The Worldly and the Wise

One of the most beautiful things in this world is abundant kindness.... Today, I had the opportunity to reconnect with family that I have always admired, but rarely had a chance to spend time with. My great-uncle (my father's uncle, for those that don't speak family tree), is an artist, educator, life-long learner, and an all-around cool guy. He's always ready with a quick wit, or a philosophical discussion, (whichever is more entertaining at the time. ;-) ) My great-aunt is a prolific poet, journal-er, and a talented jewelry maker. She has traveled and taught and influenced and inspired in many places, and I have had the great blessing of experiencing her abundant kindness first hand.

After cooking us breakfast, sharing stories, offering us more food, taking a walk with us on the shore, having an invigorating conversation about anything and everything, offering us more food, and sharing her smiles and wisdom, she even offered to let us stay at her beautiful home. (Unfortunately, our dirty laundry and our unwillingness to impose, prevented us.) As we sat on the back deck of the studio in which she creates her jewelry, and my uncle paints, I turned and saw my aunt, the sun streaming gently through the trees, and the conversation lighting up her eyes, and I was immediately struck by her beauty. Hopefully, she won't mind me writing this about her. (As I said, she has inspired...)

Dear Radiant Lady of the Garden,
Your eyes light up, and your speech pours out of you like rain; nourishing those around you. You let me rant, ramble, and babble about nothing, but always brought me back to the important point; that life is a journey and I am traveling toward something greater. As the sun caught your face, you smiled and the whole of me could not help but notice. Your laugh and light show off the strongest beauty. Your wisdom and experiences help me to see there is still time yet, for something, for more... Thank you for sharing your beauty with us! It is a pleasure and a gift to be around those who emit so much love, that one cannot help but feel welcome.

You are one of the beautiful people in this world! Radiant and serene, your beauty is unique and inspirational. You have a calm power, and a quiet strength that I wish to emulate. Thank you for your wisdom, and fellowship. I am truly grateful.

--Me