The blessing that is Ashley

Ashley and her love are everywhere. It is in the sun that warms me and the rain that brings me solitude. Her love is in the gentle deer and scampering squirrel. Her love speaks to me when I am alone in our home and startles me when the whole family is home as if to say "Don't leave me out of the conversation." 

She is in my dreams and in my prayers and meditation. She is on my mind, in my heart, and in my soul. In a unique and profound way, I am almost happy. 

She walks with me, and she talks with me. Our relationship, our love continues. I hear her say "How silly Daddy, don't you know unconditional love can never die." Ashley was and is unconditional love.

I am so grateful for the blessing that is Ashley.

Let us embrace the exquisite vulnerability of life

I have been broken open. I have embraced my vulnerability. The morning light that bleaches the dogwood tree, the bluebird that flits across my vision, the chipmunk who scampered up the tree, the rain that drops liquid pebbles in our pond.

I am human, frail, faltering, resilient, and compassionate. I listen for the divine harmony in all of life.

Every moment is a sacred opportunity. Every breath is amazing. 

Let us embrace the exquisite vulnerability of life.

I will continue to include her in our lives.

Even though our beloved angel passed from this earth in October, we still include her in our daily rituals. Before dinner in our home, we traditionally hold hands and offer a prayer of thanksgiving. Now, before we pray, I thank Ashley for being with us. I might thank her for the sun after the rain or the bluebird who rests in front of our house or I might just update her on my day. Every night, Sandra and I go to her bedroom to pray with her and ask Ash to pray for us.

I will continue to include her in our lives.

I imagine friends and families are reluctant to speak about her for fear of upsetting Sandra and me. Please speak her name; remember her unconditionally loving presence. "Speak into being" her life, her love, and the miracle that was Ashley.

You are a miracle

The fact that you are alive and reading this, is a miracle. Miracles are not only about people who walk on water or fly through the air. Miracles are people like you who wake up, even though you know, the day will be challenging, and you still choose to get out of bed.

We have survived so much; a pandemic, life-threatening surgeries, the loss of loved ones, and the fear of our own breaking.

Your life has a special purpose. You are here on purpose. You are a breathing, walking, talking miracle. Whomever you are; old, young, strong, weak, rich, poor, you are alive. You are a miracle.

Share your miraculous self with others today. Share your love.