present moment

Sometimes life’s greatest lessons come from what appear to be the most unlikely of sources.

Yesterday, I had the honour and privilege of taking part in a celebration of life for an incredible, majestic, Paint gelding horse named Romeo. Romeo lived life large in every way, and impacted the lives of people all over the world. He was an equine guide, a master of humour in the barn he called home, and a force to be reckoned with. If you lacked boundaries, Romeo would keep taking up your space, until you could ground yourself and claim it. If you were taking yourself, or life, too seriously, Romeo would toss his huge head up and down, flashing his enormous teeth as his gums flapped about in the breeze. Kind of like Mr. Ed the Talking Horse, in that old television show from the early ‘60s! If you were out of your body, or not fully present in the moment, Romeo was not averse to giving you a nip every now and again! Not in a malicious way, but the strength of the nip depended on how far out into the twilight zone you were. And if you needed to be reminded of the breath-taking beauty of strength, power, and grace in motion, all you had to do was watch Romeo running free in his pasture.

Romeo was only 16 years old. What should have been the prime of his life; but the Universe had other plans. Like many beings that leave the planet early, it was as if his soul knew that he would only be here for a short time. So, he packed a full life-time’s worth of living and light into one short brilliant 16 year burst. His human shared how Romeo greeted every single day as if it was the greatest thing that had ever happened. I’m trying to imagine how different my life would be, if I greeted every day that way too.

We all have the same light that Romeo shared with the world. Sometimes it gets buried, or dulled by worldly circumstances. But remembering that light, and shining it, is just one choice away in every moment. Thank you Romeo for the incredible being of light that you were. I will never forget you. Thank you also for the reminder to shine my light everywhere. I know that the world will be a better place each time I make the choice to do so.

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Today is my first granddaughter Kallie’s 6th birthday! I’m wondering where the time has gone. It seems like only yesterday that I watched, in absolute awe, as she made her grand entrance into the world. It was as if time stood still. I truly felt the presence of God that day. And not in the religious sense, but in the sense of a love of such magnitude that it took my breath away. As I witnessed this incredible being traverse her epic journey to the outside world, I realized that she may have been entering the world of the physical, but spiritually she was not quite acclimatized to this so called reality. She was so much more than just a tiny human. She was a soul of epic proportions, a bright light, braving a new lifetime, and bringing her own brand of miracles to transform our family. In the delivery room to welcome her were her mom and dad and Auntie Caitlin. As well as her Grandma (me) and her Grandpa (my ex-husband). And that was just the world of the seen. In the world of the unseen I could feel the presence of the ancestors, who were also welcoming and celebrating this beautiful soul.

In her 6 years Kallie has taught me a lot about unconditional love, and about savouring every delicious morsel of the present moment. She has shown me that perseverance is the way to realize your dreams, and that there isn’t anything in life that love can’t make better. I was wondering what words of wisdom 6 year old Kallie might offer to me at 6 years old. To little Neesie who was so sensitive, and lonely, and afraid. Or what she might say to the 6 year old inside all of us.

I think Kallie would tell the 6 year old in all of us that we matter. That we have great gifts to share with the world. That there has never been another soul like us, nor will there ever be. That the world is waiting for our unique and sacred gifts. That we are loved beyond measure, by forces seen and unseen. And mostly, that we don’t have to do life alone. I can envision Kallie taking Neesie’s hand and inviting her to play.

So, baby girl Kallie, thank you for the gift you are in my life. For the constant reminder that this life is so much more than meets the eye. Thanks for putting your tiny hand in our hands and trusting us with the gift of your life. Now, let’s go play!

Much love to you on your 6th birthday and always beautiful girl. xoxo

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Tag: present moment

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