A Loving Reflection

Here in Dublin tonight – or the early hours of the morning – the wind is raging. Trees bend low and silhouette branches dance wildly. Jet lag has me up and at the computer…a month in the US was enough to re-set my body clock, I guess. Looking at the date of my last entry, I see I’ve been away for a while now. In the interim I had one of the most powerful, meaningful and fulfilling experiences of my life: the privilege of caring for my sweet, sweet sister-in-law, Kathy, through her last stages of pancreatic cancer. At the age of 54, Kathleen C. Delaney died on the morning of August 12th.

I still do not have words to explain, or even a full understanding of what this experience means to me. They will come in time.

I do not know how I could possibly translate the immeasurable dimensions of what she brought to what are now the immeasurable parts of me. Some things cannot be bounded or contained.

I do not know exactly how the precious, golden strands of Kathy, and my time with, her will be woven through the fabric of my life. I need more distance to see the pattern clearly.

But, what I do know is this: Our time together, as well as her attitude, dignity and strength have provided me with a multitude of gifts, a lifetime of contemplation and many lessons that will unfold. Her presence will be with me always.

I also know that I am more resolute than ever in my desire to live life “on purpose”; to help others listen to and follow their hearts so they can live their lives on purpose – so they can create a purposeful life.

Kathy, dear heart, you were – are – the most elegant of teachers, and I am so deeply grateful for the gift of your life.