So Many

Karen, our Shepherd, hosted a lovely concert in our residence on New Years Eve.

I arrived early because included with my other phobias, I am claustrophobic. Consequently, I hoped to secure a seat near the door.

However, that choice also provided an opportunity to view the audience without turning my head or being rude.

As I sat and observed the audience composed of the neighbors, friends and acquaintances who were also sharing an appreciation of the upbeat music, I reflected on the fate that has brought so many diverse souls together.

Obviously, although we now walk the end of our journey together, we have not all formed friendships. In many cases we remain polite acquaintances yet there is no dissension or negativity in the congenial community.

We each quietly carry a different burden. Some are distinctly far more challenging than those many of us have previously known or experienced . We all watch with silent admiration the partners who are now caregivers. They provide a constant inspiration of grace, love and dedication as they care for their wounded mates.

Encouraged by the music, the ambiance in the beautifully decorated theater was traditionally festive and upbeat.

And although the audience was elderly, many far from home and separated from families, we were united by the unseen component of love for our fellow man.

As the music rang out, sitting in the back of an audience on a quite different Nee Years Eve than any in memory, I was humbled by the inspiration where love abounded.

And on the first day of a new year, I recalled the message in “Lord of the Dance.”

Then I gave thanks for the gift of sharing my world with so many other “Dancers.”