Giving, and Taking, the World as it is......

As we watch the days creep ever closer to spring, do you sometimes wonder how the weather can change so quickly and so profoundly?  We had our 'regular' Tuesday snowstorm this week, thankful for yet another 'snow day' not having to be declared given the kids are home or away for March break.  I can't help but contemplate how people's lives can be changed in an instant such as the major pileup on the 401 east of Kingston during blinding snow.  Not one of those drivers or passengers had a conscious or deliberate thought they were going to be faced with a real life, dangerous version of bumper cars like we used to ride at the amusement park as children.  No, they planned their days like the rest of us, headed out, then without notice or warning, Bang!  Then, exposure to a toxic spill requiring decontamination and medical clearance at KGH.  Yet here we are today enjoying bright sunshine and, for most of us, vague recall of the events two days earlier.  It's times like these to be grateful for what we have not experienced and, by the grace of God, safe and sound in our own lives.  It's times like these to be thankful we cannot see too far ahead of what's in store for us.  It's a good example of why we must be true to living in the moment.

The subject of living in the moment seems to gain clarity during periods of relatively stable health.  Without any major setback, without doctor's appointments or tests being scheduled, there's time to contemplate life as a chronically 'ill' person.  I get up every day - yay, I got up without help - shuffle off to the bathroom - yay - I can still relieve myself on my own, get dressed by myself - oh yes I can, and head down the stairs which I'm still able to navigate - you got it, on my own.  When I take the most basic parts of routine apart, examine them carefully, I realize how blessed I am even before boiling water for tea.  Without going through the rest of the day in such detail, you get the picture.
The point I'm trying to make is how mobile and capable I remain despite fairly significant physical setbacks over the past few years.  Friends also gently remind me how time continues to march on, challenging us to keep up the pace, or at least to maintain the beat!  Oh how true.


Over the past week, time was set aside to pay some attention to one of my three main priorities for the year.  In this case reviewing my estate plans and will.  Before getting into too many details, it was important to confirm some of the basics.  It all started with a call to the cemetery to inquire about how my name was on the 'condo' marker.  I reference 'condo' as the niche that will eventually hold my earthly remains upon cremation. Its full description is the 'condo in the country', being out of town, north of Kingston to Glenburnie.  The phone call turned into an invitation to do a file review as last contact was 2003.  I wasn't surprised.  After all, when we moved and sent out address changes, the cemetery wasn't high on the list.  In fact it wasn't on the list at all.  

Mike and I spent a good chunk of our day reviewing my file, creating one for Mike and getting caught up in the details of dealing with our remains when the time comes.  I've long wondered what frame of mind people are in when they engage in discussion for real about the logistics of death and dying.  How do they start the conversation?  How do they deal with emotions?  We both felt quite comfortable and in agreement that it seems to be one of those life events you know when it's the right time without having to push it.  That is, if you like to take care of such things while still independent and can think clearly.

Having dealt with the loss of a loved one both ways; once with no plans in place; once with all plans in place, it's so much easier not trying to guess what they may have wanted.  As I've often said, 'No matter how prepared you might be for the loss of a loved one, you're never really ready.'  To remove the burden from our family is a greater gift than they may ever realize.  On a somewhat deeper level, dealing with such sensitive issues during Lent is true service to others, those closest to us.

A suggestion made by a local charity is to give away 40 things during the 40 days of Lent, and even provided a garbage bag to hold the items.  I'm not really sure why but that particular offer, gave me deep pause for thought.  Ask anyone close to me and they'll either roll their eyes or shake their head in how deep and complicated I can make anything, including a garbage bag!  Here's my thinking.

If we are truly concerned with those with less, those who are poor, those who are discarded, like garbage, then why, oh why, would we fill a garbage bag with items to give to them?  It resonates right down to my gut.  I've done it many times myself.  After all, the bags are clean, convenient and hold a large number of clothes or other items to be passed along in an efficient manner.  And what about those seven garbage bags of children's and men's clothing sitting in our loft room, awaiting delivery to the charity of our choice?  To gauge my own reaction, I went through every item of clothing, folding and sorting, checking for wear and tear that might render it unwearable.  It really wasn't a surprise to see how clean and in what great condition most items were.  We filled several extra laundry baskets we had along with a few open boxes to deliver to St. Vincent de Paul.  I called ahead to learn they are always in need of men's clothing in particular.  What a joyful experience it turned into, offering laundry baskets of clean, folded and sorted clothing.  A small point? Perhaps but one I leave for you to ponder.

Over the next couple of weeks,  I will explore deeply how God and Holy Spirit ask me to spend my time,  and hopefully be able to share some of those experiences.  For now, take care and,

God Bless,

Liz
dobbsjones@gmail.com

"Prayers wrapped in faith and sent with love are the greatest gifts we can receive."