Little by Little

I write this from the Carnival Breeze where I purchased one 24 hour period of internet time.  I wanted to check in with the girls and just make sure I hadn't missed anything.  So, I actually can blog about today.

It is Thursday January 22 and we have our last stop - which is San Juan, Puerto Rico.  And Susan and I spent time this morning just walking around the city.  I was hoping that I would be able to find the "Poetry Store" I had discovered on my last trip here and we did!  The last trip I bought a plaque here - which said "True Love stands with you when you need to see the rain."  And I have looked at that and loved it for years.
This time I bought a mug that says - "Little by Little"  It comes from this poem which was written by Lady Lee Andrews, the poet, artist, owner of the store.  Here is the poem

Little By Little

I'm letting go

Little by little, but I am.

It sometimes hurts,

I sometimes cry,

I sometimes erase it all

And sometimes I try

and I can't. 

But I'm letting go,

I am.

That's just the way I am.

I can't help it anymore.

My mind races

unlike the hare

who had patience 

to compete

I'm racing to defeat myself

It's torture in a shell

My heart has been to hell

I'm letting go. 

Little by little, but I am.

I learned that now I can.

Sometimes it's good.

Sometimes it's sweet.l

There are times too

That I never meet a standard.

where questions flow

Unanswered

And it's okay in itself

I'm taking down the shelf

Of expectations

Crowded by imitations.

I learned that now I can.

I'm letting go, little by little

But I am

This spoke to me as I try to let go into - not retirement - but trusting the next thing that God has for me.  I know that this is a time for resting and waiting and that is what is happening on this cruise - Plus fun, food, laughter, friends.  But more than that is the certainty that as I "let go" God is there with more for me, as God is there for everyone as we learn to let go.

The poet opened a second store and we found our way to that store in the rain and were blessed to meet her!  Susan bought me a book of her poetry and she signed it like this:

To you Margot

Angels make sure special people are never forgotten.

love, Lady Lee Andrews

Today has been a beautiful morning and a true blessing to my soul.  And little by little, I am learning to let go.