Not Just a Bowl of Soup

I am posting this letter that I wrote eight years ago in memory of my fun-loving Uncle David (the brother). The initial news of his sudden passing last month left me numb. Recent family losses lead my heart to thoughts of his sisters, children, and grandchildren. The strength and love of my two, beautiful cherished aunts reach out far and wide as their love touches us all. I feel the tugging of the hearts of my cousins, as I know the great healing that lies ahead for them through the comfort of family and friends.

My thoughts took me wandering aimlessly to my kitchen where another family favorite dish was already in process for a weekend family get-together. I smiled warmly at the timing of this and my breath softened with love at this gentle reminder of the memories that hold families together in spirit and heart.

As you read, I will thank you in advance for letting me share…and lovingly, if you don’t have a favorite tradition, get the kids in the kitchen and start one! The only rule is to mix in a generous amount of love, laughter and of course family…

2009

The summer was coming to an end – back to school meetings – a season passed…that was my initial response when I could not go ‘back home’ with Dad when his brother and sisters would reunite for a few days. So I requested a sample of the soup that they were making to somehow be connected to the time I was missing…

I asked for “greens and beans” and this is what I got……

As I sat down to eat my bowl of soup the first week back at school – I knew then that it was so not about the soup –

It was the warming, grounding feeling when I held the bowl of hot soup…warm with love, grounding with family and generations past.

It contained the riches of Mother Earth and was blessed by the Creator himself.

It was a delicious collection of hugs, smiles, laughter and tears.

It was change, growth, and the divine essence of family – nourishing every part of who I am in this moment….

….a glimpse of heaven as we are all one – no matter the place and time.

We are love

We are family

So I did not really miss anything by not being there... I was there. and I am…and we are…always together.

...always be the love that you are.