Michael, it’s always been a joy to read of your walks to the river, your appreciation of wildlife, and now you lead us ever on to a new place. Thank you.
Thanks Michael, I think of you right now as a forward scout, still very much with us but with eyes increasingly turned ahead. I so much appreciate the thoughtful, nuanced, authentic reporting! Your thoughts today drew me to re-listen to one of my favorite albums, by the Waterboys, "Fisherman's Blues". I especially like the song "Strange Boat" which somehow captures how wild and strange, how wonderful and sad it all is. Your fearless reflections on this unknown territory that lies just ahead for all of us do make it a little less strange for the rest of us, dear Michael.
Ron
"Strange Boat", by the Waterboys
We're sailing on a strange boat
Heading for a strange shore
We're sailing on a strange boat
Heading for a strange shore
Carrying the strangest cargo
That was ever hauled aboard
We're sailing on a strange sea
Blown by a strange wind
We're sailing on a strange sea
Blown by a strange wind
Carrying the strangest crew
That ever sinned
We're riding in a strange car
We're followin' a strange star
We're climbing on the strangest ladder
That was ever there to climb
We're living in a strange time
Working for a strange goal
We're living in a strange time
Working for a strange goal
We're turning flesh and body
Into soul
Hear it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-NXwRUQcmg.
We are honored to be feeling the waves with you. Jeff asks me every day how you are. I hope you feel all of us surrounding you to make the waves just a little less turbulent.
I see you swaying gently like the ferns you watched. Or tall grasses. An ease. A calm. A matching - fitting in with the world around you, and the elements it presents you with on any given day. Just like the ferns do. Much love to you in the space that is today.
Unanchored but balanced in the little rocking boat, moved by the breath of Spirit over the waters. May you rest, cradled and held, surrounded by our love.