The Labyrinth

In some ways I got home this evening and was irritated with myself.   I intended to continue my post about the Hamptons.   In particular I want to share with you a very special place there that is amazing in many ways, though it will have to wait.   I downloaded all the pictures on my work computer AND my work computer is AT WORK so that post will have to wait.  

Meanwhile I saw something today and took a picture of it.  It is something that I want to share with you.  In the past I may have mentioned that I volunteer a lot and one of the volunteer programs I participate in is with is the Road to Recovery.   It's an American Cancer Society program that matches volunteer drivers with patients needing transportation to the their treatments and wow - what a rewarding experience!   For me it is is therapy.   I lost my best friend who helped me make it through my teenage years, my sister-in-law (though to me she was always a sister), in April 1987.  From the time I was 12 years old, she was the big sister I had always dreamed of and losing her was the hardest life experience that I've ever had to face.  She left behind a 5 year old son, a gaping hole in my heart and wounds for my family that remained raw for decades.  In fact I cry for my dear Elsa every few months.   One thing that happened after losing her was that I valued my sister Cathie even more and that was a good thing.   To me there is nothing more wonderful than sisters.

What does that have to do with today?   Well, I give blood (3 gallons or more so far) and drive cancer patients in loving memory of Elsa and today was a patient driving day.  While waiting for my patient to complete his treatment I spotted a beautiful labyrinth in the garden at the treatment facility.    There is something so spiritual about a labyrinth and when I saw it I got out of the car to sit at the bench beside the beautiful pattern.  Then I walked the grassy path.  In my mind I found my way out of the twists and turns and it gave me such peace.  It was as if I freed the patient that was traveling with me today and for just a moment, I knew Elsa was with me, smiling that we were sharing this moment of peace.

I had every intention of posting all about this amazing place in the Hamptons, and believe me, I will get to it, but today I had to share the labyrinth.   Isn't it strange that my dear Elsa and her Ionotti family was from Westbury, NY?  It was meant to be for me to share her story while I carry on about New York.  The world may be big but we are all connected somehow, and today it was with the labyrinth.

May the labyrinth give you peace.