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| A Celtic knot: Symbol of interconnectedness |
This sad news came with the happy news that my sister is expecting her second child in May after multiple failed attempts. This time it's a girl. The baby was conceived the week my mom was diagnosed.
My interest in the theories/philosophies of Carl Jung led me to the concept of synchronicity. Though largely a theory of parapsychology, I've always thought of it as a way to understand the interconnectedness of seemingly unconnected events. In other words, not all events can be written off to coincidence.
I belong to a discussion group of people who are slowly getting used to my belief that a higher power (I use the term "universe" while others may choose the word "God") is at work. That doesn't mean they believe it, but I think they've begun to understand that it's my sincere belief - mystical though it might be.
When Lisa announced that she was pregnant, my first thought was "It's a girl." Not a replacement for mom because she cannot be replaced, but a reminder nonetheless that the cycle of life continues.
I spend a fair amount of time at night when I cannot sleep thinking about these connections. Within grief there is joy; within death there is life. To me, a belief that all events are random slams the door on life's lessons. If we can't or won't open ourselves up to the possibility that there is a greater truth, I wonder if we can we ever obtain a deeper understanding.
Well it sure as hell wasn't planned--I'll give you that! :)
ReplyDelete3 weeks after Meghan was born, my Mother-in-law was diagnosed with terminal cancer. For he next three weeks, we lived in a strange juxtaposition of new beginnings and ending. When Meghan was 6 weeks old, my MIL passed away. My memories of rocking and walking with my newborn are of being in that sacred place, between life and death, joy and grief. And I know that it wasn't just me, Meghan had no shortage of people willing to walk with her during those difficult weeks. Meghan's presence was a gift to all of us, to ease the pain that we were feeling. I hope your your new niece can help bring that bit of peace to you and your family in the months to come.
ReplyDeleteJoan, that is a great story and told very well. I always knew Meghan was special. Now I have an even greater understanding of why.
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