The Blessing of Mortality

By: Anneli Chow

Each morning, our golden sun, serene and warm

emanates rays that

descend with stunning insouciance.

Now imagine a life only done once daffodils grow from stone.

How sullen this sun would become,

a vacant stain in the sky, something mundane,

no longer appeasing that fathomless desire for more.

But should existence cease this evening,

to see our glorious sun once more

would be nothing short of a miracle.

A hydrangea bush, bundled like periwinkle cauliflowers

Blueberries rumbling around in a wicker basket

An Unchained Melody, a trip to Paris in June,

and simplicity becomes extraordinary.

Live not to delight in the divine reaches of the world,

but to embrace every day as a humble gift,

like a half-eaten box of chocolates.

Let your humanity be your comfort,

bask in your mortality,

as you would under those glorious rays of sunlight.

Then, when glimmering yolk sinks below blushing clouds,

drooping blinds kiss lower lashes

succumb to rest and think,

I can sleep well tonight.

I am so sorry that Catherine is no longer able to be with all of us in person. Larry and girls and parents, I hurt for you. Catherine was my barre and zumba instructor for almost two years. She was fun and firm. She saw me improving and said she took full credit for that!  ;-).. I loved her so much. We exchanged a lot of messages through text, and some talking, in the fall of 2019, and the spring of 2020. It was my honor and privilege to send her songs and messages that I hoped would encourage her. I adored her. And miss her.

From Debbie Recine

So deeply saddened there are no words 

I suppose I can only selfishly grieve that I will never again see her infectious smile, enjoy her Korean barbecue, or do a Zumba class

The picture of two giggling young girls running around their Grandma Irene's family room trying to avoid caught by  their Mommy (also laughing, but trying to be firm) determined to send them to bed .........  Whenever I thought of Catherine, this happy picture popped up!   Yes, Lawrence, Marilyn and Baby Anneli:  your dearest Catherine has always been an angel on earth to love and  care for you. Pray for her,  your very special angel will continue guard and care for you in her special way  --- have hope and faith in her!    

 With love and sincere prayers,  from Er-Jiu-Ma-Nainai  Helen