Balance... A Gift

Balance... A Gift

'How one walks through the world,

the endless small adjustments of balance,

is affected by the shifting weights of beautiful things'

Elaine Scarry

Along this journey of this one life that we travel, people come and go, and usually bring with them a gift for us. But there are some people who are born as the gift, we know who they are, they are the ones that keep us balanced by their very presence in our lives. They see the beauty of our flaws and with their gentle presence shine a light illuminating the path which leads us back into balance.

These are very special people they light up the part of us that is inherently good and special, they shine a light on what is our inner beauty.

I have been blessed to have such a person in my life as this and I've not always been gracious in acknowledging this gift. But, how else could I have grown up always trusting that everything will always work out, always seeing the good in every situation, no matter how bleak?

I believe it was because of this other's presence in my life. I have always felt safe because this 'other' balanced my life. A constant silent, invisible knowing of feeling another's hand always holding my own, as I appeared to others to walk alone through some of the darkest landscapes . The comfort and assurance of this other's presence allowed me to awaken and develop my own individuality. What a gift it is to feel safe enough so that you can respond to the deep call from within, the call to become who we dreamed to be.

This beautiful person is my darling sister Jacqueline. I know it was her hand that was the first to touch mine when I was born. Growing up our differences separated us, but they were the very things that drew us together again. She awakens in me my potential beyond my wildest dreams. The beauty of her love showed me the risk for my growth would always be rewarded. Her presence instilled in me a trust allowing me to be vulnerable enough to learn and develop.

Today I want to shine a light on this beautiful person who lives her life on the edge of mine...because...

'The beautiful can exist at the edge precisely

because it has nothing to lose and everything to give away'

Frederick Turner

...Jacqueline is ever giving

How blessed am I.