Responding to Drama with Love ...

"Most find it easy to respond to love with more love because they resonate with the same frequency; but what about responding to fear, anger, miscommunication, and hate with love? Most will find themselves falling into mirroring back the same energy frequency and thus creating more of what is being sent their way, sending it out into the world to be mirrored back again and again.

Can we step outside of the drama in spite of fear and anger and send love instead? How can we connect with compassion for one another instead of anger and hate? It comes from working from a conscious level of the Self and the understanding that we are all simply human beings doing the best we can from where we are at in our own level of growth. Our power comes from compassionate non-attachment to drama and sending love to that which needs it the most instead. By doing so, we allow an opening for healing and for all to experience our true state of being and connection to love. This is what unconditional LOVE and COMPASSION is.

LOVE transcends the self and goes straight to the Heart and Soul of all beings."

~ Abigail Wainwright 

 

Abigail hosts a few blogs that are wonderfully written, and most Spiritual in nature. She is from Australia and her words usually resonate with my Heart and Soul because she is all about LOVE, COMPASSION, and FORGIVENESS. I used to read her posts regularly, but lately I haven't seen many generated. Regardless, they always are thought-provoking for me.

 

How do I respond to drama in my own Life? I'm a reactive person, and I am working on honing my patience skills and allowing things to just flow by me without allowing others' judgments and negative words permeate my Being. It's a difficult process, and one in which I must remain aware of my own words and actions continually. Sometimes, as human beings do, I slip up and fall back a few steps. I simply pick up the pieces and move forward. In this process, there is no time for regret or halting when we stumble on the journey. This journey is about moving forward no matter what.

As long as I am not hurting anyone in my process, I continue to move forward. There is no stopping me. I strive to be real (authentic), honest, tactful, loving, kind, compassionate, and accepting of the differences that we all have because intrinsicly I know we are all connected in the fabric of Life ...

 

What helps you on your journey? What obstacles do you find yourself needing to overcome?

 

Namasté, my friends ~

Kathi

The Tides of Change ...

When I was a little girl, there were so many things that held wonderment for me. I would spend days alone in the woods building forts from pine boughs, talking to God, and communing with nature. Sometimes I remember with such clarity what it was like back then, to be in the woods alone surrounded by Nature. And I remember that I've always been a nature lover ...

The smells of the Earth, the crisp and pungent scents of pine, the sounds of dry leaves and small twigs crunching underfoot while exploring for hours on end ... the sounds of twinkling brooks and birds gossiping overhead in the trees. Being in the woods was a refuge for me in my young life ... I always felt safer in the great outdoors than I did even in my own bed. And strangely enough, I have always felt connected to the Divine, to God, since I can remember. One would think that a child so young and fragile as I was when my abuses began would be frightened of everyone and everything, but my Soul must have understood that in Spirit I chose my life and the lessons required to learn and move forward on my Eternal Journey toward Oneness with the Universe, with the Divine ...

We are all on individual journey's ... and no matter which road we travel to reach the Great Path to Oneness, we know that all roads eventually lead to the same place ...

Over the last few years, my psyche, Soul, and heart have been cleared and opened up to receive and to give unconditional love to those whom I come into contact with. I am sure that there are many others who feel this opening deep within, and can relate to what I am writing about at this moment. Clarity of thought, focus, and a keen sense of Self has come to pass for many of us over the past few years as we are hurled towards the Age of Aquarius with lightening speed.

There are those with whom we are not meant to travel the Path to Enlightenment, and they will fall mysteriously by the wayside as our vibrations raise higher and our minds and hearts open widely ... there are those who will be left behind, because their vibrations cannot keep up with the rapid energy shifts and outpouring of Christ-Light ...

There are those who, in fear, will lash out at us or wish to hold us under a microscope, observing every move we make, every word we speak, every action we take ... waiting for us to 'slip up', to be our fallible human Selves. And at that precise moment, they will attempt to drive us backwards, in anger, resentment, jealousy ... with words or fists they will attempt to cut us down like a sickle cuts at the harvested corn stalks ... and some of us will perish, or turn our backs in fear ...

My friends, strive only to be your Authentic Selves ... Know Yourself. This was the wise counsel written above the doorway at the Temple of Delphi ... Know Yourself. In that way, and only in that way will you stand strong in your own counsel and wisdom. In that way can you help others meet their own potential, find their own Inner Light, bring the Christ-consciousness into their Being ...

Namasté, my friends ...

Blessings, Light, & Love Abound ...

Katt

In Loving Memory ... One Year

ANITA DOUIN July 16, 1929 - November 14, 2011

Anita or Ma'am, to most everyone ... but "Ma" Douin to ME, since I was around 10 years old. How I loved you, Ma ... through eternity! You were my friend, my confidante, protector of my young Soul, my 'Ma' when things in my young Life didn't always feel good and right. You were one person, one adult, I felt at home with ... one who listened to me, and not only listened, but HEARD me, no matter what. 

I always felt 'safe' with you, Ma ... and as time flew by and I got older, though I was not always close in proximity to you, I always, ALWAYS felt close to YOU, no matter how many miles or how many days, months, or years were between us. You were,  as your daughter was and still is to me, close, loving, forgiving, beautiful, my best friend, my confidante, my heroine ... and so much more!

How I miss knowing you are up in Maine ... How I miss that I can't just drop you a line whenever I get the urge! How I miss knowing I can make a little time to drop by to see you when I'm in town ... I can't believe it's been a year already, Ma! Why does it seem like just yesterday that I was a young pre-teen, carrying breakfast that I'd cooked especially for your daughter through the 'gully' path and knocking on your door ...

"Morning Ma! Is Kathie up yet?" And you laughing about the fact that us youngsters were so spontaneous, so close to each other, and so silly at times "Whassitto you? Whagidoo?" "You all right Scott boy speak to me sonny!" "Merrill take it out .... HUAH!" Oh my! We were very silly indeed! But how we laughed ... how we laughed at the silliest things: "Forty-one!" "Gleep!" And you always accepted me for me .... that silly, crazy, irreverent best friend of your daughter's who happened to live right behind you ... just a path's length away through the 'gully' ... 

We all know that with Life eventually comes death, and we accept death, even when it is difficult to accept because we have no choice but to accept it. Life is wonderful, filled with joys and love beyond our wildest dreams, but it is also wrought with sadness and tears. As we mature, we learn to take each bump, each hill and mountain as it comes. We learn to accept, bless with love and peace, and move forward as time passes ... 

God blesses us richly with little joys, and God blesses us richly with little difficulties ... combined, these little psychodramas are what build our character, make us each individuals, unique, and special. We need to continue moving forward, as our wise older adults informed us each time there was a death in our family, "Life goes on!" and that it does! Time waits for none of us.

But something Time can NOT take from us is our memories. They are engraved upon our hearts and Souls, and in our minds, for Eternity. You, and all the memories that came along with You, Ma, will remain etched on my Heart and Soul for the rest of my Life! 

May You rest in Peace until we are someday united once again ...

I love you. 

Your "Other" daughter ~ Kathi 

Choosing Light ...

"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the
sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed
only if there is a light from within." ~ Elizabeth Kubler Ross

When Light is contained within the essence of our Beings, it reflects and shines outward and makes our face somehow appear lighter, brighter. Our eyes seem to sparkle and dance, and our Being is light and airy. We smile easier, we love easier. Our words are filled with caring, kindness, love. We don't hesitate to help those around us without expecting anything in return. We simply strive to be the best we can be.

Alternatively, when darkness surrounds us, and penetrates our Life, we feel heavy, morose, sad. We use sarcasm as though it is our last breath, or second language, because with it we can infiltrate our enemies boundaries insidiously, completely. Sarcasm is our only coping mechanism, our only defense in a world gone mad.

Sarcasm, when used without humor, is the epitome of anger and hatefulness disguised in benignness. Words of sarcasm fall heavily on your enenmies ears and hearts. Sarcastic words can be the undoing of a sensitive Soul.

How do we prevent ourselves from being caught up in darkness? We choose to stand in the Light ... we choose to say only things that will make others feel important, good. We choose to be loving, kind. 

Some of us are hesitant to be nice, kind, loving. We have been burned too many times, taken advantage of numerous times when we were 'nice' and that is not going to happen again! Some of us have been hurt so many times that we retaliate even before someone strikes out at us.

It's okay to feel scared. It's okay to feel vulnerable. We are human beings before we are anything else. It's only natural to be cautious in this world filled with chaos and the unknown. It's okay to be scared, but we need to push past the fear and step into the Light. We need to choose Light and Life. Let's all do it together ...!

Today, I choose to live in the Light and Love of humanity. I choose to allow myself to be transformed from the inside out with Divine Love and Energy. I choose to be kind, loving, and caring. I choose Life!

Namasté, my friends ...

Words ...

Tomorrow, on October 8th,  it will be exactly 8 weeks since I lost someone whom I was extremely close to, and whom I'd been primary caregiver to for the last 3 years. It's strange how much of an impact another Soul can have on us and our present existence. It's strange how watching someone you care about so deeply taking her last breath can be so touching, so intense as to leave its mark upon your mind forever.

Someone said to me today, in anger, "You're not grieving for her. You're relieved." It matters not what was said to initiate that kind of blatant, psychic attack. The words were said in anger, pain, frustration. But the words were uttered, and that is what matters. Because they are so far from my truth, my reality, I will not accept them. Nor will I allow them to take hold of my entire existence and make me retaliate, (except for the little container I threw and broke all over the floor)! But that, alas, is simply a thing. Things can be replaced. Words can not be retrieved once tossed at someone.

I know words can hurt or heal. I've always known that. But I also know that being strong and knowing how to curtail an attack with words is an art, as well. I know I can hurt another with words, too. And I have done so, many times. Sometimes I truly regret it, sometimes I do not. The fact is, we are ALL human, and we ALL say hurtful things, to those we love, to those we like, to those we don't like. We ALL react at times, and we ALL respond at times. We all hurt, we all heal. It's all part of this human experience.

I hope that from here on out, for today at least, my words are not harmful. I hope that my words are healing.

Peace to all ~

Namasté, my friends ...

Sex & Spirituality: Thoughts

I'm not going to pontificate about sex, love, or marriage! It's not my place, nor is it my interest. Many of us have been in love, and some of us have been in lust ... do we really know the difference? There is a difference. I know the difference. I'm not going to explain it here, though.


Sex is beautiful and there is absolutely nothing wrong with it between two consenting adults. Many philosophies claim that sex is only tolerated and only belongs within the confines of marriage, and yet who invented marriage? It wasn't God, or Allah, or any other Supreme Being ... some philosophies even want to dictate HOW to have sex with your sexual partner. The Mormons, for example, believe that sex is allowed for one reason only: to procreate. Not for fun, not for pleasure ... read more about Mormon beliefs about sex here: http://www.i4m.com/think/sexuality/mormon_sex_war.htm


It was man who decided to create the term 'marriage' as it stands today. In order to be married, we have to apply for and pay for a marriage license ... Why is the law involved in the marriage of one human being to another ... (we can reserve other questions about lawful marriage for another post!)


If one person states his or her love for another and they decide to embark on a committed and consensual journey together, does that not make them 'married' in the eyes of a Supreme Being? In their own eyes? 


And is it not their right to share their love for one another, including with expressions of a sexual nature, together?


Think about it ...
Namasté, my friends ...

Letting Go

"If someone isn't treating you with the love and respect you deserve, it is a gift if they walk away" ~ Don Miguel Ruiz

So often people choose to feel responsible for an entire relationship, when in reality it ALWAYS takes two to make or break one. When the fire and passion are reduced in a relationship, and all that is left are mundane situations and repetition, without emotional support, people tend to feel resentful and hurt. It's understandable. It has been said that love is a two way street, like most every relationship in Life. Our friendships, our acquaintances, the people we choose to call our family ~ all those relationships occur on that two way street.

When a person chooses to see only the negative and darkness in another then there is no longer room to see the goodness or the light of one's Soul. A choice is a choice. If I see only the negative aspects in another, it is my responsibility to either change the way I see or to live with the repercussions of my choices.

Today, I choose to see the light and goodness in everyone. But my choice does not mean I need to be friends with everyone. Seeing the goodness in someone does not mean I need to commit myself fully to that person. A wise woman once said: "We love humanity because that is what we are meant to do. But loving humanity doesn't mean we have to be burdened with everyone else's problems. We have to have boundaries that are clear, and we have to protect ourselves." 


I am Divinely protected. I choose to live my life with integrity. I choose to be true to myself. I choose to see the Light in others, rather than focusing on the darkness. If that Light is snuffed out by the Shadows of Darkness, I will learn to let go with love and forgiveness and move forward on my Sacred Path. 
In the end, it is my relationship with my Self that matters most ...


Namasté, my friends ...

Our Inner Child

It's natural to want to be close to those we love, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It's natural to want to be respected, loved, and be put first in a relationship. Conversely, when these needs are not met, it's natural to be bitter, resentful, and hurt. We are, after all, human beings. Human beings are far from perfect in every way ... we are perfectly imperfect, in fact.

 

Sometimes the spaces between us and those we love are great, and it can result in our feeling disconnected and apart from others. How do we reconnect and begin feeling united with others again?

 

We all have an Inner Child who requires love, nurturing, respect and acceptance. Our Inner Child needs to be heard and his or her feelings validated. Can we rely on others for this validation? I believe that we need to rely on our Adult Self to nurture, love, and accept our Inner Child. We can not rely on someone else to make us feel special. We truly need to do that for ourself. So, how does one acheive this? We strive every day to do the best the we can, for ourselves and for those who truly matter in our lives. Sound simple? It isn't.

Burdensome Feelings

Taken from a "Daily Om" post:

The world outside of us is a reflection of the world inside of us. This may make us feel confused about who is to blame for the problems in our lives. We all know that blaming others is the opposite of taking responsibility, but we may not understand how to take responsibility for things that we don’t truly feel responsible for.

We may blame our parents for our low self-esteem, and we may blame our current partner for exacerbating it with their unconscious behavior. Objectively, this seems to make sense. After all, it is not our fault if our parents were irresponsible or unkind, and we are not to blame for our partner’s bad behavior.
Perhaps the problem lies with the activity of blaming. Whether we blame others or blame ourselves, there is something aggressive and unkind about it. It sets up a situation in which it becomes difficult to move forward under the burdensome feelings of shame and guilt that arise. It also puts the resolution of our pain in the hands of someone other than us.
In short, we love ourselves as we want to be loved and respect ourselves as we want to be respected, and create the life we know we deserve. We leave the resolution of the wrongs committed against us in the hands of the Universe, releasing ourselves to live a life free of blame.
Sometimes, we just have to let go of the blame, release it and move forward. I take responsibility for my thoughts, words, and actions.

Missing You!

My dearest friend, Soulmate, Teacher ...

It's been 30 days today that you transitioned from this plane. I know now that you are well and surrounded by Love and Light. I received information from you yesterday via a very dear acquaintance and like-minded Soul, who reported that you are continuing your Journey and sending love and peace, as you always did on this plane ...

I believe you are with me and even though my heart remains heavy and my tears have not ceased because I miss hearing your voice and knowing you were merely a phone call away, I understand that it was your time to depart from this Earth. And I am rejoicing in the fact that you are now where you felt it was time for you to be.

I know that you will be watching over me and I thank God that you and I shared two hours of phenomenal chat time prior to your transition. I could never have asked for a more lovely Soul to intertwine with upon this chaotic and confusing Earth plane ... you never failed to lift my heart, my Spirit, and my knowledge of all things esoteric, mystical, and Sacred. I miss you immensely, my friend!

Always you will be remembered in my Life as the only person who truly understood my Spirit, and who loved me unconditionally no matter what!!! I love you so very much, Christoff!!! Shine on in your continuing Journey, my friend ...

Always and Forever in my Heart and Soul, Gentle One ...

Your friend,

Kathi

Religious Tolerance & Other Things to Ponder ...

connected, and we are all One ...

What does the term "religious tolerance" mean to you? For me, it means I possess the ability and willingness to allow others' their personal beliefs while still clinging to my own. My beliefs are extremely flexible and diversely eclectic. I was raised Catholic, became a "born-again" Christian in my teens, dabbled in Wicca and other metaphysical philosophies for many years, and then fell away from the organized religions to expand and grow in various Eastern philosophies.

Many of my Christian friends gently try to persuade me back into the teachings of the Bible, and their leader-interpreted meanings. I choose to think for myself now. I choose to allow my Inner Guide to interpret meanings for me. All things esoteric are my bible ... various beliefs hold meaning for me, even those that are considered "alternative" or Pagan to others.

 

Jesus taught that acceptance, tolerance, and love are the keys to living a Life that is filled to capacity with goodness and blessings. Buddha taught some of the same of the principles, and so did Mohammed and many of the other prophets of love and peace. Why do these teachings have to be separated, fought over, and argued about hatefully? Why do my views have to be right, and yours wrong, or vice versa? I am pretty sure that's not what the prophets intended these teachings for.

 

The teachings were meant to unite, not divide. Where there is division, there is chaos, unrest, and unhappiness. Where there is unity, there is love, peace, and joy. It's simple, as far as I can see. Jesus told us, among many other wonderful things: "Judge not, lest ye be judged." Mohammed and Buddha and others teach us the same principles ... but do we listen and adhere to the goodness of all that was said, all that was taught us by those Enlightened, those who were before us? Do we practice the Spiritual principles every day, in every way, to the best of our ability?

 

If there is hope, there is hopelessness. If there is light, there is also darkness. If there is love, there is also hatred. If there is white, there is also black. Where there is yin, there is also yang. On a human level, for me it's difficult to just BE. When I meditate in the mornings, my days seem to go more smoothly. When I argue and disagree with my partner or with anyone in the mornings, or forget to meditate and/or pray, my days seem to be difficult, and it's not as easy to gather my thoughts and focus on the tasks at hand. That's the way it seems for me.

But then again, I also try to remember this: Everything is an illusion, and nothing is as it seems ... someday the mysteries of Life will be revealed. In the meantime, I choose to allow others' their beliefs, whether Christian, Atheist, or Hindu ... and I hope to be allowed mine. I choose to love, even where there is no love, because love can and will resolve most anything. I personally feel that it's counterproductive to argue and judge where personal beliefs are concerned, just as it's counterproductive to force my political opinions on others. We all have opinions, we all ~ because it's human nature ~ want to be 'right', but is being 'right' so important that we risk losing loved ones, and friendships, over it? Not in my Life, it isn't ...

May Peace, Love, & Joy guide all of us ...
Namasté

Our "Sacred" Spaces ...

Most of us have created a sanctuary in our home, where peace resides and where we can just be ourselves. Sometimes, allowing others to occupy our space can be disturbing to us and to our routines. It's usually easy to share our space with those we know or love, but often strangers are asked into our household to help: plumbers, contractors, or technicians who help us make our homes more livable and comfortable. Acquaintances of our partners or children also bring something new and different into our space. If we resist their presence, treating it as an intrusion, we restrict the free flow of energy and may miss the gift they bring.

Instead, we can choose to treat their energy as an exchange of gifts as well as an exercise in acceptance, tolerance, and unconditional love. Before their arrival, we can prepare by envisioning Light surrounding our bodies and radiating outward from the core of our homes. We may want to create a calm and welcoming environment by playing meditation music or lighting incense or candles. We can remove tension for all involved by putting away our valuables and private keepsakes. Then when they arrive, we claim our boundaries by guiding them through their visit—asking them to remove their shoes, offering coasters or a place to set down tool boxes, and indicating by example to speak softly or not use harsh language.

If something still causes stress, we can remember that what begins as an irritation to an oyster becomes a pearl. After they depart, we can burn sage and clear our space if we like, but not without first finding the pearl. Finally, remember that we learn about Life by relating with others. People may have been sent to our homes because we ignored some of the Universe’s messengers outside. Our homes need not be a way to keep people out, but can be the place where we are ourselves while accepting and allowing other’s choices, as long as their choices don't infringe on our boundaries.

When we share the joy of our homes, we radiate our Light rather than hiding it behind closed doors. The more we do this, the more the outside world can become like the sanctuary we’ve created inside ... a place of peace, beauty, and serenity.

Namasté, my friends ...

Thoughts on Control ...

Today is a beautiful day in Southern Florida. Glorious! The sun is shining and the skies are free of clouds.

I've been pondering the fact that I have no control over anyone else's thoughts, feelings, actions, or reactions ... ever. It is my reaction to what someone else says or does that is ultimately MY choice. I am responsible for and have control over only my thoughts, words, emotions, or deeds.

It's a simple concept to logically understand, but it is not a very easy one to stay aware of all day long ~ at least it isn't for me! It's very interesting how others can poignantly point out all the flaws in you, without even realizing that they share the same exact so-called flaws. It's as if they are looking in a mirror. That's not just a load of malarchy now, is it? We really DO see in others what we see in ourselves! And we like and dislike in others what we like and dislike in ourselves.

Today I think I'll try to stay aware of the fact that it is MY choice to react to the words and actions of people. It's my choice to percieve that someone has wronged me. It's my choice to allow chaotic or unnecessary emotions into my personal space. It's my choice to get caught up in drama that really isn't any of my business!

Today, instead of thinking, "He made me feel angry!" or "She made me feel sad" I will realize that absolutely no one can MAKE me feel anything. It is MY CHOICE to react to the words, actions, or thoughts of others. It is my choice, and mine alone, to feel a feeling or to allow someone's action or inaction to affect me personally. I have control over ONLY my own actions, reactions, emotions, and thoughts. Today I will try to stay aware of this fact. I will remain aware that I am ultimately 100% responsible for the way I choose to feel at any given moment!

Namasté, my friends ...

Entering a State of Forgiveness

How is it that some of us seem to be very willing to forgive and move forward in our lives, and others tend to stay stuck in their anger and pain for years on end? Why is forgiveness so important to our physical health and well being?

In order to maintain our conscious contact with God, the Divine, Creator, Great Spirit, Yahweh ~ forgiveness is essential. Some may think that the act of forgiving is exonerating the perpetrator or perpetrators who have wronged us. This is totally untrue. We need not excuse the perpetrators' behaviors to forgive completely.

Forgiveness is actually a selfish act. We forgive others' wrongdoings towards us to heal OURSELVES. We forgive so that we can finally let go of the pain and anger that eats away at our Souls bit by bit. We forgive so that we can move forward with an open mind and heart, free of the burdens of anger. We forgive so we can allow our Spirit the freedom to soar higher, and connect ultimately with the Divine. When we are wallowing in rage and/or pain, we are actually hurting no one but ourselves. We are keeping ourselves trapped in a viscious, chaotic vacuum of darkness and hopelessness.

This is not only detrimental to our physical well being, it also impedes our Spiritual development immensely. How can one's spirituality grow and thrive when one is stuck in the anger and pain of the past? It is virtually impossible to move forward on our spiritual paths without forgiving and letting go of the baggage that we continue to cling to.

When we forgive others, we choose to let go of the pain they have created in our lives. We cease allowing another's behaviors to have any power over our lives, and we empower ourselves in forgiving another's wrongdoings towards us. We choose to let go and to move forward on our personal journey. It is necessary to our spiritual growth to let go of the past. Holding on to pain and hatred and anger can result in physical maladies, such as high blood pressure, heart dis-ease, and many forms of cancer. Our minds and hearts remain in a state of anger and pain if we do not choose to forgive.

If I am having difficulty forgiving someone for their wrongdoings against me or against my loved ones, I ultimately remain stuck in the rage and pain. Therefore, there is no room for my own personal spiritual growth. A state of unforgiveness creates a state of chaos within one's soul which prevents grace from doing its work. To reiterate, forgiving another's wrongdoings does not mean that I am excusing his or her behavior. It simply means I am empowering myself to move forward on my personal path. Sometimes, a person thinks that it is impossible to forgive certain types of wrongdoings, such as sexual abuse, murder, or rape. I can personally attest to the fact that it is NOT impossible, and that forgiving the perpetrator is NOT - I repeat - NOT excusing the perpetrator's behavior. I forgive for my own serenity, my own peace of mind, and my own personal growth.

One merely needs to be WILLING to forgive to enter a state of forgiveness. To do this, as difficult as it may seem, I pray for the perpetrator daily for at least three weeks. (21 days) I pray that the wrongdoer find the peace, happiness, joy and love that I myself am seeking in my own life. After three weeks, I have never failed to notice that I no longer have a strong resentment toward the perpetrator. If still, after that period of time I find it difficult to let go and move forward, I continue to pray for that person for another 3 weeks. I am always amazed at how freeing this simple process is.

Give it a try! What have you got to lose?

Until next time, my friends,
Namasté.

In Loving Memory ...

Donald A. Bonenfant

August 9,1931 - July 17, 2006

(Revised on 8/9/2012)

Six years is upon us already! I cannot believe how quickly time passes! I am taking this time to honor the memory of a wonderful man, the man whom I called "Dad" for nearly 24 years. He was one of the most incredible males in my entire life ~ a jovial soul who never uttered a bad word about anyone or anything, a man who befriended even those no one else would befriend, a man who laughed and joked until he slipped away quietly, in the wee hours of the morning on July 17th, 2006, leaving the physical pain behind forever.

"Baby Don", as my six siblings and I lovingly called him, was a man of true honor and impeccable integrity. And he always laughed that he would rather die "an old clown than an old grouch" and that's exactly how he transitioned: He joked with the admitting physicians during his last hours, even though he could not catch his breath. Don died from complications of congestive heart failure (CHF), and he'd become very short of breath in the last years of his illness.

Don Bonenfant was a happy, loving, friendly Soul ... the kind of man who never said horrible words about anyone, and who had a profound well of compassion, which emanated outwards towards anyone he came into contact with. He was down-to-earth, loving, non-judgemental, family oriented. Even with his nine step-children (he had one biological son and 9 step-children!), 

Baby Don would always say, "There's no such thing as steps in my family! You are ALL my children!" The best part of that comment was that we all knew he wasn't just giving lip service, he truly meant it from his core. "Baby Don" was a truly magnificent soul, whose light shown brightly in this world because he genuinely cared for others. 

Don was a loving, forgiving Soul who loved his wife, my Mom, as much as he loved himself ~ sometimes even more. He treated everyone he met with the same respect and level of friendship that he treated his long time friends. He loved and accepted his children's partners as much as he loved and accepted his own children.

Baby Don befriended the "outcasts" of society as easily as he befriended anyone else. He did not separate or catagorize other human beings ~ EVERYONE WAS EQUAL in Don's eyes. It certainly is rare to find someone like Don, someone who accepts another human just because they ARE human, without any other judgement or unreasonable expectations.

So today and always, Baby Don will be very sadly missed, and his memory and the love he spread around will NEVER be forgotten. Today and always ... rest peacefully in the arms of your Creator ... A soul as loving as yours is definitely in a much more peaceful, tranquil place. 

I'm sure you are smiling over all of us, now.

I miss you, Dad (Baby Don)! Much Love Always ....