“There is so much to live for and so many ways to expand.” ~Jeanette Goodrum
It was my 92 years young friend Jeanette Goodrum who first taught me about Chi–a vital energy that is not only present in plants and animals but flows through the universe as a whole. In China, it is known as Chi. In India, the life force is called Prana. The Jewish notion of the Shekinah is a closely related idea. (Proud of me honey?)
The presence or absence of the life force is closely identified with the state of our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. I noticed my husband Stephen’s Chi leaving his body on Halloween. Three evenings later, he suffered a heart attack and flat lined four times before being revived.
How did I know?
He was gray, no color in his cheeks, or anywhere for that matter. And, I just knew. A spouse knows. A loved one knows. We sense it approaching.
Well, let me tell you: Stephen’s Chi is back and then some!
Thanks to those whom I refer to now as “our” firemen. I was saying “my” and Stephen corrected me. I guess they do belong to all of our beloved family and friends’ hearts as well, because all have expressed their gratitude continually.
We desired to connect with these trained heroes since Stephen awoke from his successful surgery. We wanted to have them and their spouses over for dinner and guess what? It happened!
Turns out, any invitation or act of gratitude is rare. Let alone an invitation to dinner in someone’s home. We wouldn’t have had it any other way. We were beyond honored and thrilled that they accepted.
They of course had to have a meeting and decide if it was indeed an ethical and right thing to do. But their hearts wanted to. Not many heart attack sufferers who flat line once (let alone four times) survive and these men and women work so hard to see that they do.
We were told that when they got word of Stephen surviving, it lifted and inspired them. I don’t think I have ever been as personally moved or inspired by humans doing what they do in the world.
Stephen, Carter and I were beyond excited as the evening approached. All of our girls (Tabitha, Cari, Heather, and Brenna) had rushed home when Stephen was in the hospital… and some of them again a few weeks later for Thanksgiving, so they would be at the table with our firefighters in spirit only, as would many of our friends.
The evening turned out more magical than ever……….
Bon Appetit and Namaste!
*Jeanette Goodrum is pictured above driving with me as her co-pilot, We are taking off for the weekend, heading towards an AT6 flyer in the photograph by Loma Smith. Jeanette is a huge inspiration not only to her family, to Loma and myself, but to the world as well. She is a former WASP pilot, ski instructor, race-car driver, wind surfer (a picture of her in her 80’s in a bright red swim suit in the gorge will nock your socks off), Doctor of Theology, and perpetual student of life.
Conscious Gratitude: A Supper With Heart, Part 2