all you need is *LOVE*

I dreamed once after my paternal grandmother died that I met her on a beach.  We walked hand in hand through the surf while seagulls cried and swooped, and she smiled a beaming smile at me.  She assured me she was happy and that this was the place for her.  She told me I would join her one day.  I wasn't worried, I was relieved.

I used to not believe in anything.  I used to think that once my lights were dimmed, I'd be history. But...I know that life is cyclic, and that with each turn we get another chance, it's just another phase. I've had several epiphanies in my day...hence my birthday on January 6th.  :D

Friends of mine lost their best friend to suicide this week.  I know they would give anything to have a chance to talk him out of this, if given the opportunity.  If only they had a time machine. Don't get me wrong-it had NOTHING to do with them.  But as loving as they are, I know they would intervene, sit him down, talk him out of it, if only they had that chance.

If you feel as though someone is in need of love, affection, caring-reach out and give it. The Beatles said it best, All You Need Is LOVE.

How very true.  Let's put up with each other awhile, let's forgive our mistakes, let's mature enough to see that it is all water under the bridge, let bygones be just that, by gone.  If we have but this one life, nothing is so important but to love each other, support each other and get through another day.

Okay-so would you please light a candle for everyone involved? Say a mantra/prayer/affirmation for them? And while you are at it count your blessings.  For even the shittiest circumstances can be overcome with a little help from your friends.

Love you all, just so you know.

xo 

p.s. Back to our regularly scheduled blog content next post.  Life gets in the way of blogging sometimes. :D

Comments

[Tara Bradford]

Gorgeous photo and you're so right about love. Im the grand scheme of things, that's all that matters. Love you! xoxox

[aliceinparislovesartandtea.blogspot.com]

love, love, love....
Yes, it all starts with us.
My b'day is January 8! Winter babies we are:)

[Little Red]

Beautiful words of hope, encouragement and inspiration. We're here but a short time so why not be supportive, loving and forgiving to each other while we try to get through this thing called life?? I'm so with you on this one, my friend!

God bless...and I will light a candle (or two) and say a prayer for your friends.

PS - Yes, it's la Cubana from Havana...with a new blog. :)

[linni]

Love your profile pic!!! and you xx

[Tanya]

Thinking of your friends and their loss today..

[Jeaux]

When Patrick lost his brother, he talked about love being the essential condition of the universe; time as we know it is a kind of departure from eternity, the place where our stories are written. We pursue peace and happiness, and it's good to do so. Along the way, crisis happens, and that's what shapes our narratives and the contour of our souls.

The critical thing, as you've suggested Gillian, is our response. How we recover, beyond the hurt, reconcile, and get back to the love speaks to the mettle of our hearts and dedication to embracing the gracious order of the universe in spite of it all. It isn’t easy, and we don’t always succeed. But in the end “all manner of thing will be well.”

I will light a candle.

[Jeaux]

...and there are times when the only thing we can do is 'leave it all til somebody else lends us a hand.' Maybe God planned it that way.

[gemma]

Lighting a candle today for the eternal light of love to reach everyone.

[Sherry]

Too many are "lost" in this way -- they are lost without our being aware of it -- lost in a place we can't imagine. If only. If only we knew or were able to make that difference. Sometimes we see the signs and can make a difference and other times the signs are too well disguised.

I believe in your dream, I believe in love making a difference and I believe that being mindful and more aware of those we love can and will and does make a difference.

I lit candles last night and will light more every night. Beautiful post Gillian.

[Steph]

Oh Gill, I am so sorry. For the friend who succombed to his anguish, and for your friends who are left reeling in the aftermath. As you know, I have lost three loved ones to suicide in my life, so - although no two relationships are exactly the same - I understand much of what they are going through right now. My heart goes out to all involved.

Prayers will be said, and candles will be lit. xoxo

[A Fanciful Twist]

It's so true. If we can just let go, strip down to what counts and be real, it all gets pretty darned simple and beautiful to boot.

Prayers and candles for your friends friend.

We had such an event in our family, and I have to say, you do wish you could go back and help the person. But really, all you can do is love them, and send them love, for whatever decision a person makes for their own life. I realized that after we lost our loved one... xoxo

[Marilyn]

Each life dimmed is more sadness for those left to bear. I am sad for your friends today that their friend is gone. So many lost lives this week in the news.

[tifanie]

oh my. i'm so sorry gill. how terribly sad. i will light a candle for you guys and say a prayer. beautiful words about your grandmother. chin up. love and light.