Wake Up Call

Home Again

As per usual, returning from my annual trip to Calgary, I am overflowing with contentment, tons of good intentions, and a deep and abiding sense of gratitude.

Gratitude for my Calgary family, friends and my beloved Wellspring Alberta. This year I was accompanied by my granddaughter who volunteered at Wellspring Carma House for the two weeks we were there. It was meaningful for me to experience this 20 year old young woman’s love for Wellspring, side by side with me – her almost 80 year old Nana. What a precious time in both our lives.

As I reflect on this trip, my work and my age I am amazed that I still get to do be part of an organization and do work that I love. What a privilege and a joy. And at the same time, during the two weeks I was away, a person I know who is younger than me died suddenly and unexpectedly. Another, the age of my son, was diagnosed with an advanced cancer. Others are waiting for their diagnosis- all years behind me in age. There is nothing chronological about these events.

If I could wave a magic wand I would sparkle pixie dust on everyone – a reminder to “live our lives today, to the fullest while we can.” When I say that I don’t mean productivity as we understand it in the west. Rather I mean doing things that each of us loves to do or want to do on a perfectly and imperfect ordinary day. 

To enjoy the sunset this evening rather than focusing on the beautiful sunset you will see on Maui next month. As I was driving home from math tonight with my grandson he pointed out a beautiful cloud. I agreed and went on to say, “if only you could see the clouds in Calgary. They are amazing. Fluffy white clouds against a brilliant blue sky.”

A Short Story

Seamlessly, he then told me this story he had heard, of a man desperate to see the sunrise at the top of a mountain overlooking an active volcano.  It went something like this:

The man walked and hiked for days trying to reach his destination and experienced many hardships along the way. Finally he arrived just at sunset – one of the most beautiful sunsets of the season. He walked around finding a place to throw down his sleeping bag and wait until morning to witness his dream. Morning came with complete cloud cover, to his great disappointment. All that effort, all those miles, thirst and hunger only to miss out on all the beauty he had anticipated. Meanwhile the vast sky and extraordinary beauty of the previous night’s sunset went unnoticed. He was so caught up on his goal that he failed to see the wonder that had been on display, right in front of his eyes.

I was that man in the car tonight. I saw the beautiful cloud but dismissed it as not as great as the clouds Rowan might see should he go to Calgary. So humbling to be me. And, yes, I was both surprised and grateful for the reminder. We teach best what we most need to know. 

So here we are in this awesome life where anything can happen. Being present is not a trite or faddish phrase. It is a reality check. So while we are still breathing let’s not forget to look up and around from exactly where we are. And take it all in. Of course we have our dreams but let’s not miss the beauty right in front of us this moment.

Notes

1) A song for you A Beautiful Day by Joshua Radin 

2) A big shout out to my Wellspring Alberta colleagues, friends and members. You know that I think you are all amazing. And a special recognition of Sophie – my favourite granddaughter.:-)

3) A big lightening storm and torrential rain is happening outside my window right now so I will sign off for the night.

4) So much gratitude to you all for taking the time to read my weekly musings. With wholehearted thanks and warmth, Trudy

PS The wild roses in the banner post were on a walk I did with my oldest grandson Jonathan along the Elbow River. And the Three Sisters are part of the Rockies in the mountain town of Canmore.