No coward soul is mine
No trembler in the world's storm
troubled sphere:
I see Heaven's glories shine,
And Faith shines equal arming
me from Fear.
Emily Bronte
Provence, France. Most who knew me did not think I could go. They saw in me a broken woman in many ways. It had been one of the worst few years of my life. I was still reeling over the loss of my cousin from breast cancer at only 45. I was so blessed to have been with her during those last months, doing Reiki, talking, connecting. However the shock of her passing had left me devastated beyond belief. It hurt just to speak, to live. Eleven months earlier my precious grandmother, Adele, had passed peacefully with me holding her hand. We called each other "Sweet Stuff." She was my angel on earth, a treasure to me. She had been my family's matriarch, a stunning woman of beauty, grace, generosity and kindness. Loss weighed heavily on me and although a very spiritual person, these crushing blows had weakened my foundation. My sadness knew no peace, nor could I see that joy would eventually replace the sorrow. I had spiraled down into the greatest depths of despair, and I saw no end in sight.. Yet I planned a journey to Provence, to see the lavender bloom in summer, to finally be in that postcard perfect dream that was rolling hills of slate blue and purple. Both my cousin Lesley and Nanadele had loved to travel. And travel they had to beautiful places. They both had experienced life with a zest and a passion. Though broken I felt, I knew I would go to this stunning place not only for me, but for them. Perhaps I surprised myself by boarding that plane alone to live in Paris and visit Provence last July. No turning back. No fear. No sadness profound enough to halt my intentions. Only love and the realization that "no coward soul is mine." That month in France was once of the best of my life. While walking along the Seine at sunset or picking flowers at midnight in the mountains of Provence, I realized that death does not sever the bonds of love. I made a pledge when I returned that I would reach out to felllow soul sisters along the path of life, and support them just as I have been supported. And so, to you, Soul Sisters, know how strong you are, how creative, how magnificent. I applaud your radiance and I shall honor your stories, your life's work, your dreams, your inspiring tales here...
