Kindness.

One of my old neighbors said his dad spent his last days signing financial papers. The neighbor didn’t have to work because of his wealth, but he mourned his dog’s death more than his dad’s

I’m excited about the book my friend recommended: “You are the One You’ve been waiting for” – the idea is that I take responsibility for my well-being instead of expecting those around me to be responsible – AND I don’t try to solve problems my adult family members are having. Then I can love my family members freely.

I can learn to take responsibility for my mistakes, even though they were largely the result of generations of similar mistakes, alternating in nature from generation to generation. I can let my offspring know that I acknowledge my mistakes. The harder question is: What can I do differently now, to try to bring health to an unhealthy situation that has gone on for so long? [This question is particularly appropriate for me today.]

Dear Ursula, Prayers and thanks to you! What a hard place you are in. I’ll light a candle for you here on gratefulness. May it bring healing!

Dear Palm, Ursula, Pilgrim, Anna – thank you for your prayers for my daughter, whom I hear is feeling much better now! I haven’t been able to use ‘reply.’

My brother sent me the attached ‘tots and pears.’ He says,
“I think this began with the nth school shooting, when the best that legislators could offer were thoughts and prayers.”

Prayers and thanks to all!

Prayers, please, for my daughter, who is going down a mental-health hell hole. It’s her 3rd time in about a dozen yrs. A psychologist friend says people take it seriously by the 3rd time and keep themselves ‘above water’. May that be true! She doesn’t want any help from me.

I’m loving growing old, but I’m blessed to have health, home, and family near me. I’m 73, and so many hard times are behind me. I can honestly say “I’m glad my problems are such small ones,” even when they annoy me intensely.

By remembering and entering the space that lies ‘beyond words’

Dear Ursula, I’m praying for you, and wishing you well, and sending virtual hugs.
Thanks for your admiration, but I didn’t earn it: my husband enlisted the kids’ help so he wouldn’t feel guilty about my doing all the housework.

Dear Ursula, I know it’s dreadfully difficult, but try to relax and not worry yourself even more over your husband’s problems. My husband offered each of the kids money in return for doing the dishes [my son] and folding the laundry [my daughter]. I wasn’t sick. That was just what he did to ‘share’ the housework. It’s just a thought.

Thanks for your wonderful story!

“Enoughness” – thanks, Tracey, for that wonderful word! Virtual hugs to you.

Thanks – I slept happily well past sunrise today and feel well rested

Dear Michele – Depression is so sad. I’ll light a candle for you and give you a virtual hug. You can give yourself a hug, too – a big one with a good stretch.

Wow, I can Reply!
You’re welcome, Ursula,
With a virtual hug to you,
Mica

Thank you!

Poor dear! I’m sending noisy virtual hugs to you, and warm wishes that some resolution will come for you, either from within or from without!

I love your answer – thank you!