take it as a confirmation that they are sending a little bit of love and connecting with me.  I don’t think love ever really dies, it simply changes form.  It may get harder to see those whom we loved who have passed, but their loving essence only fades in human form.  The loving bond we share, remains eternal.

For what’s the legacy we leave behind after we’ve passed except for the remembrance in the hearts of those still here on Earth?  Sure, we can leave material goods and be remembered, but to be remembered in the hearts and minds of those who truly loved us, is a precious legacy.

So today, let’s take a moment to remember those precious souls who have passed and left a precious legacy in our hearts.  Feel the gratitude in knowing them.  Then, as we go about our day, let’s keep that reminder and do for others so that one day, we may be remembered in a special way.

Have you ever been visited by a loved one who has passed away?  What signs have you received?  Please share!

Shine On!

xo