The Candle and the Heart
None of us here in life were given a script. We’re all just figuring it out, trying to do the best we can. It’s always been that way. But since Maya took her life, my awareness of how to live has been heightened. Part of this awareness for me, has to do with survival and coping. How to wake up each morning, put my feet on the ground and rise? My work is to listen to my heart’s calling to make the right choice for me and my family. Is it a moment to allow my tears to flow, go to work, dance class, a hike, write, organize, be with friends, family, or do the laundry?
Starting the Maya Gold Foundation, really was not a choice for me. I knew immediately that there is something bigger here. It was not a sense. It is a knowledge. It was not a choice for me to hide under the covers. I am driven to make change. And while I don’t really know the lines to this part of the play, again, like we all are, I’m figuring it out. I’m improvising, again, doing the best I can.
I am walking into today’s event with both calm and excitement. The last time we were at Studley Theatre was for Maya’s funeral. I was inches from my daughter. Today, about six months later, we will be there again to shed light on the work we’ve begun since Maya’s death. Though Maya’s body is not with us, Maya’s spirit has certainly been with us all along and will be today.
The outpouring of support from this community and afar has sustained me. I welcome learning the lines of this crazy play together as we create a more loving world. We each may pick up different instruments and find our own voices. Let the music of the concert today carry us and please, let’s sing together.
The image of the candle and the heart originated during a chalk mural at the culmination of a candlelight vigil led by Caleb, a friend of Maya’s. One of Maya’s peers created the image. It is a reminder for me as I send the community love and light.
(Photo above taken May 2014)
Because we walk together today in Maya’s spirit and with love for each other, we walk on holy ground.
Thank you Elise and Mathew.
Thanks Elise. I’m with you in spirit. My thoughts are with you all as we say good bye to my eldest brother this week.
I’m certain the gathering today is nurturing the spirits of many and will continue to do so.
Oh Betty, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. May his memory be a blessing. Sending love.
It was a beautiful event. I love your words above, “as we create a more loving world together. ” thank you for naming clearly the mission of these times. Thank you for trudging on each day. Thank you for bringing the candle to the heart. We need you. Deep bow. Eternal love
Love and gratitude dear Amy.
There was so much love in that room today and it started with you and Mathew. Thank you for helping us all dig deep within ourselves and know what can be if we all value one another.
I was so grateful to be there. The dancers, the singers, the musicians, the community of generations, and the energy of us all. I was deeply moved and glad to bring my son Max to what was a very important event for him.
Thank you Michelle,
I’m so glad you were there too. And it was so moving to say a hello, even though it was brief, to you and Maya’s friends from the Rowe Community. My heart warmed as I looked up in the balcony. Such love pouring down. Rowe is Maya’s extended family. We wish that many of the values lived at Rowe would ripple far and wide.