"Life can't be measured in candles or measured in the years we live, but in the quality of each moment. As we move along the River of Life, a force leads us toward a calling – silent to our ears, but clear to our hearts."
This is written on the back of a CD titled, "The River of Life" which is all instrumental songs. All benefits go to the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.
I couldn't help but purchase a copy today when Frankie and I visited. The legacy of love of this facility is touching and remarkable.
At the sweet urging of a friend, Frankie and I were asked to visit with three special ladies at the community hospice. Each had read Frankie's book. My friend, Sara, thought perhaps they would love to meet the real Frankie. Little did I realize I was about to be given a gift…
One woman in particular, who I will call Mary, was thrilled to meet Frankie! She held open her arms and gave me a big hug. She told me Sara told her to expect a surprise. Mary said, "I was praying I would get to meet Frankie and here you are." Mary and her husband (who recently passed away), had read Frankie's book together. Picturing that beautiful image brought a strong emotion to my heart. Mary kept telling me how much we made her day. To see her face light up in the midst of just losing her husband was a gift to me… to know Frankie brought a joy into her hear at a time her heart is so full of grief is beyond words to explain.
Being in that moment with Mary is one of the "quality of moments" we must grasp, hold onto, say grace for and reach out for more. I had been putting off getting involved as a volunteer with Frankie in hospice for fear of the unknown… but Sara gave me the gift of a calling to meet three lovely ladies today, which in turn sparked a need in me to expand on Frankie and my calling.
Being at the community hospice today I felt a need to reach out more… to care more… to leave more Frankie imprints… to bring joy and strength of the love of a dog. And dogs do it without saying a word… but it is "clear to our hearts" what they do for us. How grateful I am Frankie leads me down a "River of Life" that is more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.
(All names have been changed to protect their privacy)