Nancy, Your vivid storytelling draws me right into the warmth and complexity of your memories. The image of Grandma Freda on the roof, hammer in hand, perfectly captures the resilience and practicality she passed down—a legacy that lives on through you. The way you weave sweetness and struggle together feels deeply honest and grounded. Reclaiming innocence and fostering spaces for softness is such meaningful work, and it’s inspiring to see how you’ve channeled your experiences into creating a better world. Thank you for sharing these reflections. They’re a beautiful reminder of the power in holding onto what truly matters.
Jay, your comment brings tears to my eye. You have accurately captured exactly what I was attempting in this post. I am so grateful you're here -- for so many reasons -- but this time as my sacred witness, a very reliable one at that. Blessings always , my friend!
Nancy, Your response touches me deeply. It’s an honor to serve as a witness to your stories and the powerful truths you share. The resilience and love you embody shine so brightly, and it’s a gift to connect with you in this space. Thank you for your kindness and for trusting me with your reflections.
I certainly can relate to your words, “Those days were sweet and rich when we all assembled. It didn’t happen often, but when it did, we were bonded by love and cheer.”
When you wrote, “Now our family is scattered and broken apart.” That is true of my family as well for many different reasons, and yes, death is one of the reasons. I wish we had seen each other more than anyone would.
I am left with many good memories, some cherished memories, some horrible memories of evil and abuse. And I will 100% say Christ rescued me as a child, and a decent Christian Grandfather and Grandmother stepped into my life as the miracle I prayed for. They took me in, loved, nurtured, educated, and built confidence in me. They always encouraged me to be better through love and service to others.
I do not doubt that you got help from highly skilled therapists, and I am glad you did. Let me say that I believe divine intervention can come through those who help us, regardless of their origin: therapists, doctors, families, churches, self-healing, and yes, “the great healer, Jesus.”
We can all reach a place of peace despite living through Hell, but we will be forever scared; that’s true. Our past is not who we are now. We are who we choose to be, regardless of any outside influences. The world does not define us; our own personal character does.
As you said, “Sweetness, softness, and innocence has its own power.” I agree with you.
You said, “Our power lies in remembering what is good and enduring. We’re going to need that anchor over the coming years. We need it now.”….Well said.
I loved reading your post! It certainly hit home with me, and I’m sure it will with many others.
I pray God’s abundant blessings over your life, that He keeps you in the comfort of His constant embrace, and that the Holy Spirit will guide you as you navigate this uncertain world. In the Holy name of Christ our Lord, we pray. Amen!
Thank you for your thoughtful and kind response, Larry. It’s wonderful that you’ve found healing and peace in Christianity. I don’t share that part of your experience but understand many do.
My quarrel (if I have one) is with the extremism inside fundamentalist churches. They’re not following what Jesus taught but more than that they are hurting people. As a practicing Buddhist I stand for truth and justice. So I will speak for love, compassion and respect ✊
Those of us who were raised in Christianity and turned away from it had good reason.
I can forgive ignorance (because who isn’t?) but find it difficult to forgive malice.
Discernment and personal accountability come into it here, from my perspective.
Overall, Larry, I appreciate your comment and perspective. I wish more people really would follow Christ’s teachings instead of whatever they are doing in those dark corridors of extremism.
Nancy, thanks for sharing your memories. The world sure seems like it has changed. Sometimes it seems the only thing I can do these days is share a smile. Often times it is reciprocated.
I remember the message on the airbrushed tshirt I bought in high school: God loves you no matter what. I remember my first Bruce Springsteen concert in 1985 and many others I’ve been to since then, especially the 3/19/24 concert in Phoenix. I remember snorkeling next to undersea animals, especially green sea turtles, and the joy and peace of immersing myself in Maui’s underwater world.
"In a world that’s becoming “pay as you go” I’m all about “play as you go” — because even Jesus told us that we must become like little children." I really like this line. I'm inviting more play into my life.
I think I said it all in my post…..
The energy of those memories are so important! Worth keeping alive. Thanks for sharing 💞
I remember softer sweeter times with my mom, her sisters and my sisters. Thank you for this reminder Nancy.
Nancy, Your vivid storytelling draws me right into the warmth and complexity of your memories. The image of Grandma Freda on the roof, hammer in hand, perfectly captures the resilience and practicality she passed down—a legacy that lives on through you. The way you weave sweetness and struggle together feels deeply honest and grounded. Reclaiming innocence and fostering spaces for softness is such meaningful work, and it’s inspiring to see how you’ve channeled your experiences into creating a better world. Thank you for sharing these reflections. They’re a beautiful reminder of the power in holding onto what truly matters.
Jay, your comment brings tears to my eye. You have accurately captured exactly what I was attempting in this post. I am so grateful you're here -- for so many reasons -- but this time as my sacred witness, a very reliable one at that. Blessings always , my friend!
Nancy, Your response touches me deeply. It’s an honor to serve as a witness to your stories and the powerful truths you share. The resilience and love you embody shine so brightly, and it’s a gift to connect with you in this space. Thank you for your kindness and for trusting me with your reflections.
Blessings and gratitude,
Jay
I certainly can relate to your words, “Those days were sweet and rich when we all assembled. It didn’t happen often, but when it did, we were bonded by love and cheer.”
When you wrote, “Now our family is scattered and broken apart.” That is true of my family as well for many different reasons, and yes, death is one of the reasons. I wish we had seen each other more than anyone would.
I am left with many good memories, some cherished memories, some horrible memories of evil and abuse. And I will 100% say Christ rescued me as a child, and a decent Christian Grandfather and Grandmother stepped into my life as the miracle I prayed for. They took me in, loved, nurtured, educated, and built confidence in me. They always encouraged me to be better through love and service to others.
I do not doubt that you got help from highly skilled therapists, and I am glad you did. Let me say that I believe divine intervention can come through those who help us, regardless of their origin: therapists, doctors, families, churches, self-healing, and yes, “the great healer, Jesus.”
We can all reach a place of peace despite living through Hell, but we will be forever scared; that’s true. Our past is not who we are now. We are who we choose to be, regardless of any outside influences. The world does not define us; our own personal character does.
As you said, “Sweetness, softness, and innocence has its own power.” I agree with you.
You said, “Our power lies in remembering what is good and enduring. We’re going to need that anchor over the coming years. We need it now.”….Well said.
I loved reading your post! It certainly hit home with me, and I’m sure it will with many others.
I pray God’s abundant blessings over your life, that He keeps you in the comfort of His constant embrace, and that the Holy Spirit will guide you as you navigate this uncertain world. In the Holy name of Christ our Lord, we pray. Amen!
Take care, Larry
Thank you for your thoughtful and kind response, Larry. It’s wonderful that you’ve found healing and peace in Christianity. I don’t share that part of your experience but understand many do.
My quarrel (if I have one) is with the extremism inside fundamentalist churches. They’re not following what Jesus taught but more than that they are hurting people. As a practicing Buddhist I stand for truth and justice. So I will speak for love, compassion and respect ✊
Those of us who were raised in Christianity and turned away from it had good reason.
I can forgive ignorance (because who isn’t?) but find it difficult to forgive malice.
Discernment and personal accountability come into it here, from my perspective.
Overall, Larry, I appreciate your comment and perspective. I wish more people really would follow Christ’s teachings instead of whatever they are doing in those dark corridors of extremism.
Nancy, thanks for sharing your memories. The world sure seems like it has changed. Sometimes it seems the only thing I can do these days is share a smile. Often times it is reciprocated.
I remember the message on the airbrushed tshirt I bought in high school: God loves you no matter what. I remember my first Bruce Springsteen concert in 1985 and many others I’ve been to since then, especially the 3/19/24 concert in Phoenix. I remember snorkeling next to undersea animals, especially green sea turtles, and the joy and peace of immersing myself in Maui’s underwater world.
“Sweetness, softness, and innocence has its own power.”
So true. Thanks for sharing and reminding us.
"In a world that’s becoming “pay as you go” I’m all about “play as you go” — because even Jesus told us that we must become like little children." I really like this line. I'm inviting more play into my life.
😁