I’ve received quite a few e-mails over the past few weeks, since the attacks on New York and Washington, DC, each one with it’s own unique perspective. They range from shock, fear, anger, depression, peace, hope, and love. This week I would like to send you a personal note.

We are all dealing with these events in our own way. One thing’s for sure, it has been a wake-up call. We can no longer take those that we love in any way for granted. For me, my friends and family have become more dear than ever. The value of the relationships I have formed and continued through my life are now priceless. I’m sure you can see it too….when you enter a room where there are familiar faces, the looks are no longer quite the same. We all exchange glances that say so much more to each other these days. Life can no longer be taken for granted, and we all know it.

We are entering the last quarter of the year….usually a time for celebration. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. A holiday season that usually flies by at the speed of sound. I don’t think it will be the case this year. Each celebration this time will be amplified. This year we can truly give thanks and praise for what we have, and the people we love.

Two months ago my father passed away from cancer. He was diagnosed in February, and left us in August. He lived the last six months of his life as if everything was new to him….he appreciated everything anyone did for him, and the look in his eyes was of love and awakening. I learned from this that when a person faces his or her mortality, they sometimes get rid of any superficialities and who they really are comes out…..almost as if the child within reawakens. I see this now happening in people around me….the mind of the world is facing its vulnerability….but like children, besides facing our limitations, we are also facing our incredible abilities. The pearl is only made from the friction of sand within the shell……there will be many pearls coming forth from these times.

I send my best wishes and love to you and yours. And may we all hold dear to us the treasure that makes us human…….our hearts.

love,
Jennifer Avalon
© 2001 Jennifer Avalon