BLESSED ARE THE MEEK

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Some people ask the secret of our long marriage.

We take time to go to a restaurant twice a week.

A little candlelight, dinner, soft music and dancing.

She goes Tuesdays, I go Fridays.

Red Skelton

I think Red Skelton had people like Terry and me in mind when he made up that comment.

With my mom now living with us, most of our excursions are of the solitary variety. In fact, for the time being, we are even going to church in shifts.

As my mother struggles with serious health issues, it is reassuring for my siblings to know that help and support for mom is now 24/7.

Certainly, Terry now has the busy hands she’s longed for and I am learning more than ever about suffering, patience and prayer.

I’m also realizing that aging has little to do with images associated with ascending such as climbing a mountain. Rather, in spending time with my mom, I now appreciate that end of life times have to do with descending and relinquishing. Preparation for life’s final journey has to do with letting go of one’s family, one's friends, one's possessions, one’s senses, one's memories.

I only hope that God’s grace and mercy are more abundant for those who are coming to the final banquet empty handed.