In May of 2008, I posted an essay by Mary Jean Irion called Let Me Hold You While I May.It began:
"The day is over; now I will sleep. It has been a normal sort of day, common like a rock along the path. Nothing about it would make one exclaim over it, as one might do with a shell or a glistening piece of quartz. It was just a rock, lying there along my way. But now, knowing that it is about to go from me forever, I hold it in my hand curiously, turning it this way and that, marking its shape and texture, weighing it on my palm. What was it really, this normal day?"...
The essay speaks of cherishing that ordinary day because someday it could be taken from you.
I'm looking around me today and seeing Art's smile, tasting my mom's dishes, talking to my children on the cellphone, doing some shopping and seeing some relatives. They are common everyday things. With all the tragedies so far away happening to those dear to us and everyone around them, it's made me acutely grateful for what we have now.
I'm going to take the time today to appreciate how lucky we are, to notice the wonderful people and things around me and treasure it.
This is a beautiful, poignant post, Kay. It says all that needs to be said at this painful time. You and your family are so much in our thoughts, as are the people of Japan.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post Kay! We should all cherish our day and be thankful for what we have. Prayers still going out for the people of Japan.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good outcome, a good response to the disaster.
ReplyDeleteLiving in Israel, I normally have your attitude, Kay, because here life may end at any minute and not necessarily at the hand of Nature.
It's the only way to live. I think we are all grateful to be alive today.
ReplyDeleteSo true Kay! We are blessed to live another normal day.
ReplyDelete. . and while living our ordinary, comfortable lives we continue to think of those whose lives have been shattered and who long for normality.
ReplyDelete. . and while living our ordinary, comfortable lives we continue to think of those whose lives have been shattered and who long for normality.
ReplyDeleteFor the people of Japan, there is a new Normal Day, one that shouldn't be normal, because it is extraordinary and heart-breaking.
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing quite like it...the blessings of an ordinary day. Wishing you many "ordinary" moments today.
ReplyDeleteThank you for telling that you are okay and your relatives as well.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to celebrate a new day with family, friends and the small treasures that may come from it. I'm so pleased to hear you and your family are okay. Thank you for letting me know. Equally happy to hear you got word from some of your extended family. You will all stay in my thoughts/ prayers. May the news continue to be as good as it can be in the face of this tragedy. Lastly, here's hoping the people of Japan will continue to be found/ rescued.
ReplyDeleteCherishing the ordinary, whether it is a day or a flower or a wild bird, it's very uplifting. You have uplifted me today, Kay, and I am so glad to hear that you and yours are all going to be okay. My prayers go out to those whose lives will not be ordinary for a long, long time.
ReplyDeleteThe essay was very timely, and I loved it. You are my cyber 'home' and I am happy for your 'ordinary day'. I think I will have to do that, too!
ReplyDeleteI'm so very grateful for the update. Thank you. So glad your family is ok, and that you are able to enjoy your family just in the moment. Our thoughts here continue with you and yours.
ReplyDeleteKay you are so right.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy you are all right and that your family is also.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pertinent post. We need to enjoy our ordinary days, they can turn horrific in an instant.
My heart and prayers go out to the peoples of Japan.
Kay, I haven't been here in a while, but after hearing about the disaster in Japan, you & your family are all I could think of. I'm so very glad that your family and friend are alright. I know that they are not out of danger yet, so, I will continue to pray for their safety and also for those in Hawaii that are affected by this disaster, in cladding your family.
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I, too, am grateful your family is well. I am also glad you are there in Hawaii with your mother, so she didn't have to go through that terrible time without you.
ReplyDeleteAn ordinary day can be a priceless gift, if only we'd see it as such and not wish for something extraordinary.
-- K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
The ordinary is so special when you think you might not have it.
ReplyDeleteEvery day I do laundry, I thank God for my washer and dryer. Silly, I know, but those two appliances remind me of how fortunate and blessed my life is in all aspects, not JUST laundry. I am grateful for clothes to wash and place to do it. God is good in the ordinary as well as the monumental.
It's another gray, cold, wet day here. Thank you for reminding me that I have so much to be grateful for on this ordinary day. It seems brighter already.
ReplyDeleteVisiting my friends in blogland I have seen your name and thought about you at this time. I am pleased that you and your family are fine. Your post is so poignant – we need to hold and cherish our ordinary days indeed. We sometimes don’t realize how precious they are.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sentiments, Kay. God bless.
ReplyDeleteCherish the moment, a poignant reminder Kay.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely essay. Yes, every day is a gift and should be cherished. Thank you for the gentle reminder.
ReplyDeleteat least a tragedy pulls us together as people to help others...
ReplyDeleteVery sage advice, Kay!
ReplyDeleteKay, I hardly have words to comment on this. An ordinary day is a great gift. Thanks for reminding me.
ReplyDeleteKay,
ReplyDeleteA precious post and a loving alert to appreciation of those around you. Yes, it's the common everyday things that we take so much for granted.
A peaceful and loving weekend to you and your family.
This is so true.
ReplyDeleteA very nice way of saying how precious our time is and how we take it for granted.
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