Synchronicity II

I have been giving away my possessions over the last 6 months that I have been preparing to leave Chicago. Didn't quite know where, when, how but I have always known that living in this apartment was "transitional housing."

At Christmas time I divided up my ornament collection of 50 years and sent to family members including this niece, daughter of my brother Joseph Zatsick deceased since February 1991. Janice is in her 40's and has a grandchild of her own. I have not been close to her as space and time have intervened in our relationship. I have always felt a great love for these children as their parents could not parent (as our own parents failed), Joe because of his alcoholism and Dee because of her own woundedness.

As I have written before "Synchronicity is the conversion of events over which I have no control yet affirm my emotional and spiritual life and values."

Janice's email:

Hi Aunt Katie, I'm sorry I haven't written you before now. I loved the x-mas stuff and the pictures you send of my dad. But this last package was the best. You probably didn't know but I collect bells. Every one I have has a special meaning and these are wonderful. And I also collect green glass. Thank you so much for keeping me in you thoughts and prayers it really matters to me. Talk at you later Love Janet



I wanted to send Janice some special items as I have sorted and given away. This young woman has struggled with abuse and drug abuse. Her life in her younger years has "been wild." She has remarried and I think is now in a more healthy relationship and a better emotional space. I did not know that Janice collected bells. The two I sent her were a beautiful blue etched bell from my father's and mother's 50 anniversary gift collection and a clear lead crystal one from my trip to Poland in March 2001. The green glass was a small hand blown pitcher that I purchased on my first trip to Jamestown Va in the early 80's after our move to Blacksburg. I remember that I was fascinated by the glassblowing. The English had tried to get a glass industry going, it petered out. They blow the glass as an exhibit on early Colonial life.

So I didn't know of Janet's collections but I sent what touched my heart as I thought about her. I was so happy that the gifts were "touches of love" from her family. I know Joe loved Janice and all his children even as he could not express it. It is enough, I cried when I read her email this morning and wanted to share with you.

Blessings of love and friendship and family on this Easter weekend of death and new life,