Happy Birthday Mom. Day 9 - sheltering in place

March 30, 2020. Sunset 7:31 PM.
San Francisco, CA.

Today would have been my mother’s 87th birthday. Thinking about how different the world was a quarter of a century ago, I’m grateful again, that I was able to be sitting in the bed next to her when she died. That we are no longer allowed to physically comfort, care for or be those we love who are not with us is unexpected and painful. I’ve found this prayer for freedom from suffering particularly helpful today and hope you may find strength and solace in it as well.

May all beings everywhere plagued
with sufferings of body and mind
quickly be freed from their illnesses.

May those frightened cease to be afraid,
and may those bound be free.
May the powerless find power,
and may people think of befriending
one another.

May those who find themselves in trackless,
fearful wilderness--
the children, the aged, the unprotected--
be guarded by beneficent celestials


Day 9 - Ringing the big bell out on the sidewalk for as long as we are sheltering in place.