Kindlandia: The Kindness of Moonlight

Dearest Edythe,
 
Today, September 2, 2018, is the 8th anniversary of my mother’s Celebration of Life. You, as always, were there to be my support that day.
 
This morning I awoke at 2:30 a.m. with moonlight shining on my face. Instantly I was catapulted back eight years ago.
 
Mother died August 22, 2010, after a long illness with much pain and suffering. I took family leave and stayed home with my parents the month that she was on Hospice until her death. As the day of her service approached, I truly did not know how I was going to stand up and greet all those loving and well-meaning people. I felt like my face and body were going to break apart. I prayed for grace.

The morning of her service, I awoke to my face bathed in the light of a full moon. At first, I was startled, and then I felt joy and peace. A vivid memory of Mom came to mind. One evening after Mom seemed already quite compromised, she piped up, “Did you notice the full moon is up in the sky?” And sure enough, there was the most beautiful full moon shining into the living room. It was with this reminiscence that I was able to go into the service feeling comforted and composed. “Did I notice the full moon?” Yes! It came, blessed me, and gave me the courage to face a most dreaded day.
 
This is the kindness I wish for you today, dear Readers. Whatever your “full moon” is, may it come to bless you and give you calm and courage whenever you need them.