I woke up early this morning to temps., way down in the double-digit, negatives. That being said, my house was cozy & warm; thanks to good insulation & the beauty of a wood stove. Getting dressed (in my many layers of warmth), and heading into town (in my reliable jeep w/it’s killer heater); I found myself thankful. Thankful for these simple, but amazing luxuries; that I take for granted, most days.
As a Medium; I connect regularly, with peoples loved ones and ancestors. I get to hear their stories, and catch glimpses of their lives. Often, the elders who have passed into Spirit, tell of the hardships and struggles they faced in life. These stories are part of who they were, often creating the backbone and tenacity, that we loved so much about them. These stories, remind me that not too-long ago; winters in the North were a hell of a lot harder, and still are for some.
These stories of struggle, are my stories as well…for they are the stories of my Ancestors. I come from simple Folk, with strong backbones & big hearts. On my way into town, I found myself thinking of two of these Ancestors; Grammy Bickford (my husbands grandmother) & my Grammy Brown (my great-grandmother/who raised my father & his brothers).
Grammy Bickford, grew up in a logging camp, in Berlin, NH. I remember her stories of winter in the camp; of how their cabin had no insulation, and how snow blew through the clap boards on blustery nights. How she would wake in the morning, with her blankets covered in snow…get up, make herself a lard sandwich, and put on an extra layer of socks before heading to school; as she did not own a pair of boots.
Grammy Brown, ran away from an abusive husband, with two of her young children. They squatted in an old abandoned house; spending most of the winter laying under piles of blankets. They did this, because they only had fallen branches & old furniture for firewood, and hardly any food. They were fortunate, when a neighbor lady saw smoke coming from the building & set about to rescue them.
We live in a world of plenty, yet their are still those among us who don’t live that much differently then my grandmothers. In our own communities, there are those among us who struggle to keep their homes warm, their bellies full, and their families healthy. I am so thankful, for all the bounty life has bestowed upon me, and I am thankful to be able to share that bounty with others.
On this cold, February morning…the day after we celebrate LOVE; I ask you to take a moment and think of all the good fortune, life has bestowed upon you. I ask further, that you think how you can share your bounty, with those that are not so fortunate. I think of my Grammy Brown’s savior; Mrs. Flowers, the neighbor lady. She not only took my grandmother (great-grandmother technically) & her two son’s (one who was my grandfather), out of the cold. But she went on to provide my grandmother with a job, and later a small piece of land. Mrs. Flowers saved more then my grandparents…she created small abundance for my great-grandmother, my grandfather, and later my father, and eventually me. That kindness, was like a stone thrown into a pond; creating ripples of love and wonderfulness.
No act of Kindness is truly wasted, and we have no idea how great the transformation from kindness can be. So, whether you are sitting in your warm cozy home, sipping coffee, or bundled up in layers heading out to work. Take a few moments to think on your abundance, and the simple ways you may transform the world. Remember, we are co-creating our lives. What do you want that life to look like. For me, life is more beautiful when I share my bounty with the world around me. So today, I’m going to go buy some cheap chocolate and drop it off at H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everyday). Because we could all use a little sweetness in our lives.
spreading love-salicrow