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Greetings!
There was no Wit and Wisdom newsletter last week as I was immersed in creating and attending the memorial of my husband. Patrick passed away 16 months ago, at just 59. Taken too soon and with so much to love and live for, it was an occasion to mark his brilliant achievements and celebrate his life.
I chose carefully the speakers who would give an address of personal recollections, amusing stories and fitting readings of literature and quotes of his own work. The hymns and songs were selected with infinite care and reflected his beliefs, his roots and his love of the early works of Paul Weller.
In short the memorial was magnificent and far transcended all expectations. It was an honour to create it and I am glad it is behind us too.
Life now goes on. Ever changed, super charged and different. Don’t worry, this is not going to be about the disorientating, eviscerating and, well, deranging effects of grief and loss (yes I do speak to a flickering chandelier still convinced he is trying to make contact!). But as a reminder, lest we forget, to remember that life can change on a dime.
Eulogise, right now, your loved ones so they can hear the good stuff they wont get to cherish and relish when they are no longer here. Sing their praises, honour their place in your life.
Live life fully and fearlessly on your own terms. Being responsibly selfish as you go.
Be aware of your own greatness (playing small is so tiresome) and be proud of your contribution to family, friends, society and life. Believe it or not you have put a dent in the universe.
Wherever possible live without regret. Even if you goofed up or chose badly, make reparations and unconditionally forgive yourself. I could go on but the great and good have covered a lot of it and said it better before me. Besides, I don’t do fridge magnet guru-ism.
There is little to commend unexpected loss of a partner but if there is a golden nugget it is this - when life breaks your heart it opens your eyes. We all think we have time, but choose to have moments instead.
Life isn’t waiting for us tomorrow, it’s inviting us today.
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