'Memories of loved ones are
like songs in our soul.'
Margaret Wakeley
Margaret Wakeley
Who or what has touched your life and made it better?
Who do you think of with fondness that is no longer part of your life? Perhaps it is a beloved pet or person who has passed, or perhaps its someone who passed through your life for a brief moment and moved on?
For me, my mother who died shortly after Mother's Day years ago tops my list. Mother's Day has become a time for me to sit in happy memories of my time with her and contemplate how deeply she touched my life. Remembering her bright spirit and kind heart always brings a smile to my face.
Memories of my mother are etched in my soul--a day doesn't go by I don't think about a bit of her homespun wisdom. This lighthearted and fun-loving woman loved life, animals and people--and passed that love of life on to me--leaving me with a daily song in my soul--and a belief in the basic goodness of humans.
My dog, Ginger, a golden-beagle, was my constant companion and confidant for almost 18 years. As most dogs are, she was a wonderful listener who was also comfortable sitting alongside me in silence. She would cock her head and look at me as if to say, "And what else? What else is happening?" And like my mother, memories of my time with Ginger are like songs in my soul.
Memories of my mother are etched in my soul--a day doesn't go by I don't think about a bit of her homespun wisdom. This lighthearted and fun-loving woman loved life, animals and people--and passed that love of life on to me--leaving me with a daily song in my soul--and a belief in the basic goodness of humans.
My dog, Ginger, a golden-beagle, was my constant companion and confidant for almost 18 years. As most dogs are, she was a wonderful listener who was also comfortable sitting alongside me in silence. She would cock her head and look at me as if to say, "And what else? What else is happening?" And like my mother, memories of my time with Ginger are like songs in my soul.
Songs in Our Soul
The word 'memorie' first appeared in the mid-13th century meaning 'mindful remembering'. As Margaret Wakeley said mindful remembering--or memories of loved ones are like songs in our soul.
It is through our mindful remembering we create and maintain a sense of connectedness with people and animals present and past who have touched our hearts and we have the strength to get through the difficult times.
We are uplifted by sharing the stories of the companions we hold dear--relaying and replaying how they touched us and influenced our lives. Through the mindful remembering of the stories we tell we give more shared meaning and strength to our own lives as we move forward.
A few years ago I attended a celebration of life for a well-loved colleague who passed through this life too early. It was a day filled with friends and joy. One of the gifts I took away from the gathering was the Chico Gospel--a great song to share with those you love. I offer it to you to share with others.
Don't wait for those you cherish to pass on before you share memories. Contact those still in your life to share memories of how they've touched your life. Take time to acknowledge who you are grateful to have in your life. Reach out and lend a hand to someone who needs one.
Don't wait for those you cherish to pass on before you share memories. Contact those still in your life to share memories of how they've touched your life. Take time to acknowledge who you are grateful to have in your life. Reach out and lend a hand to someone who needs one.
Mamuse-Chico Gospel
Chico Gospel Lyrics by Karisha Longaker
Life was over for me
There was time I believed
My life was over
I feel strong today
Thanks to your help
I'll find my way and
I too will lend you a hand
when you need one
Chorus
Sometimes I get so down
I feel like
This is the end
Like there's no way in hell
I can get over this mountain
The sun has come out
Beyond the shadow of my doubt
I am walking on this earth
Stronger than ever
'The holiest of all holidays are those kept by ourselves in silence and apart: The secret anniversaries of the heart.' Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
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For more than 30 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes changing easier than ever before.
If you're interested in learning more about closing the gap between where you are now and where you want to be, join the Lightarted Living mailing list. Sign up for free e-mail updates from this blog in the top right-hand corner of the page.
Sign Up for Free E-mail updates
For more than 30 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes changing easier than ever before.
If you're interested in learning more about closing the gap between where you are now and where you want to be, join the Lightarted Living mailing list. Sign up for free e-mail updates from this blog in the top right-hand corner of the page.
2 comments:
Sue, I love that quote! After the deaths of my father and in-laws in the space of a year, I worked on their genealogy a lot. My husband asked if that wasn't depressing me further. But, no, it and the memories it brought up were very comforting.
Yes, Jean, that quote really sang to me too! I long ago learned that most people are afraid to talk about the people who have died. But there is nothing more comforting than telling and remembering the stories of their lives and how they intertwined with our own.
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