Thoughts, feelings, and embracing reality

Jean Michel Cousteau's new movie opened at the Natural History Museum. He was there to answer questions too! Marisol LOVED it - Gerry fell asleep.

Two weekends ago my sister visited. Her visit was sandwiched between visits from my mother-in-law and my cousin and kids. It made for a fun March having all those visitors! 


But my sister leaving was the hardest goodbye. The morning of her last day I woke up with an ache in my chest. I tried to enjoy our last moments - and she didn't rush out the door, staying till well after lunch. But I felt sad (as usual). The sadness was a little sharper this time because Laura and her boyfriend are moving out to Colorado this Spring, so we know our visits may be a bit sparser in the next few years. Instead of seeing her 4 times or more per year, it will probably be 1-2 times. Marisol is not thrilled about this either.


I wondered if my "thoughts" were making things more difficult for me. I know that
our thoughts are very powerful, so maybe I should have been thinking happy, grateful thoughts?? But after a while I relaxed into the feelings. The ache was there - no sense denying it. Outwardly I didn't really act sad at all and was able to enjoy our last few hours together. The thoughts that *did* help me were reminding myself that it is OK to be sad and that the sadness always passes and I would feel happy again. 

Everyone loves Aunt Laura! Even Yoshi.

Eventually we made it outside where she and the kids played on the trampoline and I kicked the ball for Yoshi. Hearing them laugh and have fun, getting fresh air and moving all DID help ease the tenderness in my heart.

Trampoline fun!

Coat "sleeping bags" - there are kids in there! Look closely...

Later that afternoon when Laura was gone, the kids were actually playing with toys together and I had one of those completely content, peaceful moments while I watched. 


It was true - the feelings passed. I didn't need to deny the feelings of sadness. The best way for me to move through them was to embrace them, acknowledge the reality of them, and to know that they were only temporary.


I'm glad that I feel sad to say bye to my sister. It means that I have a deep love for her and our bond is strong.