"Sunshine"

A very surprising encounter occurred today as I was about to celebrate a funeral for a long-time friend of my husband and me. A lady approached me, expecting me to remember her from school in 1967. This was a challenge because she was two years behind me and I was only there a semester. She remembered me calling her "Sunshine!"  Imagine, one word that lifted her up, recalling it to this day!

This simply blows my mind but confirms once more how powerful our actions and words are.  They can lift a person up or tear a person down. I do not believe, "sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me!"  Words can hurt so badly...words like "dumb," "bossy," and "you don't matter."  These negative words are etched into our memories sometimes for a lifetime chipping away at one's self esteem.

Mark Twain said, "I can live for two months on a good compliment." It must be true because this person who talked with me has lived a lifetime with my one word compliment, "Sunshine." I was so glad to know I had been such a positive influence for her.  There are times when I fall short. 

Courtesy of Pixabay

Can you imagine what this world would be like if each of us extended ourselves in such a simple way to express kind, uplifting words to others, not bitter, caustic or demeaning words?  Sometimes fruits of our actions don't reap their rewards for some decades but there are always fruits.  I was just blessed today being told I had called a person, "Sunshine!"  Two blessings:  once for her in 1967, now for me in 2019!  Full circle!  Just imagine what a little "sunshine" does!

Molly LaFond is a spiritual director and can be reached at: 920.793.3530. I can offer appointments in Two Rivers or Crivitz, WI if you would like to do spiritual direction with me to discuss sunshine in your own life!

May 12, 2019

This weekend is a very special time for me.  Two things take place: May 11, Saturday is my birthday and Sunday is Mother's day. Now, my birthday is not the big deal but over the years the dates falling together always were special because I would always stop and call mom from a phone booth, usually as we were on a fishing weekend. 

After mom died in 1984, I was lost when Mother's day came around.  I know so many folks miss their moms horribly, which I can understand thoroughly.  I longed and pined for her for years but that has all changed. I'll tell you why.

Some of my friends, who are no longer spring chickens, are now dealing with very elderly parents. It's a double edged-sword with personal health concerns as well as concerns with their parents' needs. Their parents struggle with hearing loss, immobility, inability to care for themselves and financial concerns. And what about the individuals who have no family to care for them? I can't imagine.  

I know it's hard to not get into a deep state of sadness, tears and depression but there is no gain to get into that mode for me.  It drains me; it is not life giving. Gratitude at the time I did have with mom, and all those memories, is what makes me smile.

I don't wish her back; she was spared the many challenges that can come with infirmities of old age. Even though cancer took her at too young an age of 67 years old I could wish things were different wanting my mom back. Instead, I am so thankful for the memories and time I did have with her. 

So, happy Mother's Day, mom! Thank you for the legacy you left me beginning that first May 11!  I am a better person for being your daughter!  And to all mom's out there, happy Mother's Day to you, too! 

Courtesy: Unknown

If you would like to make an appointment with me for spiritual direction, I can be reached at: 920.793.3530.

Dots

Today I had a most pleasant experience when I had an appointment with an attorney. We had never officially met but I knew his mom and he recognized me from somewhere. Well, many dots connected and sure enough, our paths had crossed recently which just made me smile at the end of the day! As I sit here writing this post it warms the cockles of my heart at how small the world is!

That brings me to another thought of how each one of us carry ourselves in a day. When I do an examen of my day and week, taking  stock of my behaviors, attitudes and actions there are times when I am pleased and sometimes  less than proud.  

Recently, I was at a social gathering and was very conscious of someone's comment about something was a little sharp, a bit demeaning.  I thought to myself, "that could have been me saying that." Now, I have resolved to think twice when saying something, knowing how my words, attitude and actions are being observed by others. 

Others may not always make a comment about their perception of what has transpired but we always make an impression.  It takes a little effort to put our best face forward some days but it really is a small, small world and we never know how the dots will connect bringing us to a place that lets us know that someone really does know us...somehow! 

I am a spiritual director and am able to see clients in either Two Rivers or the Crivitz area, WI. If you would like to discuss how different dots have connected in your life I would love to hear from you.  I can be reached at: 920.793.3530.