There is a river flowing now, very fast. It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid and attempt to cling to the shore. They may feel velocity tearing them apart, and suffer greatly. Know that the river has it's endless destination. The elders say "we must push off into the middle of the river, keep our eyes open with a soft gaze, and our heads above the water". See who is there with you and celebrate. At this time in history we are to take nothing personally, least of all our sense of individual selves, for the moment we do that our spiritual growth comes to a halt. The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves: banish the word struggle from your attitude and inner vocabulary. All we must do now must be done in a sacred way and in celebration. We (which includes not just ourselves, but everyone around us) are the ones we've been waiting for. 

 

The above quote from a Native American gathering by a Hopi elder, to me,  parallels the touching tribute that was paid to Denise and Laila Serpe at our swim league banquet last evening. The above words describe the miraculous atmosphere which I feel is now present in our family community. 

For me, the physical connection with Denise is gone and the banks of the shoreline have vanished. The middle of the river now comforts me(and thusly my family). 

Jason