Three Wishes for a Thursday

Through the kitchen window, I saw little girl pass in front the house this morning. She had her father's hand in one hand and a sparkly magic wand in the other.  The wand was the kind with glitter and streamers, the kind that make wishes come true. As I keep one hand in my father's and one for offering up prayers, I have three wishes for today.

I have an elderly friend who has a host of medical conditions and has hit an especially rough patch. She is physically unable to get out of bed. She has twenty-four hour care, but her husband has passed on. She has no other family. She has no appetite and is having a hard time eating. Whether she decides to fight for this life or release it all and go home, my wish is that whatever is next in her journey that it be painless and graceful.

Today I have friends and family in the throes of chronic diseases like addiction and depression and the places where it seems that there is no way out. I wish for a reprieve for today from the despair and loneliness that come from the long hike through these territories, and the care that they need and the hope and help that is available.

As the holidays are speeding towards us, many are feeling a sense of loss, financial stress, and unmet expectations. For them, I wish a looser grip on the coming days and a deep breath for every twinkly light and every lit candle and peace for all of us.

What's your wish?