STEPPING INTO A DIFFERENT STORY
We had our community BBQ last week.
I close my eyes recalling the BBQ:
It's hot, humid, with some breeze. I have joined two older neighbours sitting in their camping chairs, under the trees-- near the rosebushes. I'm sitting in a scarred, green balcony chair (I brought my own chair this time). Could it be why I feel so comfortable in this large group? I'm remembering a Franciscan Poor Clare nun in B.C. who told me-- that, one day, I would find the right rocking chair, my own rocking chair. Not in a million years did I ever imagine it would be a plastic Canadian Tire balcony chair. But that's exactly what it is.
I think of what prompted my journey to the Franciscan monastery in B.C. in the mid-2010's.
I think of the circumstance that brought me to here -- to the corner of Warden and Lawrence in Scarborough.
It hits me: THIS is what Love not trauma has done to me.
"There are times in our lives when we have to realize our past is precisely what it is, and we cannot change it. But we can change the story we tell ourselves about it, and by doing this, we can change the future." (Eleanor Brown).
I sing along with my neighbours, "One Love, One Heart, let's get together and feel alright. Oh Lord of mercy, at this house I pray, and I will be alright."
