Our Salvation is Through Love!
No Doorbusters Can Equal the Priceless Value of Love!
Estimated reading time: 1 minute, 42 seconds
We’re constantly being bombarded with advertisements for doorbusters that we’re told we must have. However, we need life’s most valuable treasures during these challenging times. In his book, “Man’s Search for Meaning,” Viktor Frankl discussed what may be impossible for many of us to obtain. The following quote has been edited to make it more universal. Changes are indicated in italics.
The truth – that Love is the ultimate and highest goal to which humanity can aspire. Then I grasped the meaning of the greatest secret that human poetry and human thought and belief have to impart: The salvation of humanity is through Love and in Love.
During most of my grief journey, I have had the benefit of friendships that have helped me manage the perilous waters after a devasting loss. As C.S. Lewis wrote in “The Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis, Volume II” (2004), “Friendship is the greatest of worldly goods.” I will always be grateful for my friends, some who have been with me for years and others whom I have met recently who helped me in the darkest hours of my life.
As I approach thirty-one months since my wife died, I have learned to love again and be loved. I never thought I could be loved again or have the strength to love someone. No doorbusters could be as valuable as friends or the ability to love again. Love serves as my salvation and a means of attaining humanity’s redemption. Love transcends ourselves and connects with others on a deeper level, leading to a more compassionate and harmonious world.
The Jan Lilien Education Fund sponsors ongoing sustainability and environmental awareness programs. Gifts made this month; I will match dollar-for-dollar. All donations are tax-deductible.
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Sunday in the Park with Patty and Jan
Sometimes, days can be dull and unmemorable, but every once in a while, life surprises us with a day we will never forget. Last Sunday, Patty and Jan, two friends from my Saturday Chosen Family Grief Group, visited me, even though the NJ Transit bus driver was lost and needed directions. They joined other passengers on the journey singing, "Did they ever return? No, they never returned, and their fate is still unknown.." But they persisted and made it to Cranford!
Although we had many visitors when we celebrated Jan's life, the number of widows who have come to Cranford since that event is minimal. Spending Sunday in the park with Patty and Jan was a fantastic day filled with memories I will always treasure. As much as I love reminiscing about old times, I also want and need more opportunities to share my piece of ground with my friends.
My Friends Validate My Progress
No Doorbusters Can Equal the Priceless Value of Love!
Estimated reading time: 1 minute, 42 seconds
My Friends Validate My Progress
Sitting on the rocks in the amphitheater, my companions asked about my well-being and how I had been dealing with Jan's passing two years ago. I shared with them how I've kept Jan's memory alive and talked about the supportive communities I've found. I even mentioned how I felt Jan's presence in her garden as if she was still with me and made a lighthearted joke about her watching us from behind a tree. My friends acknowledged my progress and reassured me that I was doing physically and mentally well. After not seeing them since the pandemic, receiving their kind words was comforting and unexpected.
Although I lost my beloved, I found a way to keep her memory alive. My guests complimented me on the beautiful living memorial I had created for Jan and told me I had inspired them. I felt flattered, but I knew my words were genuine and not self-interest-motivated.
