Ageless in this Moment

This week is the anniversary of my mom’s transition. May 20 is also the date Ursel, the former owner of our home, passed, as well as the date Ursel purchased the home 33 years earlier. Both Ursel and my mom had their funeral/celebration of life on May 23. (See the Sacred Story: May 20).

My mom passed in 2003. That was also Memorial Day weekend. No picnics, no parties, no plans this year.

I am choosing to find ways to enjoy the moments.

The leaves have come out this week! Scrumptius spring greens are silouetted against the sky.

I continue to wear a mask when I go for a bike ride. I do not feel a need for a mask when I am out-of-doors doing activities on my own, but it is an important reminder.

Yesterday I made some more no-sew masks, as it looks like social-distancing and safe-sheltering is going to be with us for a while longer. Let me know if you want a couple of easy patterns. One is made from a sock, and another is made from a sleeve. Stretchy fabrics are preferred….

One of my mask-enhancements (inspired by a Dharma friend) is a photo of my smile! It is a black and white printer-quality paper print that I colored with crayons. Quickest teeth-whitening ever! I used clear packing tape to cover both sides and to adhere it to my sock mask.

Ageless in this Moment Debra Basham May 22, 2020 (WC 250)
Hiking in the western US for the first time we were
stepping on rock beneath our feet instead of soil
nothing seemed familiar except the sun overhead

A small pool of water caught the sun’s light
and I kneeled down to take a closer look
myriad life forms were swimming together

Precious life-giving water is at a premium here
nature taking full advantage of resources
as they present themselves

This modest puddle is teeming with activity
but I feel like a voyeur as
I silently watch closely in awe

Tiny minnow-like swimmers
unnamed bugs skating on the water’s smooth surface
a small lizard lounging

In the distance I hear others approaching
I notice a sudden feeling of protectiveness
hoping those coming along will also be mindful

A young girl—perhaps six or seven
wordlessly asks permission to join me
we peer together into this pool of possibility

We both have a zillion questions but
only our eyes give hint to the intellectual activity
our lips remain still as we keep vigil

She is motioned to rejoin the others
reluctantly she leaves our shared perch
glancing over her shoulder as she obeys

Many times I’ve abandoned my delight
when beckoned by some outer call
wishing I had been able to stay where I was enjoying myself

I am no longer I but she and all children and adults who can remain ageless in this moment in time and space if we take full advantage of the resources as they present themselves