This is the day!

    In the 1970's I made a wall hanging of burlap and felt (remember the '70's?).  For the rest of their lives, my parents proudly displayed it in their home; in the dining room, the guest room, the office; always where it would be seen on a daily basis.   The cream colored burlap, bright yellow sun and turquoise letters, bold:  This is the Day the Lord has made, let us Rejoice.   A visible statement of the way Mom and Dad lived and died - fully present to the now.  Their faith was strong, their health was good, their minds were clear, they were active, contended and in love.  Their lives were not always easy, but despite losses and challenges and turns of events, they found joy and were generous with their love and were much loved in return.  They outlived most of their friends and relatives.  They remained kind and thoughtful and curious until they passed on; Dad a few months before his 91st birthday, Mom a few months past her 94th.  

     I spent a lovely week with them just two months before my dad died, unexpectedly, of a heart attack.  We talked, we laughed, we went to yoga and dance class and Saturday night happy hour before dinner with friends.  Each night after the 10 o'clock news, we made up the roll-away bed for me in the living room of their small apartment.  In the darkness, reflecting on the day just past, I overheard my dad ask, "Are you happy today, Love?"  And my mom reply, "Oh, yes, it was a wonderful day!"  Then I heard them kiss, then each say to the other, "I love you.  Sleep well."  

Remembering, I rejoice.