The image was the morning of 11/11/11.  The clouds looked like waves curling, crashing and rippling in the sky. No need for the vast ocean, the sky is oceanic.  I may not remember where I’ve put my keys or even my cup of coffee, but I remember the morning. I remember the ocean sky. I remember having seen the ocean clouds I submitted my application to return to school…at the age of 58.

Yesterday I posted the 10 commandments of the heart. I have thought of them often today as I would bring up this picture and smile.  With the energy and courage waning, they were like rest stops before I would get back into the driver seat and continue the journey. So often we associate the phrase “I’m only human” with weakness or despair. Today, reflecting on the 10 commandments, this image, and the submission of the final school papers completing the two year plus journey, with a humble bow, I whisper and shout “I am human!” I have been wearied. I am human and I have persevered. I have been daunted and defeated. I am human and the heart refused the white flag. I have been undone many a day. I am human and life reknitted and darned every tare. I am human… I am human…  Like Whitman, I celebrate my humanness.  

To all who encouraged…I bow and bend my neck with gratitude and humbled grace. To the sweet hands of Life, Keeper of my Soul and Breath… thank you. To my humanness…sweet mercy, sweet sweet mercy…and YES!