None of us can escape Death, so let’s cherish every moment & every experience we can have together!
I just came back from visiting my parents.
Both have cancer (different types). Thankfully, they’re both in remission, but their advancing age makes me fear. I am not ready for them to go. But I never will be.
At most, I can remind myself to savor their presence. To be fully present with them now.
As we flew to my hometown in the Midwest where I was born and raised, I experienced a mix of emotions. I could feel that fear, gnawing away at my peace of mind, every time I wondered, “Will this be the last time I get to spend time with them?”
You would think I’d stop asking myself this question by now. Especially when it’s been years since they went into remission. But, they’ve also had recurrences, when the cancer’s returned. Going through that multiple times has added to the trauma that my family’s experienced, physically and emotionally. It’s created this intermittent, yet terrible, mental and emotional state. It’s the turmoil of not-knowing.
It helped to remind myself that none of us ever escape death.
All of our days are numbered — no matter who we are. And death is a natural part of the cycle of life. Railing against it, straining to avoid it, wanting to remove the experience of not-losing them one day is impossible.
So, instead, I meditated.
And — like always — my breaths steadied me.
My inner sight allowed me to envision what a wonderful time we would have during our visit. And I anchored myself to that. I looked forward to the joy of making memories with them, felt the physical sensation of joy and peace, and was excited to see them having fun with my two young kids.
We did EVERYTHING!
Went to our favorite museums…the zoo, the botanical garden, our favorite Chinese food for the most scrumptious dim sum, went out to eat at all our favorite restaurants, enjoyed the most nostalgic food, and slept in the house I grew up in, in the same room I used to write in as a child and high schooler, until I left the nest and spread my wings.
What a blessing to fly home, to be with my family and revisit the places and experiences I remember so fondly.
And, now, as I wade through the pictures of our visit, I get to savor all of it — the presence and connection to my family — not just for today, but always.
Now, take a Mindful Minute to reflect on your life:
Whose presence are you savoring today?
The Presence in me honors, respects, & savors the Presence in each of you,
Marisa
