Dear Dee,
As I wrote the date above, I realized it would be my mother’s birthday were she still alive. It’s sad how little I think of her. I guess that’s because there are so few cherished memories of her. Sad. I did, over the past two years, learn that she is worthy of more empathy than I had been willing to grant her. I used to think she loved her alcohol more than her sons. But I had to regard her in a different light after my own addiction spiraled out of control. That gives credence to the old saw: “If you want to understand someone, walk a mile in their shoes.”
I have been reading the sermons that came with your last mail. “Other Pulpits, Other Ministries” didn’t speak to me at first, but upon reflection, I realized there is something to be learned from every one of them. It was the story of Margaret, who lost two of her children to death and another to life in prison. She could easily have become a bitter, angry old recluse, railing against the injustices of the world. Instead, she chose to bring beauty into the world, planting poppies wherever she went. Her answer to the loss of love from her world was to bring more into it. I have spent a lot of time lately thinking about the loss of these years from my life, years that are supposed to be “golden.” But then I see people like Margaret, who have lost far more and still manage to face life with grace and dignity.
The second sermon was germane to the struggle I’ve been having with the first and seventh principles. It provided me with generous insight into how to look beyond my present situation.
You asked if I needed any books. There is a couple I’d like to have. First, “The Jefferson Bible” and secondly, a book called “The Field,” which deals with the concept of God as a field of energy. I had thought that I had formulated that belief system all by myself, but I have met others who believed the same thing and now I find there is a whole book about it.
Take care and be well. Love, Kent
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