Are you a Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime?

Today is the birthday of someone who was very special to me, my dear friend, Elizabeth. She was a joy to know, and although we never met in person, she was very close to my heart.  She loved lavender and made her own lavender soaps, chocolate covered cherries, Avalon,  animals, and life in general.  I used to love hearing her talk of her menagery of pets, animals she saved from the brink of death.  As I recall she had about 8 or 9 dogs, including a blind collie named Merlin,  5 cats, and any number of rabbits. 

On December 1st, 2009 she wrote me and told me she had gone to the doctor.  The good news was, in her words 'I am anemic, have a low blood count, and a bunch of other small problems.  (always trying to make light of things) The bad news is I have wide spread liver cancer.'  She died December 16th, 2009. It happened so quickly that I never got to say good bye.

She was a beautiful and wise crone who will always have a special place in my heart.  I love you, Elizabeth.  Please know that you will never be forgotten.  Tonight I will light my lavender scented candle, just for you, and with fond remembrance, celebrate your life.

The following is for you, Elizabeth, as well as for all my other wonderful online friends.

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

When you figure out which one it is,

you will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON,

it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.

They have come to assist you through a difficulty;

to provide you with guidance and support;

to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.

They may seem like a godsend, and they are.

They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,

this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.

Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.

Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.

The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON,

because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.

They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.

They may teach you something you have never done.

They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.

Believe it. It is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;

things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.

Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,

and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

 -- Unknown --