Family

This is my 50th Christmas with my married family so I began thinking about my time with everyone and what they each mean to me.  To honor those who have been close to me without even the thought of expecting anything from me on any level, I decided to send each of them something from my personal jewelry or that of my deceased husbands.  I want them to know how much I love them and how much richer they have made my/our life by being in it.  Spirit taking me deeper into the love I feel for all of my close and extended family, deeper into my heart and soul to experience and appreciate the beautiful qualities of each.

With each piece of jewelry, I wrote a letter outlining my reasons for passing it on now, the history of the item, a brief outline of the history of my deceased husband, Bill, and I, the characteristics of the person who wore it, the characteristics I see in that person that mirror the one who wore it, and my love for them.  So, I want to share one of the letters to a nephew who is close to my heart.  I have left his name off for his privacy.  Spirit flowing through the words to bless, encircle, and enfold this beautiful soul.  Here is what I wrote:

Passing on a Gift to My Nephew

Christmas 2018

Dearest ________~

I want you to have something tangible for when Bill and I are both gone.  I am passing on Bill’s Shark’s Tooth (fossilized) Necklace with a 14K cable link chain.  He loved different fossilized animals, such as ammonite and shark’s tooth.  He was particularly drawn to this Shark’s Tooth for its unique features and that it was present on the Earth in eons past. He loved the energy of long-ago periods as he was an old soul probably living during those times.  He wore it around his neck when we would travel or when he wanted the energy of the ocean.  After Bill died, I had it appraised in 2014 and have enclosed a copy of the appraisal.

Bill and I lived a unique life unlike most other couples.  On March 13, 1968, I met Bill for coffee (he had cocoa as he didn’t drink coffee) in the cafeteria of the Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles after a fellow Police Officer asked me if I would like to meet him when I was walking across the street to Union Station where I parked.  The Los Angeles Police Department and the Federal Building were across the street from each other.  We shared stories about our lives to that point and it was easy for us to talk. He asked me for a date a day later and I said why don’t you bring the children over to my apartment for hamburgers. He had custody of the children at that time.  He did, and we saw each other most every day until we were married.  I was a Personnel Staffing and Employee Relations Specialist, GS-9 and was later promoted to a GS-12 for the US Army Corps of Engineers. He was a Los Angeles Police Officer, working a split shift in the Traffic Division, Parking & Intersection Control in downtown Los Angeles and he had a business on the side. 

Bill asked me to marry him three weeks after we met, again three months after we met, and again in August when I said yes.  My hesitation was that I did not know him well enough, know if I could handle a man with three children as he had the children at the time, plus an ex-wife, and if I knew my own feelings well enough as there was a lot to consider to marry into a ready-made family from a single life.  He was such a”romantic”; he proposed to me with an engagement ring on the Garfield Avenue on-ramp to the 10 Freeway headed East. It makes me smile now as he so wanted me to say yes and get married.  At the time I was wanting a candlelight dinner in a restaurant by the ocean.  He was a practical, down-to-earth man which I valued greatly. 

He was 40 years old and I was 28 years old when we married in the Oneonta Congregational Church in South Pasadena and where his Memorial Service was held.  We began our life together there and honored the end of it there. We were married for 45 years and together for 46 years, had challenges as does every couple, but overall had a wonderful life together filled with family, friends, traveled in the United States and to many foreign countries, had experiences most people do not have in their lives.  The greatest joy toward the end of his life was our creating Sacred Healing, LLC, where we healed together.   Bill was born July 13, 1928 and died June 3, 2014, he was almost 86 years old.  I was born November 12, 1940 and am 78 years old.

Bill always liked you as a boy as you were rambunctious, fun-loving, and yet solid in who you were.  I loved you the first time I met you as you were full of mischief and had a zest for life that I loved to watch unfold.  It was so much fun to have you and your family over to our home, to go to your folks’ home for hot dogs, hamburgers and a swim, to stop to see you in Susanville when we went through, have you come for our 30th Wedding Anniversary Party in Bella Vista, for Bill’s 80th birthday in Burbank, for my last birthday, lunches, and for many other occasions here in Auburn and Southern California.  We felt, and I feel a closer connection to you because of your open heart and loving ways.

We observed you go through the peaks and valleys of life with courage, strength, and a value of family that surpasses most men.  Your determination and perseverance in loving your children through their ups and downs is a credit to the beautiful spiritual being you quietly are.  You and Bill shared many of the same experiences with children.  Your career dedicated to doing work most others do not have the courage to do reflects the high quality of character, inner stamina physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, and the deep love of humanity that you possess.  Your love of nature touches me as I love it also in a way that others do not; it is sacred to me in all its beauty and variety. Your athletic ability with your hiking, kayaking, biking, and other sports reflects your love of all that life has to offer and the zest with which you continue to live your life.  The way you take care of your home and property in such a pristine manner reflects a respect for all that you own and the work it took to get it.  You honor life in all its forms with the high quality of your giving.

Your kind help when I moved in, and your offers of help since I have been here in Auburn touch me deeply and are greatly appreciated.  Knowing you are close is a comfort and delight for me as I enjoy your company and your wife’s.  You are an incredible man with a depth that is not obvious, but with a sensitivity that is reflected in your love of your Father, your wife, your brother and sister, uncle, your children and grandchildren, close and extended family, and friends. Thank you for your generous spirit and your exceptionally fine qualities as you make my world, and the world a better place.

I thought you might enjoy a little more information on sharks, so from a website called Shark Sider, the following parts are quoted:

History of Sharks: The Devonian Period

The history of sharks goes back a long time. But the term “a long time” doesn’t even begin to cover it. Let’s put it this way: dinosaurs lived during the Mesozoic Era, which began about 245 million years ago. Sharks, on the other hand, were living on the planet 200 million years before dinosaurs!  Sharks are without a doubt one of the oldest creatures this planet has ever known.

Fossil Records

In order for scientists to determine information pertaining to the history of sharks in terms of age, appearance, and possible behaviors of ancient sharks, they study fossils. A fossil can be an impression of a prehistoric life form that has been preserved in a rock or mold. It can also be literal remains from the organism itself. Fascinatingly, shark fossils are extremely rare because sharks are mostly comprised of cartilage; cartilage tends to disintegrate too fast to become fossilized. For this reason, most shark fossils are prehistoric teeth, fin spines, and scales.

The Age of Fishes

During the Paleozoic Era, there was a period called the Devonian Period. The Devonian Period was first studied with a Devonian red sandstone found in an area called Devon, England; this is the reason why the period was named Devonian. This period is known for the development of thousands of ancient fish species.  Interestingly enough, during these early stages of fish development, they did not have jaws, and their bodies were comprised of cartilage, like the modern-day shark. Sharks also developed during this fishy period of earth. They are believed to be descendants of Placoderms, a group of ancient, jawed fish that possessed a dermal skeleton. Placoderms had what is considered armor covering their bodies. Although sharks are identified as descendants of this group, over time they have lost the ability to produce bone both internally and externally. The shark fossil records show that the earliest sharks began developing during the middle of the Devonian Period.

From Wikipedia, the following parts on Shark’s Teeth are quoted:

Teeth

Shark teeth are embedded in the gums rather than directly affixed to the jaw, and are constantly replaced throughout life. Multiple rows of replacement teeth grow in a groove on the inside of the jaw and steadily move forward in comparison to a conveyor belt; some sharks lose 30,000 or more teeth in their lifetime. The rate of tooth replacement varies from once every 8 to 10 days to several months. In most species, teeth are replaced one at a time as opposed to the simultaneous replacement of an entire row, which is observed in the cookie cutter shark. 

Tooth shape depends on the shark’s diet: those that feed on mollusks and crustaceans have dense and flattened teeth used for crushing, those that feed on fish have needle-like teeth for gripping, and those that feed on larger prey such as mammals have pointed lower teeth for gripping and triangular upper teeth with serrated edges for cutting. The teeth of plankton-feeders such as the basking shark are small and non-functional.

Special mention: Megalodon teeth:  Megalodon teeth are the largest of any shark, extinct or living, and are among the most sought-after types of shark teeth in the world. This shark lived during the late Oligocene epoch and Neogene period, about 28 to 1.5 million years ago, and ranged to a maximum length of 60 ft.  The smallest teeth are only 1.2 cm (0.5 in) in height, while the largest teeth are in excess of 17.7 cm (7.0 in). The smaller teeth ranging from 3½” and 4½” are more common finds, while teeth over 5″, 6″, and 7″ are more rare. These teeth are in extremely high demand by collectors and private investors, and they can fetch steep prices according to their size and deterioration. The larger teeth can cost as much as 3,000 dollars.

So, I pass this on with all the love Bill had for you and the Shark’s Tooth, I had for Bill, and that I have for the good man you are.  May it enfold you in the greatest love and protection now and forevermore.  Merry Christmas, _____.

Much Love,

Nancy

This man called me immediately after he received this, first to check to make sure I wasn’t leaving the Earth anytime soon, then to let me know he was deeply touched by this surprise gift.  He said he would treasure the letter and gift as long as he lived.  He also told me that although he did not have a bucket list, if he did, one of the things that would be on it was to see a Great White Shark. There are no accidents as to why I selected a Shark’s Tooth to pass onto him.  Spirit guided me to pass on to him the gift that would be the most meaningful to him, that would touch his heart in the deepest way, and provided the words that would mirror to him the exceptional man he is. 

Reggie loves this man and runs to jump on him the minute the door is open.  He feels the innate love and warmth he emanates with his being.  No matter what this man is doing, he lets Reggie onto his lap and into his heart. Reggie senses his complete acceptance and responds accordingly.  Spirit reflecting to us genuine warmth and love through this good man, my nephew. Nancy and Reggie♥

My birthday was November 12 and I have experienced 78 years with Spirit within and around me every moment protecting, guiding, and connecting me in all the ways appropriate for my journey.

My birthday started on November 1st when Spirit brought me messages of insight, joy, vision, and deep introspection.  These messages are about moving on in my life in a different way than I have for the last several years.  They are about allowing myself to receive without thinking about giving back; just receive whatever the gift is, given in whatever way it is given, and rejoicing with the essence of my being.  Opening this deeply brings in such a sense of purity that it floats through me with a lightness that is indescribable.  It is as though I am free in the Light and Love of All That Is on The Other Side.

My 101-year-old aunt (above last month) called to wish me Happy Birthday and relate, as she has every year since I was born, that it was a snowy day with a cold wind and the family milked the cows so Dad could be at the hospital when I was born.  She has sent me a card each year and money when she could.  Love strong, steady and true through the ages and stages of my life along with memories so lovingly conveyed each year.  Her mind still clear and sharp and she has no grey hair.  There is such sweetness to her face, such grace at this time of her life; she is the gift to us.  Gifts beyond measure through the family lineage.

My two sisters (above) sent me cards and a gift card so I could select anything I want.  Normally I save the money they give me for use when I need it.  This year, I allowed myself to go shopping and just buy what I wanted – a new throw, two new soft green towels, a bar of good rose soap, and other things.  It filled me with joy to play in a store just for the fun of it.  Memories so lovingly gifted to me through money and my sisters are a part of each one.  Calls, cards, emails, Facebook messages, and texts came from nieces, nephews, and cousins filling each moment of my birthday days with such love.  Spirit revealing how very blessed I am to have family who love me and each other so much.

My son and daughter and their spouses (above) came to visit November 8 through 11.  I was so excited I was beside myself the day before as it is rare for all of them to come together.  They remind me of the times when my sister and her husband and my husband and I did things together; precious times that make memories in the soul.  It gave me such joy to observe them interconnect so beautifully with each other without words, playing together easily knowing each other’s humor and subtle nuances.  They are each individually above the norm in intelligence, in their dedication to their careers, in the devotion to family, and in their ability to feel with those around them in the family and in the world.  They each allow Spirit in their lives in different ways.  They are innately good people making the world a better place.  This is how Spirit showed them to me as souls staying on their own spiritual paths, yet being a greater blessing together.  Such unique gifts to be consciously aware of and to have the privilege to share were gifts of the heart that filled my birthday with a reverent gratitude.  It felt like a special gift to be given a view of the depth of my family’s spirit.

Their gifts to me were many from the first hugs to the last each day, to helping in the kitchen with meals, to finding different TV programs, to fixing the gate so the little dog could not get out, to advising me that the garden shed I had was rusted through and I needed a new one.  Then they walked beside me with sound advice while a Tuff Shed appropriate for my needs was selected.  Working together they all easily emptied the old shed while I was resting so it could be taken down the next day by my yard man.  We were going to do it after I rested; they quietly and efficiently took care of it.  They switched the mattresses on my bed so quickly and effortlessly, changed bedding, and did other things that I just mentioned.  Spirit giving me the view of the quality of their souls and allowing me to experience receiving their gifts of love.

Exploring Auburn Old Town, Downtown, and New Town, going to Nevada City walking up and down the main street, enjoying meals at the Brewery and Awful Annie’s in Auburn, Lefty’s Grill in Nevada City and then for my birthday lunch at Max’s Restaurant in Auburn.  We all went to the grocery store to shop for a meal and it was such fun to see what each wanted, the fun juices, lunch meats, and snack items, more gifts in the way of things new to me.  One noon I fixed fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans with bacon, and country gravy which was cooking like I used to for the family bringing back memories.  Each meal we ate at home, we joined hands around the table to give thanks for the meal with those of us so moved praying like we used to do.  It was all I could do not to cry in gratitude for the time together around the table with each beautiful face there for me to look at, to listen to, and to love.  My nephew and his wife joined us for my birthday lunch bringing their open hearts, loving words and experiences to share.  Rare and precious times treasured in my heart.

My other daughter could not be here, but sent beautiful gifts, a card, called, and enfolded me in her love from afar like she does every birthday.  Three of my grandchildren texted or called me with their unique birthday wishes.  They are each different and it is such fun to experience their individual ways of expressing.  Spirit blessing me with their precious love and creativity.

This was a time to pass on things to my son and daughter that I wanted them to have from their father and from me.  With each thing I wrote a letter to each sharing the history of the item, the qualities of the one it came from, and reflecting the qualities in each of them that they mirrored.  Treasure boxes were created with their names on top and the words Love, Mom on the inside cover of the box so as other things are passed on, they can add them to the box.  Memories and love shared in a legacy from my deceased husband and I to enfold them in the love we feel for them.  Spirit blending and expanding the Spirit of their father on The Other Side with mine to bless us all in ways known and unknown now and forevermore.

We were in an elevated energy, vibration and frequency during their visit including the trip back to the airport for them to return to their homes and lives.  Our weekend together stays with me as a time that changed us all so easily and beautifully with a love that transcends this life.  The gift of their presence for this birthday, the cards, gifts, their loving words, gestures, and the generosity of spirit of each is imprinted upon my soul for all time.  I am grateful to Spirit for the ways that enrich me with an expanded awareness of the depth of love and the meaning of family that their visit brought to me.  Grace infusing me so lovingly and richly it takes my breath away.

Reggie resting on my new throw.

Reggie was so excited with his extended family here to love on him.  He moved from lap to lap, from chair to sofa, and from heart to heart basking in their attention.  He followed them wherever they went inside or outside, knowing he is included in the family and sharing his Light and Love with each of them.  His world was filled with so much excitement and joy with walks, trips to Home Depot, and sharing in the joy and love of family.  Birthday gifts from Spirit and from our precious family to be remembered for all time, how grateful we are.  Nancy and Reggie♥

Recently, I decided to pass on some family treasures and with this came the knowing that I needed to pass on the history also.  With each treasure, I have written a letter outlining the background as I know it and the similar qualities I observe in the one I am gifting it to.  Spirit is urging me to gift the treasures to the relatives who will cherish them and their history.  Spirit gave me an even greater gift with the history.

 

One of the things I passed on is my Grandmother’s wedding ring.  This is a simple gold band with initials etched on the inside.  With this ring came a flood of memories and, with some research into documents I have, some interesting history.  Spirit opened me to explore who this soul was in her lifetime in a different way from that of a grandchild.

 

I have always thought of my Grandmother as my Grandmother, rather than as a woman, wife, Mother, and so forth.  My memories of her were Sunday dinners, cookies and soda pop when we stopped by, a great backyard and basement in which I played with the other grandchildren, and that she was a little bit cranky.  Writing about her journey gave me a different view of her – a view of her as an incredible woman of fine character, great inner strength, and unusual spirit.

 

My Grandmother was an amazingly brave and courageous woman.  She was born and lived in Germany with her family in her early life.  My Grandfather came to America from Germany when he was 17 years old, worked for several years, then went back in 1906 to see his family and marry.  He was in love with the sister of my Grandmother, wanted to marry her and have her move to America with him.  She said no.  My Grandmother said she would go with him, so she married him on April 25, 1906.  She was 25 years old when he gave her the wedding ring and he was 34 years old.  They were married for 57 years.  Spirit arranged who was to be my Grandmother’s husband and where her life would unfold in a very unique and unusual way.

 

I asked myself if I would have been brave and courageous enough, or some would say foolish enough, to have said yes, I will go with you.  It seems to me that my Grandmother was a highly spirited young woman with an adventurous nature who must have secretly been attracted to my Grandfather.  The dreams she must have held in her heart of sailing across the ocean to a new land, of the life she and my Grandfather would have, of seeing New York City with the Statue of Liberty (where their names are engraved), and of the place where they would live and raise their family.  The reality of it may have differed from her dreams, but she chose to create a life that was filled with four children, a successful farm, friends in her church and community, and she held herself together no matter the challenges.  Spirit supported her through enormous opportunities to change and grow on her journey.

 

How lonely she must have been without her own family, without the tenderness from her Mother or other family members.  Without anyone with whom to share the joys and sorrows of a woman in an intimate way, she must have created a protective shell around herself.  She was a simple woman who valued people more than things, family, tradition, and the freedom she found in this country.  She was conservative in her dress, her lifestyle, and her thinking.  She was strict with herself and her family.  She raised men and women who made the world a better place.  She lived to be 90 years old.  Spirit enfolded her daily, but especially in times of sorrow.

 

Spirit revealed to me the family treasures she passed on which were far greater than a wedding ring.  She passed on treasures of the soul, the heart, the mind, strength of character, integrity, honesty, an adventurous spirit, a courageous pioneer lineage, a woman of faith, hardworking, steadfastness, and a lover of life in all its forms.

 

Spirit revealed the advances in all areas of life that she lived through and adjusted to from transportation, to mail, to communication systems, to dress, to traditions, to ways of thinking and being, to how women were held in all areas of life, to space travel, and more.  Spirit revealed how very open she was, yet quietly and firmly maintaining her beliefs in her own way.

 

Reggie didn’t know her, but he would have loved her.  She would have loved him too as she loved animals.  I trust that she and Reggie connect when he is on The Other Side during sleep time.  The blessings of the family treasures passed on materially, and more importantly, those of character astound and humble me with gratitude for the glimpse Spirit provided into the deeper gifts of my Grandmother.  Nancy and Reggie♥