I Am Stretched On Your Grave

I Am Stretched On Your Grave, originally uploaded by wendy_l_wareham.

I like grave yards. There are so many stories there. Lives lived and lost, stones broken and unreadable,and those that remain to tell a bit about the life that was lived. All mute now.

Maybe it explains in part my need to write and take pictures. It's some kind of record of the thoughts and sights of one life. And maybe, some where, some time, someone will benefit from it. And maybe not.

In any case, I find that you can learn a lot about how people will live by learning a bit about what people think about dying. Do they think it's an ending? Do they think it's a continuation? Do they think they will be judged? It gives you a bit of insight into where they think they are headed and what responsibilities they do or do not have along the way.

What do I think? I have a bit of advantage. I have had two near-death experiences .... and more than my share of close calls. Death and I have always had a nodding acquaintance. I've visited, he's visited. We have an understanding.

So I'll share what I know. You can roll your eyes if you want to. I don't mind anymore. Because I'll be waiting to say, "I told you so" on the other side.

Here's what I know: It's all about love.

Yes. It really IS that simple. It's about the love you share, the love you deny, the love you withhold, the love you lavish, the love that is too painful to bear. The only thing you take with you, the only reality that matters is love.

Sounds easy, right? Au contraire!! Moving toward an understanding of love, of Agape, takes will and determination and discipline. It takes making a choice every time you interact. It takes a consciousness of love in your heart in the simplest encounters. There are always more and more places, more and more situations, more and more ways that we can express love.

It's a lot of work.

That's why I like grave yards. It reminds me that I'm working on a deadline. It reminds me not to dally, not to neglect to say loving things, to forgive, to extend myself -- not just to those who are easy to love, but to those who make it a bit more challenging.

It's a bit preachy, I know. But I figured I could get away with it since it's almost Christmas, and all.

So, love while you can. Remember those who are gone. Be gentle with yourself and all those you encounter.

Trust me when I tell you you'll rest a lot easier.

Merry Christmas, Happy Solstice, and Blessings to All.