"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." I wrote it down on my church bulletin and could not keep from thinking about it. People on the outside seem to be doing just "fine" but if you have the opportunity to know them better, you realize they have challenges, some great and some small.
Calligraphy of quote done by a friend, Patti.I am very aware that people around me are fighting hard battles. So many of my family and friends are affected by the economy. Many of us have experienced fear about our futures. I stand in awe of my daughter who is a single parent trying to do the dance between work and home and having no back up or help with a partner or other parent. It goes on day after day and night after night with no breaks unless friends and family step in from time to time.
Yesterday, marked the one year anniversary of my move to Marin from Oregon.
It was a good move but it, too, has had its challenges. I deeply miss my dear friends in Oregon and the local activities and my church and art community. I am slowly building new friendships and re igniting old ones, but this takes time. I now live in an apartment that is beautiful yet there are the adjustments of not having a garden in which to "play" and getting used to the lack of privacy and noises of apartment living.
I am still feeling a lack of being "plugged into" the community around me, sometimes I feel like a stranger driving around the area. I miss my daughter who is living in Austin. She does come for visits but it is hard to have her so far away.
I could go on and on about all the blessings of my move and my life but today I am thankful for the "battles" because it gives me the ability to have compassion for others that are also having their own challenges.
I think this is why the Plato quote means so much to me.... it helps me have a little more patience and understanding when I deal with others that may be in a hard place.
This year has gone by so quickly! I am aware of my increasing age, especially when I take care of my darling granddaughter, Elsa. I love her so very much AND I am so tired when I go home. Right now a few hours seems to be my limit. I wish I had the energy to take her on for full days. I am hoping that will come as she grows up and I "build" up my Oma muscles.
Well, this has gone on for long enough. I just wanted to share some thoughts with all of you as I start my 2nd year in California.
3 comments:
I really love this blog post - love the Plato quote, which is such a great reminder, and also love hearing the human story of the changes you've been going through. Thanks for be willing to share it!
Looks like you enjoyed Wicked. I totally loved it, even though I know it's fairly cheesy. The whole "Popular" song just cracked me up.
Great post!
And let me just back you up - Elsa is EXHAUSTING. At any age. :-)
Seriously, though, I am so grateful for the hours you do spend with her, and (as you know) she just flat-out adores her Oma. It gives me a much-needed break, and it give you two a really important regular time together. Thank you thank you!
Happy Anniversary of your move - time flies, doesn't it?
Dropped in to enjoy another's sketchbook art. What fun! But the Plato quote caught my eye too and touched me as life indeed is full of challenges and hardships. I was also touched by your journal entry about your courageous move from OR to California. Very inspiring! We are downsizing and moving from our home of many years in the country to move into a condo north of Seattle to be closer to our daughter and family. I will remember your courage. I'm sad to leave my community, but I will welcome the excitement of making new friends and venturing out to a new art community, browsing through book stores, parks and beaches with camera and sketchbook in hand.
Keep having fun!
Joan in Washington
Post a Comment