In 2017 I had the great honor of being awarded an honorary Doctorate in Classical and Modern Philology and Literature at the University of Parma. It was a happy occasion and I felt true affection for Loris Borghi who presented it to me. Now I have returned to Parma to perform in a festival honoring Guiseppi Verdi and St. Francis. Both men were servants to the people, leaving behind heartening legacies. Sadly I will not be greeted by Loris, for he took his own life in 2018. But his gentle, radiant spirit continues to permeate the atmosphere of the great University.
I’m quite tired. We flew in from Paris and I walked for a few kilometers exploring the town. I have included a few pictures, and will offer part 2 tomorrow. I hope everyone is doing well. I just keep moving, it seems the best remedy, until I stop to go to sleep….
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. St. Francis of Assisi
My favorite prayer. A man who understood the transcendent love animals give us. Love you dear Patti. I know your heart is heavy. I was thinking of my two beautiful dogs who transitioned last spring, 23 days of each other. My Golden Retriever, Duke, at the age of 15 (rare for a Golden), held on for 23 days after the passing of my beloved Toy Poodle, Roxy, who suffered with cancer until we relieved her of her pain.
To say I was devastated was an understatement. I would meditate with a candle at night during her final days. She would join me, lying on a pillow on the floor next to me.
Duke was in excruciating pain, but never showed it. The vet couldn’t understand, looking at the xrays of his mottled hips, how he walked.
The day he collapsed, 21 days after Roxy departed, I knew his time had come. I spent the next two days on the floor with him, massaging him with a beautiful essential oil mixture. Singing to him, silently crying, giving him his favorite treats.
I was walking the other day, thinking that if our pets lived forever, we would never appreciate the time we were blessed to spend with them. I suppose the same can be said of all sentient beings, but the bond between a pet and their human caretaker is like none other. May we all love unconditionally as our pets love us- here on the earthly plane snd from above. 💫💫💫💫💫
Thank you for your lovely message and Parma looks wonderful and filled with beautiful people things and thoughts...