TO BE ABSENT IS A WAY OF BEING PRESENT
Today would have been my aunt's birthday, but even though she isn't physically present to celebrate she will forever always continue to live through her absence as her ashes are being scattered today. I believe that we never die we just take a new form of life when we are no longer physically present. Our belongings, the memories that we shared with others and how we made the people who surrounded us feel is the legacy we leave behind. It's why our time, the time that we never will get back, the time that ultimately is never a given, is so valuable.
The recurring theme I always think of is how am I spending my energy and time. Not just how but with whom...taking it a step further- what is the impact that I am leaving on others when they cross my path?
A few months ago I had a pretty impactful conversation with a very close friend who is dealing with an ailing mother. The medical issues her mother has just keep piling up leaving her in despair since there is nothing in her power she can do to remedy the pain. We were sharing a meal while discussing this when she looks at me and asks: "What is the point of all of this?" In that instance I didn't have an answer to give, but thinking about that moment and celebrating what would have been my aunt's birthday today- I believe the point is to treat others with compassion, love, kindness, and to create and leave a legacy that continues to carry on and contribute to the world in a positive manner.
We say that things don't matter, and while I agree that to a certain extent they don't, they actually do at the same time, since when we physically leave this earth the "things" that we acquired get left behind, passed down, and is how our essence and our energy continues to live on. The same goes for how we treat one another. The memories always continue to live on so long as we have them. Those memories trigger emotions and those emotions are the essence of how the other impacted your life.
As for me and my aunt- I used to call her frequently and will never forget how she would laugh at whatever it is that I had to say that day. The sound of her voice and the feeling of being loved even though we spent the majority of the time separated by distance. Distance that didn't seem to ever matter or make a difference. Distance that continues to not matter for she is and forever will always be present...even in what is perceived as her absence.
