Postponements and the Gift of the Moon

“My barn having burned down, I can now see the moon.”

— Mizuta Masahide (17th century Japanese poet and samurai)

Note: Click on the banner photo for a better view. Thanks Rowan

Update

As you know, I was scheduled for surgery two days ago on the 12th, and everything went according to plan, until it didn’t. By 3:30 that afternoon I left the hospital without the surgery.

Obviously this was a huge disappointment but there is more to the story. Emergencies happen and two of them that day were life threatening – and both people lived. How fortunate was I that my life was not in danger.  And beyond that, a very good friend suffered a stroke that same afternoon.

This is not a grin and bear it, and everything happens for the best, way of looking.  Rather, it is a simple reality check of living a life. Things happen; some we like and some we don’t, and what else is true? Life is full of surprises. Anything can happen to anybody at any time.

However, I trust life at its deepest core.

I have an excellent surgeon, and he delivered the news himself. He rebooked me on the spot for the next “needle in a haystack” appointment: April 9th at 6:00 AM. If we could foretell emergencies, anyone in my place would gladly give up their spot to save a life. April 9th is not far off. That also is true.

Unintended Consequences

As it turned out, I was still at my daughter’s, as painting is happening in my lovely suite. (I was expected to be gone for five days or so. ) Grandson Rowan happens to be on spring break, and I previously sent him info on the lunar eclipse, thinking he might want to get up and photograph it. True, it was 3:00 in the morning, but he could sleep in.

What wasn’t planned was that I, too, got to enjoy the wonder of the vast, clear, magical sky last night, right outside my daughter’s door. Rowan carried two Adirondack chairs down onto the street, set up the tripod and camera, and we had the best urban moon viewing spot all to ourselves.

Some of you know that I love the moon—its majesty and breathtaking beauty. I spent a momentous moment, or rather 90 moments, outdoors with my grandson, enjoying that crisp, gorgeous, and spectacular night sky. Knowing that so many others were watching the show unfold across the continent was life-affirming. The moon always strikes me as a unifying force.

So, dear people, that’s the unexpected update. I hope you are all doing well enough. I know for sure that courageous people are managing challenging health matters. I keep you all in my heart and I wish you strength and courage to do what it takes. And I so wish you many moments of ease – free of pain and suffering, and close by people you love.

Warmest wishes, Trudy

Notes

PS: Regarding birds, here is an endearing and beautiful video from Cornell Bird Lab, thanks to Allison and Sheila. I have enjoyed watching it several times; it is only three minutes long. CLICK HERE.

And a clump of daffodils from Vancouver – thanks Rob

PPS Finally, I was deeply touched by all the wonderful messages of love and caring I received this last week. I am the luckiest person in the world. See you all as usual on Wednesday next week.