Aikido, the modern martial art!

My momentum for getting our new gallery up and running has been repeatedly interrupted.  The last delay was a biggy.  My mother, Ruby, passed away in the early morning of November 28th.  She had been living in a wonderful health care facility in Los Gatos since 1995 after suffering a very severe spinal condition that left her paralyzed from the ribs down.  A couple of days before Thanksgiving she started showing the signs of a respiratory infection as well as the onset of a urinary tract infection.  On Thanksgiving afternoon she was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital.  After four day's of treatment it was clear that she was on her way to 'heaven'.  Her 83 year old body had done its work and her spirit was ready to move on.  On Monday Ruby was taken back to Vasona Creek Healthcare and into the loving attention of her nursing home family for hospice care.  About fourteen hours later she passed away.  

There is much more that I could share with regards to Ruby's 'journey' as well as the ripples of emotions and thoughts that come with the passing of a parent, sibling, loved-one, friend and even an acquaintance.  However at this moment I will only share my increased consciousness of how sacred LIFE is.  These recent days I've been deeply moved by the natural beauty of this awesome planet.  I've been brought to tears of joy having been 'blessed' with the spontaneous smile from a four month old baby girl named Sofia.  My heart speaks to me of compassion and patience... simple, precious gifts that I can offer to others and hold for myself.   I have once again been reminded that dying is on the continuum of living.  It's often said that we will die in the manner in which we have lived.   I have watched a number of loved-ones and acquaintances pass away fighting, resentful and fearful.  I witnessed my best friend, Perry, embrace his passing with a trusting, loving, open heart... just the way he lived each and every day of his life.  I am reminded that I hold the key to my own happiness and sense of well-being.  It's my job is to cultivate the garden of my heart and mind... weeding and nurturing.  

Oh yeah...  the new gallery is in place!  I've got some weeds yet to pull and some new seeds to plant.  It's been a slower growing season than I had imagined.  Yet Jonathan Lewis (my web guru) & I invite you in to enjoy the fruits of our labors.  

Posted by Skys Sensei.