Monday, November 28, 2011

My way of thinking/ reflections on a holiday

A four day weekend!  What an opportunity to make some memories, and boy, did we ever!

We began with Thanksgiving Day by serving food in the park for the needy.  This has become a tradition for us over the years.  It can be heartbreaking at times because you have to look at things that most people choose to ignore.  Families who have lost their way are plentiful.  People who have been crushed by an unforgiving economy, or who have given up for a variety of reasons come to feel "normal" for an hour or two and share a tradition with others who hopefully understand and show them compassion.  They come looking to be seen as fellow human beings.  A little compassion goes a long way.  Jon and I have that to give so that's what we do.

Our reward came on Sunday 11/27.  We threw an after-Thanksgiving party for friends and neighbors.  I got to see some old friends, some new friends, and some neighbors who didn't have the luxury of family to share the holiday with.  The picture above shows some of the people who stopped by to share in a great traditional Thanksgiving meal and a genuine lovefest.  My dear friend, Sandy came with 3 of her 5 sons and daughter-in-law.  Justin and Katie, Eric, and Matthew.  Our neighbors, Carl, Eyron, and Charlotte (Charlie) came to share with us the joy of being blessed by the abundance the Universe has rewarded us with.  We created a sense of family with little effort at all.  An open heart, combined with an open mind, leads to revelations and new perspectives.

One of the most special things for me was the appearance of our neighbor, Eyron.  I have invited him for several years but he always politely refused.  Eyron is an older man who suffers from schizophrenia.  He takes his medication and is under control but he doesn't speak.  Instead he writes notes.  I think he is afraid to speak out loud because he is frightened of not being able to control what he says.  This year he decided to join us for whatever reason.  Maybe it was because I created a lot of vegetarian faire.  Maybe it was because he has finally come to trust our friendship.  Whatever the reason, it was a blessing to all of us to have his grateful, silent presence with us.  I believe this was a first for him and Jon and I hope to keep up the momentum.  He wrote three different thank you notes.  That, my friends, is what Thanksgiving means to me.

I write about love, gratitude, connectivity, and giving all the time.  I sometimes feel that I am being redundant (boring even) but, if my little blog inspires even one person to slow down long enough to see the opportunities that the Universe drops right in our laps every single blessed day, then I will have achieved my goal.  We all get wrapped up in our own stuff.  Nothing wrong in that, I suppose.  But every so often, take time to open your eyes and look around you.  A very small effort can create a tidal wave of change in the world that surrounds you.  Don't let that go unnoticed.

                                        Peace and Love,

                                          Austin/Bill

                               www.wahjr56.blogspot,com

10 comments:

  1. What fine and generous human beings you and Jon are, William. Your gifts are innumerable and the inspiration your message conveys is beyond what I can describe in words. what a lovely way to spend your Thanksgiving by sharing your bounty of wealth in spiritual and material ways...How wonderful that your neighbor came. Truly wonderful story of good will. Thank you, Laura

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  2. Your words so richly bring us the warmth and love of these 4 special days. Reading your words I can almost hear the busy chatter taking place as you helped share the Thanksgiving meal. What. a wonderful experience! You make this world a better place and inspire others to do the same.

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  3. You're right, Austin. We definitely need to slow down and absorb everything that has come before this very moment. It's awesome that you can help others and open your door to those who don't have the luxury of family. You ARE making a difference.

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  4. Thank you so much for your kind words. I really didn't do anything extraordinary. I loved every minute and felt so blessed and so loved when all was said and done. The gift is in the giving!

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  5. The very fact that you don't think you did anything extraordinary speaks to have much comes straight from your heart and not the obligation that drives many people. What a beautiful holiday--and extending over so many people. I was touched by your description of Eyron and your ability to involve him in your day. Most people don't extend themselves to people who require just a bit more. You are such a fine example of the little ripple that starts that tidal wave.

    Judy Stone-Goldman
    The Reflective Writer
    http://www.thereflectivewriter.com
    Personal-Professional Balance Through Writing

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  6. You are right about Eyron, Judy. Most people are fearful of people they don't understand. I can understand it to a point but, as an artist, it was always my goal to understand different kinds of people. I guess I was predisposed to looking past the obvious and seeing the treasure that lies on the inside. Plus I really love making someone happy who isn't always given the opportunity to feel happiness. I get as much joy as I give so it's a win/win!

    Love,

    Bill

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  7. What a beautiful Thanksgiving weekend! I love the diverse group that you host for the post-Thanksgiving meal (and happy to hear you made a lot of vegetarian dishes!).
    I'm very touched by the 3 thank you notes you rec'd from Eyron --- you are right, that's what Thanksgiving is all about!
    Many blessing to you all this holiday season!
    Heidi & Atticus

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  8. We had such a great time, Heidi! Wish you could have been here. How GREAT would that be!?

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  9. Bill, What a kind & generous soul you are! Jon too. :-) Your invite to Eyron really touched my heart and am thrilled he was comfortable enough to accept your invite (and write you three notes!). You are making this world a better place, Bill. Thank you.

    Trish
    www.robertssister.com
    caregiving. family. advocacy.

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  10. People like you, Trish are my inspiration. While hosting Eyron, I thought of Robert more than once.

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