Day 306

Almost four months ago, as I recovered from the revision surgery to my knee, I came to Texas to be of service to my sister following the unexpected death of her husband.

I took this photograph from the doorway of a building on the ranch known as “red shed”. My work for the past few days has been that of sorting through and organizing the contents in the building so that they are easily accessible for anyone who might need them. This is the building that houses the hand tools as well as the myriad nails, screws, picture hangars, nuts and bolts collected by my brother in law over the years.

Last week, my sister’s friend and I cleaned and organized “yellow shed”. It is where the larger power tools are kept, along with the riding lawn mower. The paint is there too, on the left. Second shelving unit. Across from the work bench.

I have felt deeply connected to my brother in law the past ten days – touching things that he touched, feeling his presence everywhere. I miss him.

Richard and I were unlikely friends. We had opposing views on almost everything. Still, we forged a relationship over the years that I truly valued. I always felt loved by him. And, I know he felt loved by me. We weren’t distracted by our differences, rather, we found the similarities. And in this, I found an easy, Peaceful connection with Richard.

I make up that everyone has someone whom they identify as their “Richard”. Totally different from us, and yet, similar. When we find the place where love comes in, anything is possible. Who is this person for you? And what can you do to find the similarities?