Stories
We feel, universally, that everyone will at some point in their life, endure similar experiences. The story may be different but the jist will be the same. We all will be dealing with at some point, trust issues, times we need to let go of situaions and or people and moving thorough sadness, pain and on...
"A Sacred Memory" is in hope we can help be a point of light to facilitate positive shifts by sharing our stories, creating an inspirational product line of heart and transformational gifts as well as participating in partnering with other like minded people and companies to help in this effort. We realize we are all in this together and if we are to thrive/survive in these uncertain times, major changes need to occur. We realize in order for this to begin to change, we needed to do the work internally in order to create and share it with others. This is the major key that will open all doorways to change.
| Rebuilding Trust | Hope Blooms | True Love | Soul Passing | Trust and Faith | Gertie | Who Are We? |
Rebuilding Trust...
Trust is a central point in all relationships. Can we clear up the past and start anew without the insecurity of preceding experiences and view TRUST as a life teacher? Trust is a giant commitment in any relationship.
As 1997 progressed with our President in the toughest situation of his life I sat back to see what would come forward in the months ahead.. The word TRUST kept running in and out mind, in books, on the radio, TV, in conversations.. Trust issues were appearing in my life with individuals I hired, in my children's lives with those they were in relationship with, friends and then, our most visible role model, our President.
Trust - What does TRUST encompass? How about, faith in, confidence, partnership, depend upon, count on? Trusting someone who is a role model for our country, its people, its children, his child? WOW, what an awesome responsibility!! Did our President really understand the depth of this virtue?
Observing Mr. Clinton on television on a few occasions and looking straight into his eyes I wanted to see more, feel more. I wanted to view that window to his heart and soul..
How do we get past the judgment to what is really going on with others? How do we look beneath all the layers and see more? And do we truly want to see more?
Or, will this bring us to an uncomfortable place.. sometimes to our own life's issues and those who encircle our own world. I listened to endless comments about our Presidents behavior as many dissected his life issues. How many of their own personal issues have been tucked under that old carpet creating a mound they themselves have ignored ?
What was Bill Clinton mirroring to us? What is the lesson in this history, changing experience? Trust.. Is it that I wanted to go beyond what some were ignoring or not ready to see, feel and get to the depth of his heart? Rebuilding Trust...Maybe we need to begin to view the top role models in our land and work our way down to truly create changes in our own lives, our families, our communities....The top hasn’t always been the best, personal example. Countless public individuals have worked so diligently on their professional lives and little on their personal ..
Was what happened with our President an opportunity for each of us to look beyond in a new light within this virtue called TRUST .
Mr. President, you were an example for us to learn from and what an awesome opportunity for you to begin working on your own personal issues You've been too busy with public duties and ignored probably the most important aspect of your life. The days and nights you felt most alone could have created the desire to move forward to heal your past. It is in our pain that we normally grow the most. Thank you Mr. President for what could be the biggest lesson of our lives and I truly hope this was a pinnacle point in yours.
As I began writing this a few weeks ago for my .com company I felt a need for this to be the next mini story. A month ago or more Bill Clinton was on the front page of our newspaper with an apology for what occurred many months prior.
We are now at crossroads with a new President ready to stand before us. I believe after the next four years our country will make a giant shift. REBUILDING TRUST will be a big leap in our new tomorrow's..
The design of our mini embracing hands was a decision of our graphic designer, Maryanne. Hands are an intimate symbolism of trust. When we are in TRUST with another , a coming together in this personal manner is a instinctive comfort.
Try holding the hand of those that haven’t been trustworthy? What a test for our hearts!!!
Rebuilding Trust mini folio will begin the healing process in many partnerships. For some, it will create closure to a relationship that’s meant to end. View trust mini
Hope Blooms...
Hope Blooms was birthed when my son was very ill . There was major doubts about his health in the medical community as no one could figure out what was going on with him. I’ve always been an optimist and cheered others in a new direction when they were down.
This time it was me needing the cheering but not much came my/our way.
Not many knew of this situation due to my son's request. The few who were privy didn't know what to say or do. Some family stayed completely away not a word or note of support . How does one handle illness virtually alone? How does one handle seeing a loved one hanging on to only his mothers cheers?
"We will find a way. You will get well." were the words I cheered daily. I was so passionate about finding an answer and when no answer came forth our days were filled with his fears and doubts. I found myself in this whirlwind of losing FAITH, TRUST and the days became more difficult.
I thought about a folio to help others get through the roughest moments of their lives.. A cushion to comfort those who truly need that boost . Support from family and friends is so vital in difficult times .. I also wanted to help others who were afraid to come forward to nurture those in need. As well as ease into this new way of expressing support. A mini folio that others could write personalizing their support and love. I feel personalized thoughts and sentiments are more powerful than the generic greeting cards of today. Contemplation of a mini folio was running through my mind. HOPE>>>HOPE>>HOPE>>>A mini folio about HOPE>>RENEWING HOPE? Hummm...
I thought about a graphic that symbolized HOPE and asked my cousin if she could take a photo of nature in this quest. Daffodils are the flower of HOPE>>>I thought about the image of a daffodil on the front of the mini folio.. I chatted with Janet about this idea. She is a gifted, self taught, photographer and is always at the right place only seconds away from phenomenal photos. . She knew of a daffodil hill and drove one afternoon to take the photo of HOPE...She called me in excitement and wonder that unfolded before her eyes. The wind was blowing a gale that afternoon and there in front of her were daffodils coming together as if they were hugging each other in this powerful wind storm. Supporting, loving, caring. She was emotional about this encounter and when I viewed the photo I knew this was HOPE>>>>HOPE BLOOMS>>>
Not too many things keep me down for too long and with support from a few family members and a couple of friends, my angels and my Sagittarius attitude I brushed the dreariness off and began anew looking at the smallest blessings that came my way. I would share these blessings with my son and even though his depression was in full weeded germination I saw a spark come forth from his eyes.. A moment of joy, a moment of wonder, one moment of thankfulness, a moment of peace.
This didn't happen daily or weekly but in moments and I realized this was a beginning.
In my search for answers even the most distinguished physicians gave us doubts. Test after test, no answers.. One doctors visit that's still fresh in my mind was a respected physician sitting behind his burl desk holding his designer pen with many framed diplomas facing our way. This man came forward with very little hope. I looked past him in his doubt and told him we would find the answers. He looked at me as if I was from another planet. As I dissected this news, his opinion, I sensed I needed to be much more involved I told my sons doctor, “ Joseph WILL GET WELL!! “
As days, months passed it seemed like I swept the entire globe via internet researching anything and everything. I went to the library countless times. I e-mailed strangers in hope of bits and pieces .I talked to friends of friends who knew someone who had Josephs symptoms and begin to place our pieces together...Links here and there.. Bit by bit we began to find more and more answers. And guess what? Joseph got better and stronger .
My son went from taking maybe a dozen strong, mind potent, meds to almost med free. His body is still healing and there needs to be another giant effort to help him find a remission, cure for his rheumatoid arthritis. I believe it will come to pass when he is willing to make that commitment. He's busy now making up for the 3 years of confusion, illness, 20 hours of sleeping and is regaining his life back.
Try holding the hand of those that haven’t been trustworthy? What a test for our hearts!!!
I sometimes see him viewing the blessings surrounding us and a smile comes forth of gratitude. Singing and endless laughter now surround his being. “Hope Blooms” will be a beacon of light for countless who will face challenging times. Thank you, my angels for another gift to share with the world... View hope blooms mini
True Love...
Why do we hold on to others when they want to go, to do, and be?
What does truly loving someone really mean?
I asked myself this over and over again during an ending of a relationship. In many of my former relationships, I was the one who chose to leave. This time, the lesson changed. I never experienced the penetrating feeling of someone leaving me. This happened without preparation which brings it to another level of learning.
In my life, it seems, my lessons have been deeply rooted. My lessons have touched my soul profoundly, probably because I needed to journey to the depths of my heart to be able to help others who were struggling.
A few years back, I re-connected with a man I had a past romantic relationship with for a short while. Back then, I needed to leave the relationship because he was holding anger from his divorce and it seemed every time we got together it ended up in a conversation about his unfinished business from the past. I tried to have compassion and understanding but there comes a point in time when one sees that others must do some more work alone and so I moved on. We each were dating others so our relationship was really in the beginning stages and there were no residual effects.
A few years later, we re-connected again by phone. He told me he moved in with a woman shortly after "us" and that relationship ended after four years, 4 months prior to our latest re-connecting. I had asked him a few times if he was over this person and he assured me he was. I really don't like involving myself in new romantic relationships when there are uncertainties about a last involvement.
Our time together was developing into a comfortable one. Four or five months passed and I began to notice something was up with him. He disappeared for an evening and it wasn't like him not to be in communication with me even if it was via phone. He became a little distant after that and I found myself asking him a few times... "What was up?" He wouldn't share his true feelings and so I found myself asking more inward questions. "Do I want someone in my life that cannot share his TRUTH? How do we grow in relationship if there's this gap between us?" I finally asked him these questions; he wasn't willing to go there.
A few weeks passed. I sensed his old girlfriend was in the picture again. One evening, I had a profound dream. I shared my dream with him and he looked puzzled and wanted no part of the confusion. I then asked him a question that totally threw him off guard... (Name changed) "Steve, are you looking at my heart when a situation comes up that involves me?" This wasn't too threatening and by his reaction I sensed he felt he wasn't being fair with me. I don't think anyone had ever asked him this question before nor I felt he hadn't looked too many times in this direction, perhaps caught up with so much emotion with his own stuff.
I had to rely on my dream and intuition to put together the pieces. Time has a mysterious way of revealing the TRUTH... I kept asking myself "Do I want this sort of relationship in my life?" I kept coming up with a NO in my mind.
The last time Steve and I were together I had arranged for him to see a well-known Russian healer for his back. He had two botched surgeries and was in so much pain, I felt I could help him find someone to relieve some or all of the pain he was enduring. The day of the appointment, I sensed Steve didn't want me to go with him, as he didn't want to face me. On our way to the healer, nothing much was said. I was able to really take a look at Steve, a young adult, in a 50-year-old man's body. I asked to hold his hand thinking this would get him to his heart and feelings.
He wanted no part of my hand.
I let him be and we arrived at the Russian healer's home. The healer was able to pinpoint Steve's problem. As the man ran his hand up and down Steve's spine, something profound happened. Steve looked at me with this sort of wonder as his never-ending pain vanished. He then looked at me with this unconditional love in his eyes. It was if everything else, all the stuff in his life, didn't matter. All that mattered was this moment in time. Our hearts/souls connected briefly and the session ended. A half hour later, Steve was back in his reality. In that moment, I knew I had to let him go, again.
For the next few weeks I was pushed and pulled in emotions. I didn't want to look at his heart, his lessons, his this, and his that. It was a time to think about me. I realized I had to grieve this loss. Steve couldn't or wouldn't, share anything this deep and so I needed get to a place of acceptance, a place of peace, of forgiveness, and ultimately, unconditional love.
I knew all of this in my mind. But my heart needed to catch up. I saw glimpses of Steve's heart from time to time, and what I viewed through all the protection was love. This was my lesson too. What was Steve mirroring to me? I asked for help from my angels, God and my small group of friends.
One inspiring morning, this poem flowed through me. I remembered a poem about letting go. I felt the world needed something more. I wrote this as if I was Steve.
Because you love me
let me go free..
to do
to grow
and to be...
Because you love me
let me go in peace...
to learn
to explore
and so much more...
Because you love me
stop holding on
for only you...
look to my heart
in this too...
Because you me
you would understand
life sometimes creates
another plan...
And if you truly love me
you would clearly see
this fate was just
not meant
for only me...
Inside of card...
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with me...
Back of Card...
True Love is a life process...
Has "letting go" of you been a challenge for the special person who has been an important part of your life? Can they feel that a part of truly loving someone is understanding that life creates changes, and that embracing those changes helps us to open to new experiences we are all meant to encounter?
"Truly loving" is about letting go and empowering the other person to do, to grow and to be. Letting go brings us to a new level of understanding, acceptance, and a place called peace. Letting go helps us to lessen our judgments of people's life decisions.
Do they also realize that "truly loving" someone is also about loving themselves and believing there is a greater plan for them as well?
Share " A Sacred Memory" folio and perhaps include your thoughts, feelings and memories with the special someone who has been an integral part of this life process. And please remember that "truly loving" them is about looking into their heart during this ending too...
----- Steve and I connected later that year. He wanted to resume our relationship. My angels had other plans for me. Steve, wherever you are in the world, I wish you unconditional love... View true love mini
The Soul Passing To Say Good-bye
One summer early afternoon day I was taking a walk with one of my elder clients. This was a ritual we found healing and relaxing for her well being as she was entering a new phase in her life wanting to stay at home away from most people.
My client was very disturbed this day as her old boyfriend of twenty something years suddenly died and she was grieving..
I knew this was a day I needed to just let her express her feelings. There would be a point to introduce her to a few spiritual stories.
As we headed towards the end of the second block of our walk, I asked her if she believed in heaven? She responded with.."Of course."
All of a sudden a beautiful butterfly came fluttering towards her, circled her and landed on her shoulder. We stood there in awe..I knew this was a signal from her boyfriend telling her all was well and not to be sad.....
Funny, it didn't circle me, only Mrs Ellis?
We both were so elated with this miracle it took days to come down from this high.. She kept asking me..." do you think it was a signal?"
The following week we began our time together with a walk. Mrs. Ellis seemed more at peace with her loss. Rounding the corner of the second street, the same street we encountered the beautiful butterfly, the butterfly re-appears and circles Mrs. Ellis once more.
Again, only Mrs. Ellis?
At this point we were like two small children in a candy shop jumping in joy that lasted days..I intuitively knew and shared that this was a second confirmation as there were doubts with the first encounter and now it was very clear......
The next week I brought Mrs. Ellis a butterfly as a reminder of this amazing experience. She placed it on the silk flower arrangement on her dining table to remind her of this awesome experience.
I was just told recently that the butterfly is a symbol of the soul passing on..What a fitting ending for a blessed story...
Cynthia M. Long
Trust And Faith
I was going through a very difficult spot in my life and I was blue. I felt a nudge to draw an angel card one Sunday morning before church.
I chose TRANSFORMATION...
Implying change, to change the form, nature, function, potential, type, character, or condition.
It proceeds to tell me, when one draws this card, remember the caterpillar that turns into the beautiful butterfly. The caterpiller must make the journey into the unknown to become the butterfly. Sometimes you must venture into the unknown to meet your destiny.
It proceeds to ask..Have you noticed any butterflies lately?
I hadn't noticed any butterflies lately as it wasn't the season.
I left for church and sat by my favorite picture window. It enables me to view nature, the man made water fall and helps me to prepare to relax for the mediative part of the service. I was spacing out into nature when I witnessed the biggest monarch I've seen in awhile. It came fluttering towards one of the trees nearest the picure window. I couldn't believe my eyes.
It was such a welcomed blessing to receive this signal I took a deep breath and began the meditation.
The meditation lasted about a half hour and I resumed gazing into the gifted courtyard when the monarch appeared once more. It fluttered around many of the bushes and trees only to land on the tree next to the picture window once again. It stayed there for the rest of the service.....
I knew this was a confirmation of the angel card reading. It was a welcomed synchronicity guiding me towards TRUST and FAITH on my winding journey towards my true self which is LOVE......
Cynthia M. Long
My Angel Gertie
This story was printed in a few magazines. One of the magazines wanted to buy the rights to it but I refused. I’m now sharing it on our sites. Enjoy!
14 years ago or so, I was introduced to a meditative technique to connect to my guardian angel. There were 8-10 women sitting in a circle, ready to share their angel experience after we came out of contemplation. Names like Angelica, Felicia, Miciella etc., with flowing dresses and golden locks were many of the descriptions given by others, until it was my turn to share.
"Gertie", I blurted out. My angel’s name is Gertie and she’s an elder. She’s wearing an old-fashioned dress and her hair is pulled back in a bun. At that point I thought I made a mistake. I was quite disturbed. No one matched close to what I saw that winter eve many years ago. As I gazed at the women in the circle, a few chuckled, some looked very amused, others not so sure I got the assignment right. The evening ended. I walked to my car shaking my head in disbelief. I was down on myself for a few days.
And then something happened. I began hearing the name Gertie and Gertrude in the weeks following. What are the odds of this old-fashioned name appearing in this ultra modern world? I held on to the synchronicities and took notice that something was up with these messages.
As the years unfolded more came into light and I became more in tune. I began talking to Gertie, asking for assistance, especially for parking spaces and oh my, she never failed to get me a perfect parking spot.
Others in my life began using Gertie but I sometimes informed them that they have angels and to try to access them. I didn’t want her to get worn out! Gertie is still highly revered especially by my young adult children.
Then about 8 years ago, I took a death and dying class, formally known as “Compassion In Action,” now “The Twilight Brigade” as part of my life’s” work, to assist people in transition. Some months passed after that incredible weekend and I received a call from a” Compassion in Action” friend. Dennis wanted me to help him resolve a dilemma. He asked if it was possible for me to take over an assignment, helping an elder transition as he had an emergency to attend. At the time, I was working two businesses and was worn out but I felt this unbelievable tingle up and down my spine, and a nudge that has been a significant indicator when I need to pay attention. In this situation to take the assignment.
Dennis asked me to call the coordinator and she would fill me in. I called Nadia. She was, at that time, in charge of the Northern California area for that organization. Nadia began giving me the details of my assignment. First, the elder’s name, which was Gertrude… "Gertrude?” I was taken back. “Humm?" I asked if Gertrude’s nickname was Gertie? Nadia didn't know. After I received all the information necessary, we ended our conversation and I was extremely anxious to meet Gertrude.
A few eves past and I headed to Gertrude’s hospital room in anticipation. As I entered the room, there before me was the woman who showed up in meditation, during the Guardian Angel class, many years ago- but how in the world could this be? Angels are supposed to be in spirit? Her hair was pulled back, her face was exactly how I remembered it. I was absolutely stunned and almost felt paralyzed by this unbelievable meeting. As I sat there in complete and utter silence, it felt surreal, watching Gertrude and her daughter converse. I felt like I was in a movie. I was in absolute awe of it all! While they were busy with each other, I reviewed the meditation class experience in my mind, combing over every detail. I also took notice of the photos that surrounded Gertrude’s small space. Mother Teresa, The Dali Lama, photo of her daughter, also another Indian looking guru. These were helpful clues that she was a spiritual woman and I could share my amazing story with her! I held on to this incredible secret for a while until I felt confident to share it with Gertrude.
Evenings later, I felt this nudge that it was time. "Has anyone ever called you Gertie?" Gertrude’s face lit up like a bright and shinning star. “Only one other person called me by that name many years ago, dear. I loved this man very much. I proceeded to share my Gertie story. I gazed at Gertie, she was intently smiling and nodding her head as if she had a special message to tell me.
"Please call me Gertie, dear. I am your angel. It was time to meet!"
My shock amplified! I thought angels were not in a body. How is this possible? How is this possible? I sat there wanting to ask her question after question but I couldn’t speak. My mind was like mush. I guess it was a time to just be and take in this angelic experience. Gertie and I ended our evening together and I went home and could hardly sleep. I continued to hear in my mind, “I am your angel, it was time to meet.” I kept saying over and over. ”How is this possible?” I reviewed the entire moment and still couldn’t believe this was for real. I called a few friends the next day and they were amazed as I.
I spent a few weeks with Gertie before she passed on. We shared a lot of feelings, memories of her past and the wisdom from her soul. I got to ask many questions. It was quite clear, I wasn't just there to help Gertie transition. I was mainly there for Gertie to share insight I needed to hear before she passed on. I was saddened I didn't get to spend more time with her but it wasn't to be. Her body was fading and her spirit ready to soar!
Months passed and one day while I was driving, I remembered I needed to go to the bank. I began researching in my mind where there could be a Bank of America off of the freeway I was on. I then remembered one in Los Altos. I walked in and stood in the bank line. I noticed a woman who looked like Gertie’s daughter, Christine. I approached her; she didn’t remember me at first and looked quite puzzled. She confirmed that she was indeed Gertie’s daughter and I reminded her who I was. We chatted a few minutes and both went on our separate way. I didn't feel this was unusual but then,
...a year or more later, I placed an ad in the newspaper for my service business, as I needed more clients. I live in an area with over a million people. One day, I picked up my phone messages to see if I had any potential clients. One person’s voice stood out and I wondered if this was Gertie’s daughter? I called this woman back, and yes, it was Christine. I couldn't believe this occurrence, as she didn't know anything about me, or my business. We were both amazed! We talked a bit more this time. Christine mentioned she was having a difficult time with Gerties death. I tried to comfort her. We ended our conversation and life went on.
A few years later, I was at a Church seminar, sitting among 50 or so people scattered here and there. I began conversing with a man I was sitting next to and the topic of angels came up. I felt I needed to tell him about my Gertie story. Minutes later, I could feel someone sit right behind me while I was in dialog sharing the uncanny synchronicities. I turned around after I was finished and who was behind me, Gertie’s daughter, Christine. We almost screamed with excitement but didn’t want to disturb the other participants! We jumped up and hugged one another. We were both shaken by this occurrence! Words like, unbelievable, unreal, incredible came tumbling out of our quivering mouths. It took a bit of time to compose ourselves. The interesting part, Christine said she still had been very depressed about Gertie’s death and felt pushed to go to this seminar but there were so many obstacles placed in her way, she wondered why she kept feeling hard-pressed to go. She told me it was Gertie’s death anniversary on that next Sunday (a few days from that day) and invited me to join in which I honored her invitation.
There are thousands of churches among a million people in the San Jose area. Christine began attending this church not too long ago which was a fair distance from where she lived. She also could have chosen to sit in the dozens of empty spaces and by many others but right behind me was where she was led by Gertie.
A few years later and I was in my car one morning listening to a spiritual station I try to catch and listen in from time to time. I’m so busy during that peak work time, tuning into this station was a rarity. I began zooming in on the interview in progress. I was taken back because I was almost sure this was Gerties daughter, Christine. I waited with anticipation to hear her name. Minutes later, a confirmation, indeed, Christine! It was totally amazing! I smiled. It was probably a sign to remind me Gertie is right by my side.
Cynthia M. Long
Cynthia Long, cultural creative and a visionary for healing products, gifted to her by the angelic realm. Cynthia is committed to healing, nurturing and celebrating each soul who finds there way to Cynthia’s path. Cynthia is single. She has 3 beautiful adult children and 3 wonderful grandchildren.
