One morning I learned a favorite patient died after a very short illness. He was funny and caring and so full of life, it was hard to comprehend the swiftness of his departure. The same afternoon I had the honor of working with a soon-to-be mom. We were encouraging her baby’s arrival. Before she left, I knelt, cupped my hands against her bulbous abdomen, so full of life and movement, and I fake whispered, “Come out, come out, the world is excited to meet you!” Beneath the silliness was intense emotion. My hands trembled and I choked back tears as I recognized the circle of life so starkly. Within just a few hours, I learned of death and felt new life beneath my hands and in my heart.
I am reminded of that bittersweet day.
Last month, my Aunt Donna died unexpectedly. She was my mom’s baby sister and was always fun in my young eyes. She was full of magic and laughter. She taught me that Beatles weren’t bugs and blew smoke rings (it was the 60s, don’t judge.) She was everyone’s biggest cheerleader. She loved profoundly. She was creative and dove deeply into everything she was passionate about, especially her children and grandchildren. From where I sit, I can see two large stained-glass pieces she made. I loved her and will miss her. Her birthday was Tuesday the 9th of November. This loss is the bitter.
Tuesday, Autumn was born to my nephew and his lovely wife. Autumn is beautiful, like the season of color and change. I love that she has a Nature name. In Nature, Autumn is a time of plenty, a time of harvest easing into rest. Moonbeam immediately did Autumn’s birth chart. She will grow to be fiery and opinionated yet sensitive. These qualities will serve her and the world well. I love that she was born on her Great Aunt Donna’s birthday, the 9th of November.
Welcome Autumn. You, little one, are the sweet.