I appreciate so much the clarity with which you write about your journey about purpose and joy and practicality, your foundation of listening and the rhythms of connection. There is devotion and sacred centering in all of it that is breathtaking to behold. Again, I’m so grateful for your candid sharing and willingness to invite us into the heart and soul of your experience. You are quite the teacher, my friend! 🙏🏻

Michael, while I am very aware that living with a terminal illness is definitely different, I was struck as I read your recent writings that some of my adjustments during retirement have been very similar to yours.
My retirement started early as spine deterioration from arthritis interfered with my I teaching on a campus. I spent a lot of time researching alternatives to back surgery .
At 53 I had earned a doctorate degree at the University of Illinois but by 63 I was forced to be unemployed.
The last 4 years I have been enjoying creating who I am each day. For 10 years I had refused to let go of my titles: teacher, counselor, and professor. I am all of those and much more.
Acknowledging my lack of control has also created an adventure of discovery.
Recently reading your entries has given me yet another lens through which to view my life! Thank you, Michael!

Peace, love and freedom to be whoo you are and be that well! Suzanne

Michael- you serve great purpose in my life. Your meditations inspire me to live more deliberately. To find joy and meaning, or more accurately sometimes create it, from the good and challenging fortunes I face. You and your journey have changed my life. Although the price is too dear, you and your ceaselessly unfolding meditations are transforming community of those who love you into better people. Thank you.

Michael, thanks for your recent posting. Francis de Sales affirms your Aunt Ruby's declaration when he writes, "All through love; nothing through constraint." May the river, the wind, the rituals of your life and the wonderful family and friends bring you strength in the known and unknown aspects of your journey. You are clearly in God's embrace ! love and daily prayer...

Michael, thanks for your recent posting. Francis de Sales affirms your Aunt Ruby's declaration when he writes, "All through love; nothing through constraint." May the river, the wind, the rituals of your life and the wonderful family and friends bring you strength in the known and unknown aspects of your journey. You are clearly in God's embrace ! love and daily prayer...

I do believe that your brain is more active and has more clarity than I can claim. I loved, "the river... provides a foundation where clarity and direction can emerge. " I gues for me, besides prayer, which you mention also, it would be going out to our backyard veggie and flower garden. Sitting out there praying, musing and listening, grounds me every morning. Sr. Brenda named it for me, when she said, "Oh, you are heading out to your sanctuary." What else grounds me? Dishes-not so much. SK2

Thank you for sharing, Michael. The unchoreographed, unplanned movements you are calling on to dance, shift, turn through this undulating journey are remarkable, and helpful for us all. I'm so glad you are noticing, notating, and sharing them. Much love, Debra

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Sending you love and light as you navigate the fluidity of this sacred time.
"Just keep swimmin', swimmin'. swimmin' " (Finding Nemo)