It has been a particularly difficult week on many fronts. (I do believe I did my fair share of bitching to those closest to me....) I have been struggling to remain focused on what is important, to allow others to have their own experience -- which might be different from my own and to feel the grace that is in my life everyday.
It is that grace that was brought to my attention this week. Those that have been in my life for many years may recall a wonderful time when I was doing long distance cycling to raise money for AIDS research and treatment. One of the most amazing things happened during that time. I met a group of amazing knitters from all over the world. The power of the internet brought us together to create amazing works of art in the form of blankets that were auctioned off and the proceeds were turned into research funds. That autumn, I travelled to New York City and a large group of these knitters met me in Bryant Park for "Knitstock". An amazing day that was filmed for television. These women touched me by their humanity, generosity of spirit, their connectedness to something bigger than themselves and their acceptance of me.
Unfortunately, as often happens, we drifted apart as life overtook daily routines. I often thought of them and wondered how they were doing, who was the recipient of their gifts and how lucky I was to have them for a while. Then...as luck would have it. They found me. First one, then another...and guess what...many of them are still connected, and knitting, and relating. It was like a homecoming for me. I missed them. Many of them I never met in person. Some I met as I traveled around the country. But, I missed them...and now we are together again.
It is people like this group of unlikely friends and knitters that remind me about the humanity around me. That I am part of something bigger than my day to day existence. That there are great people in the world.
Purlie Gurlies...It is so nice to see you again!!
It is that grace that was brought to my attention this week. Those that have been in my life for many years may recall a wonderful time when I was doing long distance cycling to raise money for AIDS research and treatment. One of the most amazing things happened during that time. I met a group of amazing knitters from all over the world. The power of the internet brought us together to create amazing works of art in the form of blankets that were auctioned off and the proceeds were turned into research funds. That autumn, I travelled to New York City and a large group of these knitters met me in Bryant Park for "Knitstock". An amazing day that was filmed for television. These women touched me by their humanity, generosity of spirit, their connectedness to something bigger than themselves and their acceptance of me.
Unfortunately, as often happens, we drifted apart as life overtook daily routines. I often thought of them and wondered how they were doing, who was the recipient of their gifts and how lucky I was to have them for a while. Then...as luck would have it. They found me. First one, then another...and guess what...many of them are still connected, and knitting, and relating. It was like a homecoming for me. I missed them. Many of them I never met in person. Some I met as I traveled around the country. But, I missed them...and now we are together again.
It is people like this group of unlikely friends and knitters that remind me about the humanity around me. That I am part of something bigger than my day to day existence. That there are great people in the world.
Purlie Gurlies...It is so nice to see you again!!
I don't think anyone is happier than the ladies that we rekindled our relationship!! We loved you than and we love you more now!!! We'll into the sunset together!!
ReplyDeleteDear Elliott, it just amazes me that we were able to find you again! We missed you! People walk in and out of our lives every day but I truly believe that there's a reason for us all reconnecting. This time, we must STAY in touch!
ReplyDeleteXOXOXOX
Maria