Stacy Marr

“Do you mind if I sit here?” Asked the woman in a bright purple shirt with shoulder-length blond hair and brown, doe eyes.

I’m seated at the Whole Foods dining area reading my book, enjoying my coffee and small salad while taking in an invigorating, sunny spring day.

Earlier, she was in front of me at the grocery check-out line. Her legs appeared to bother her. After paying the cashier, she shuffled off to the side when she glanced toward me: “Go ahead,” she called out while fumbling with her purse. The women seemed to struggle not only physically, but mentally, distracted and distraught at the same time.

“Yes, of course,” I said, gesturing towards the seat as I moved my purse to give her some space.

The woman sat on the corner of the weathered picnic table and heaved a sigh. A nearby raven cawed, and a gentle breeze caressed my skin as the two of us ate in silence.

The woman was staring out into the parking lot when she blurted out:

“I just put down my dog,” she said, her voice cracked. “Man, it’s been really hard.”

Oh, I’m so sorry,” I replied.

She exhaled a deep sigh. For a moment, we sat in silence. She gazed down at her hands and twisted a ring on her finger.

“It’s only been a week, but for some reason these past few days have been the hardest,” the woman said, staring off into the distance.

“I completely understand. I’ve been there.”

Apollo

The woman went on to share about her four-legged family member, Apollo: a handsome golden retriever who was 13 years old and a gallant, brave, and loving Soul to the very end.

“I still feel him around me. I mean, I go on the same walks that we used to go on together, and I know this may seem strange, but I feel his presence all around me,” she said. I nod in agreement. “Perhaps he is.” 

She looked over, waiting for me to continue. 

“We know that all things are made of energy, and Einstein took this concept even further with the discovery that energy cannot be created nor destroyed; it can only change from one form to another,” I said, leaning towards her. “So, maybe Apollo isn’t gone per se, but has merely changed form.”

 The woman thought for a moment.

“Yes, I believe you’re right.” She grinned and asked, “Are you in the health profession? I ask because you have a really beautiful energy about you.”

“I’m a Writer and a Reiki Master Practitioner,” I replied.

“Oh, that makes perfect sense. You have such a peaceful, calming way about you.”

Maria

The woman introduced herself. Her name is Maria, and she worked in the healthcare industry assisting the elderly. She was also a singer and songwriter, singing on demos, backing various artists, and sometimes performing at local coffeehouses.

She burst into laughter when she recounted stories of her stoic Apollo; how she sang to him and he would serenade her back to her in his baritone howls. Maria shared how

Apollo helped her enjoy each moment and reminded her to be more present each day. Simple things Maria had now come to treasure: the shade of a grand tree, the soft grass under her feet, the warmth of the sun on her skin, and Apollo’s companionship.

We talked for nearly an hour, during which Maria revealed that she didn’t have any family nearby and that Apollo was her family. She thanked me for taking the time to speak with her.

“You know, Stacy, I really appreciate you. You’ve helped me a great deal today,” She said, taking my hand. “I feel so much better.” 

“It’s been lovely chatting with you, Maria. If you ever want to get a cup of coffee or chat, feel free to give me a ring,” I said.

I handed her my card, and she grinned.

“Thank you, Stacy. I’ll do that,” she said, nodding.

I squeezed her hand when she rose from the bench. As she walked off, I could sense a lightness within her being as she strode through the parking lot.

Vulnerability and Connection

We all need support, and this need can show up in various ways; whether it’s sharing a painful experience or certain life challenges that may be troubling us.

It’s easy to get caught up in our “other worlds” such as the ones on social media and even in our daily lives; however, even if these aspects are a part of our current reality, what is truly real is our vulnerability as human beings.

Our vulnerability is authentic; it’s what connects us as human beings. It takes great courage to show our authentic self, warts and all, whether it’s during a time of grieving, our struggles, or our shadow side that we may abhor and want to push away.

Yet by facing our fears and being vulnerable, we free ourselves from the burden of believing we are alone in our struggle. We face our shadow side and integrate it, releasing any fear, guilt, or shame.

Diving deeper

Once we reveal our vulnerability, we can find comfort in others who support and lift us up, who can empathize and offer us compassion, kindness, and encouragement. We can honor ourselves and our authenticity by being who we are without judgment or condemnation.

I think about Maria and Apollo, and I’m touched by how brave she was in sharing her grief and struggles with a complete stranger. In Maria’s sharing, we were both transformed. Our connection and vulnerability brought relief, strength, and empowerment to both of us.

Maria and Apollo’s names are also significant: Maria is the Latin form of Mary, the Blessed Mother in Christianity, and Apollo is the Greek god of the sun. Some qualities associated with Mother Mary include faith, perseverance, compassion, and unconditional love.

Apollo is the sun god of ancient Greece, a powerful deity who is also the god of music, light, medicine, and healing. I find it interesting that Maria and the spirit of Apollo came to me just before Easter. They are both gentle reminders to me of what it means to be authentic. When we are real and vulnerable, we are at our most powerful.  

During this holiday weekend, let us remember who we truly are. Let us have the courage to reach out to others, even if it’s a simple “hello” or to pay a compliment to a stranger.

May kindness and empathy lead the way to a deeper connection, embracing our authenticity, fostering a better understanding of each other and our shared humanity.  

With a deeper connection to ourselves and each other, an inner peace fills us, creating a luminosity within, and as a result, we transform. Thus, a rebirth begins as we rise and awaken to the divine within us all.

Peace and richest blessings,

Stacy