The Energetic MotherT         A Woman's Healing Touch© 2005  by           Mary Catherine Darling  Soulhealer Publishing, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada 

Excerpt shared with permission ... pages 33-37. 

This next story is a great example of congruence between friends in action, including the saleswoman. Our connection is not always a great big cosmic "thing" ... the simple daily interactions we have together create that congruence and feed it. 

(Excerpt from book, Black Patent Shoes 
Dancing With MS© 1989 by Eva Marsh) 

         The calendar shows that less than three weeks have passed since I was released from hospital (after latest episode of multiple sclerosis) but I feel that I've lived eons since then.  I'm very content.  Things are coming, (recovery is progressing) and so is Christmas. The patience of the children is wearing thin. "When are we going to do our shopping?" 
         After supper our friend Joey takes us all to the plaza.  As I stand in a doorway, the members of the conspiracy take shape: Jo Ann will go with me and Bonnie with Joey, then we'll switch.  All set. 
         "What should we get for Bonnie?"  Jo Ann gives me her hand and we go to the clothing department.  Since half the fun of shopping is touching, we travel a touch at a time.  We have to decide soon, my legs are trembling and I feel hot.  Will it be the blue sweater or the pink and white nightgown with frills?  We agree that the nightgown is a touch better. 
         At the cash register I feel faint.  "May I please have a chair?" I ask.  The saleslady reappears just in time and I sit heavily on the folding chair.  I couldn't have stood another 
second.  She takes the nightgown to wrap and without a word 
Jo Ann takes the money from my wallet because my hands are trembling noticeably. 
         Bonnie and Joey find us and after a few quick words Joey and Jo Ann bustle off. When they're out of sight, Bonnie shows me what she's bought for her sister.  Out of the secret parcel she slides a Partridge Family album.  Definitely a 'must' item! 
         The store is suddenly quiet and I realize that the saleslady has been watching.  "It must be nice to have your shopping done," she says. 
         "Actually I'm too tired to finish." 
         "Can I help?  Is there something in particular you'd like to see?" 
         Yes, there is.  I describe a red wool jumper with wooden buttons down the front. 
"And I think a white turtleneck top would be nice with it.  Size 10, please."  Bonnie trails off with the saleslady, clutching the record.  In a few minutes they're back.  What a pretty 
outfit! 
        "Can I get you anything else?"  Another saleslady motions to her to serve an impatient customer.  "I'm busy right now. 
Look after it please."  Smiling, she turns to me and I describe a blouse that completes my shopping. 
        "Thank you so much for all your help." 
         "I enjoyed it.  Merry Christmas."  We all meet at the main exit and in a few minutes we're home.  Joey and I relax with a hot `cuppa tea' and the girls take their parcels to their rooms.  In seconds we hear frantic rustling, drawers banging and the rip of sticky tape.  It's delightful. 
        "Do you want to go shopping Friday night?" Joey offers.  "Peter and I will take you wherever you want to go." 
         "I don't know if I'll have the stamina, just this little trip has tired me out." 
         "Well why don't you make a list of what you want and organize it by department. We'll be with you.  Peter can carry and I'll stand in line.  I bet it wouldn't take long." 
What a sensible plan! 
         Friday, two nights before Christmas Eve, we're in Eaton's downtown store shopping floor by floor, department by 
department.  While Joey stands in lines with my purchases, Peter browses and I always manage to find a place to sit for a few minutes.  It only takes an hour but I'm worn out again.  My legs are shaking and I can hardly stand up.  Joey gives me her arm and we head slowly for the exit to the parking 
garage. 
        "Wait here, I'll just be a minute," says Peter, giving us the parcels.  The scene sears itself in my memory: clanging registers, people hurrying, the smell of damp wool coats, and Christmas muzak, 'Hark the Herald Angels ...' 
         Peter elbows his way through the crowd, protecting three containers of popcorn.  Suddenly time stops and I can hardly breathe.  I am thrilled by the wonder of the season, with having these special friends and the magic of being here.  Here I am at Eaton's, in downtown Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and I know I'm going to make it back again. 
         We giggle and laugh all the way home, cramming popcorn in our mouths and entertaining one another.  'Tis the Season to 
be Jolly'.  The little green Volkswagen is bursting at the seams. 
         On Christmas morning I share the most precious gifts of all.  JoAnn and Bonnie and I breakfast on oranges and fruitcake and sing all the carols we know before we open our presents -  together.

Our friends are always precious. 
Deliberately tuning ourselves to each others frequencies through shared experiences, particularly laughter and tears, is of the utmost importance to a woman's energetic health.