I just realized that I let Mona finish her visit without really getting any great photos of just her. I wanted to post a very elegant and beautiful photo with this post, but alas - I was not present enough during her visit to take advantage of some of the pleasant moments with some dedicated photo-taking. Sigh...I have the skills to do this well, but was so preoccupied with self-pity and demanding attention from Mona that I didn't create something of lasting value for both of us.

Trust me - she is elegant and beautiful. I'll just insert a photo here to symbolize Mona for now, as I only have snapshot-type photos to offer otherwise.



Here is a big realization I have been pondering this afternoon - the opportunity to know Mona better and have her attention and experience her wisdom, fun and enthusiasm is so much more important than the things Pat and I have left behind. Had we stayed with that life and not ventured forth with such turmoil unfolding, I think my sister would always have been a little-known artifact of a family that was never intimate in any way. I might have eventually crumbled or hardened entirely under the strain of evolving events, instead of seeing opportunities to grow - and maybe find true peace one day.

I have resisted the outcome of those changes so vigorously, and accepting responsibility for them - it has been the cause of much suffering. This would come as no surprise to anyone acquainted with the Buddhist fundamentals. What I want to be mindful of now is that there is something new that wouldn't have existed otherwise, and that is a precious jewel - this connection with my sister, and the beginning of a better connection with my true self. This is the kind of gift that can be received only if the present is accepted and embraced. The alternative is endless and probably increasing struggle.

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