softening

in praise of aging

My skin is softening
around my bones.
My heart is softening
in my breast.

Of all the sacraments
I’ve known,
this one of softening
suits me best.

All lines of
separation melt,
hard edges go
pastel and blur.

Grace bleeds outward,
All Is Well.
Fears grieve the loss
of what they were.

I just realized that for the first time since opening this little space for my writing, I missed a post this past Tuesday, as I have been busy sorting and packing to move a few hours away from the area where I have lived for the last 22 years. Wonder of wonders; the world kept right on turning! And now, to shake things up even further (lol) my Saturday offering is being posted on Friday night, as I will be moving tomorrow. 
With the company and kind wishes of near and dear ones, I celebrated my birthday today. This poem from my archives seems suitable for the occasion. I feel (and look!) like I have aged far more than one year in the last 12 months. Serious health challenges have made life feel very hard in the last year. Revisiting this little poem praising softening is good medicine for me tonight. I hope that I am moving into a softer season as I move to a slower, smaller town. I feel a great need and desire for a soft place to land; within and without. 
My heart is full of gratitude for every moment with my family and friends here, and for all the hospitality and help I have been offered over the years. I am going to deeply miss my children, my roomie of the last five years, my friends, and my sweet granddoggy. You are all in my heart forever. 
I'm so thankful to have seen and heard from so many people that I love today! 
It was a gorgeous day, in every way! 
Time for sleep, then heading East bright and early. 
Deep Peace and Softest Blessings to All,
~ Cheryl Anne