I just learned one of the clients I took care of passed away recently. I experienced a feeling of sadness and a bit of awe. She has passed on to the other side. She was a gentlewoman, kind to all with a soft sense of humor. She was quiet, did not talk much or want to talk much, often staying in her own space, and reading. At the same time, she was not a recluse, she reached out to all around her, always calm and unhurried, always gentle and good to those around her. Rest in peace, A. H.

I lost eldest brother recently also, around the same time. One day I was thinking of his last years on earth where his life was so hard. I was hurting for him, and looking at my own life when it came to me. Because I have a smooth easy life, it does not mean it is a blessing. His was hard, touching bottom, his wife and he reached out to God and became deeply spiritual, full of faith in God and Divine Providence. They were happy as hard as life was.

This morning thinking on it again, a writing of St. John of the Cross came to me that because we are in states of prosperity, we should not think that God is near or when we are in dark states of soul that God is not near. Often He is nearest in our dark hours.

It came to me, I should not wish one or the other but receive whatever life give me. A. H. you are on the other side now. Oh gentle soul. I am glad you have passed on. The last time I saw you, you were suffering so much. I am glad I was able to see you one last time.