TALES FROM THE BOBBI LAMA

Yesterday I was with my group at the Independent Living Center, and our discussion was so uplifting. I volunteer there hoping to arouse healthy happiness through the sharing of positive memories, and our discussions go in every direction one could imagine! I love it. It’s a mental free-for-all. This visit, I threw out the topic of the power of “food memories” to bring back feelings of happy times, happy events, and loving relationships … and the discussion did not disappoint! Each person was able to share at least one meaningful memory about food, and all expanded on how those shared meals or shared gestures (whether food or not) are so valued now as gifts from the heart.

I shared the story of my sister, who has been making her famous and delicious cookies for over a half a century and to hundreds of people, all of whom feel the love. What a legacy! And the power of the happy thought I have when I remember my Polish grandmother’s famous holiday meals. She absolutely emanated love and kindness. All those events make me feel loved again. And one woman from my group told of a tradition she remembered with great fondness. She would find something she had that she treasured, and exchange it with someone who gave her something they treasured… gifts from the heart.

Now just the week before. I had given everyone an ornament with a quote about gratitude. And this week she handed me a gift to thank me. When I opened it, I found a beautiful, hand-made, wreath ornament made in Ecuador with a description of how it was made with natural dyes and plants. She included a personal touching sentiment from her heart. She treasured that ornament, and she gave it to me! And now I will treasure this gift of love for all my years to come.