I am grateful for my companion, Peter, from whom I receive much love and affection. I truly do not take for granted the love that is given to me in my life. As a child and an immature person, I was guilty of that, as most of us are. I think of the love and generosity my parents gave me, and sometimes recoil at the thought of how selfish and ungrateful I must have been. I know I may be being tough on myself, but I am noticing that some self-forgiveness for my imperfect humannness is needed. This quote by Mark Twain helps me:

"Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds upon the heel that has crushed it."

While these words are poignant when forgiving others, it is in the place of needing self-forgiveness we often find ourselves that this theme can also assist with. We may question, "Am I deserving of the violet's fragrance?"

I happened to notice a show on tv that shared stories of hidden heroes, those young, old and disabled giving selflessly to others was very inspiring. I can find peace within myself as I sit with transitions of union and separation, with others and with my own actions on deeper feelings.