Life, Death and All That’s In-Between
What an intense week it’s been and I need to blog about it and connect with all of you.
A week ago a wonderful man named Jim Kowalski, who has been married to my beautiful cousin for fifty years, died suddenly, leaving all of us pretty devastated for many days. Death has been a part of my life’s work since way back when and there’s always been a feeling of acceptance when it happened, but for such a sudden death like Jim’s, it really hit all of us pretty hard.
Death always makes me take an inventory of where I’m at in my life and am I where I wanted to be at this point. It’s a good marker for all of us who are still living here, learning and experiencing as much as we can. His death once again reminded me not to put off till tomorrow what I could be experiencing today, so I decided to get married next Friday, September 20th on my 65th birthday!!!
I’ve shared with all of you that I met a wonderful man who is very different from me and yet very much like me in many ways and my life shifted in a very good way. I was so deeply rooted in my lifestyle of a single career woman doing her work and didn’t think I’d experience any more major life changes at this point, until the Universe showed me there was more to my life plan than meets the eye and I met Jay.
This past Wednesday I worked at The Cottage House which is that adorable vintage shop I work at twice a month. When I woke up Wednesday morning, nothing felt normal. Everything felt off and I didn’t know what it was. I was uncomfortable in my own skin and wasn’t sure what to do about it. There were over 2000 people at Jim’s funeral the day before and I felt raw. Too much grief in one room I later figured out.
It was warm in the Cottage and the co-worker I team with got very sick from the heat and passed out. Seeing her lay on the ground totally freaked me out and when the ambulance came to get her, all I could do was cry. I felt so scared that we were going to lose her as she had stopped breathing at one point. Three hours later, they were calling an ambulance for me as I was having severe chest pains. It hurt so bad I thought for sure I was having a heart attack. Off to the hospital I went wondering what in the world was going on. All the tests came back fine, so I able to leave the hospital but the day had such an impact on me. I felt this very deep sense of wanting to experience as much of life as possible. I’m here and I need to live it. I want to be present as much as possible. Be spontaneous and happy. Find a balance between work and a personal life.
It’s been a couple of days since that experience and I’m still feeling fragile. I’m blogging about this because I know other people are going through intense times right now and I want to encourage you to find the gem in each one of the experiences. Life on earth is a smorgasbord of experiences and we need to take advantage of all that is served up to us. Don’t be afraid of life. Don’t be afraid of change or new experiences. We can all be gone in the blink of an eye like my cousin Jim.
I never in a million years thought I would be getting married on my 65th birthday, let alone meet someone I’m so crazy about. I guess it’s true what they say about it never being too late to start a new life. If you’re in the Twin Cities, come by the Center next Saturday and help us celebrate our marriage. We are having our monthly Aurapalooza and it’s going to be a great day. 5356 Chicago Ave. So. from 10-5:00pm.
Thanks for posting Echo. You always make me pause and think of the big picture…I just love your emails and I’m glad I’m in your hands that heal class. See you tuesday!
You’re right….even in the midst of rawness and chaos, there are beautiful gems. Life is a magnificent adventure with some crazy twists!
Sorry for your loss and happy for your new love~ Blessings Echo
So very happy for you Echo. Please accept our best wishes and love to you both.
Connie
All I can say is that death is another beginning. My cousin just went home on Thursday of Stage 4 colon cancer. Even though we expected it, we are all still very upset by the loss. Please accept my heart felt love to you and his family.
As for your announcement, congratulations Echo, I am over the moon happy for you.
Best wishes for your new marriage and Happy 65th Birthday. You have written about beliefs so similar to mine – enjoy each day while you have it. Thanks for sharing all you’ve blogged about here. Prayers for you and your family regarding your cousin’s transition too. Here’s to the highest and best outcome for all! <3
Congratulations Echo! May you and Jay have many years of happiness!
Sincerely, Mara Edwards Flowood, MS (Jackson)
We don’t know each other. When my husband and I lived in Wayzata, (2004-2010) we were introduced to several of your books. LOVED them and they helped us SO much as we were just beginning our “spiritual awakening.” Since then, I have shared those books with several others who likewise are so fond of them. Only regret is that we hadn’t learned about you sooner (BEFORE we left the Minneapolis area.) I miss it so much, but it became apparent that our job and “lessons” there were over and it was time to move on! We are happy here and therefore, have no regrets. By the way, it was Abbie Hicks that introduced us to your marvelous books! Take care and Happy Birthday and Happy Wedding! Come September 20 that is!
Echo I’m so sorry for your family’s loss, sending love and peace to all. Being a nurse for over 27 years (close to 20 yrs. in the ER) I know all too well how life can change for people in the blink of an eye. We should all live every day as if it’s our last!! One saying I love goes something like this: Remember the good times of the past, plan for the future, but LIVE now!!
And congratulations on your taking the plunge!! And on your birthday!! Woo-hoo!! Blessings to you and your new hubby!!!
Be Happy, Echo. You’ve helped so many others be happy – now it’s your turn.
What wonderful news !! congratulations and happy birthday. It truly is special for you and sending light, love, a wish and prayers..
Hello Echo,
I met you about 5 years ago through my cousins Andie Moore and Tera Moore. I am from Australia. I was lucky enough to attend one of your meditations.
I read your post regarding being taken to hospital both yourself and a colleague. I found this disturbing and wondered what you actually thought caused this? I was hoping you would of wrote more and your thoughts on why this may have happened? I would love to hear your thoughts if you have the time.
I wish you all the very best for your upcoming wedding and wish you both a lifetime of happiness and love.
Love and light, Cindy
I am so Happy for you Echo and Jay! Congratulations and Happy Birthday Echo!
Peace to you both,
Kathleen