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With Hearts Wide Open
There is an old uncomfortable archetypal myth about the terrible mother-in-law, who refuses to let go of her son, and makes her daughter-in-law’s life miserable by continuously finding fault with her, always attempting to break up their marriage.
My mother-in-law died last Tuesday night. She rendered this myth totally null and void. Roberta was the most wonderfully excellent mother-in-law any woman could ever want. A feisty, stubborn woman, with strong opinions about everything, Roberta was always incredibly supportive and encouraging, honoring and complimentary, respectful and sensitive towards me.
You have to understand that even though Roberta knew all about my involvement with the spiritual world, she would have nothing to do with it. She thought it was a bunch of hooey, and just laughed at us when we talked about the other side of the veil. We fondly called her a “militant rationalist,” and she proudly wore that title. Roberta loved that rational, logical, practical life of the mind, and thank God, enjoyed her sharp, clear, critical thinking for 89 years, all the way through her last peaceful breath.
Roberta listened to every one of Wayne’s SpiritTalk Live! radio shows (on Wednesdays at www.HealthyLife.net), and gave him the “New York Times” review every week after the show. When I had been on the show, talking about the Cosmic Times (at www.soulmemorydiscovery.com) her comments were along the lines of, “You know, I don’t hold with anything she says, but her voice is so lovely, and she’s such a nice person!” or “You know, I don’t know what she’s talking about, but she has such a wonderful way of communicating!”
Roberta often quoted her beloved Shakespeare’s Polonius, “To thine own self, be true,” and she was. She fiercely stood on her rationalism, and never thought about budging.
And she loved me anyway. As open as her mind was, her heart was open more. It was that open heart that carried all of us right up to the threshold of 2012. And it is that open, loving heart which is capable of holding duality in the Oneness which will enable this world to right itself in this great year of massive transition.
Roberta, we ask that you inspire every one of us to open our hearts so wide that each of us can do as you taught us – and hold all the seemingly opposing fragments of this world in the Oneness of love and compassion. Thank you. We hope to make you proud. We love you!
Ellen
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Thank you for this heartfelt story about love, family and accepting our difference. Much love and blessings to you and Wayne both during this time of transition. It is so touching that Robert, G-d rest her Soul, listened to Wayne’s show every week… and found such wonderful things to say about you, your beautiful Spirit and your voice. Love and Blessings, Raven
what a lovely post, dear ellen.
beautiful, loving co-existance of differing views….an example of what could be on so many levels. thanks for sharing that lovely legacy of roberta.
Ellen, my sincerest condolences on the loss of your mother-in-law. It sounds as if you both were a blessing to each other.
Dearest Ellen.. Your words have strengthened that love and peace that Roberta is most likely experiencing now in the heart of G-d free of the human veils. I will continue to hold you, Wayne and Roberta’s friends and family in my heart with Love.
I’m sending love to you and Wayne and hoping that I will be seeing you in Boulder. Clearly the loving heart of his mother has been passed down to her son. You are both held in my heart.
Love, Anne
Ellen, your blog on your dearly beloved Roberta of Blessed Memory found its way to me in Florida and your words are so tender, so wise, I am compelled to comment. When you wrote about the “open, loving heart which is capable of holding duality in the Oneness which will enable this world to right itself in this great year of massive transition,” I burst out in tears for the recognition of such an important Truth. As president of a Renewal temple here in SoFL (TAO) I plan to bring this message to our community and credit you for it.
My deepest condolences to you and yours on your loss and my deepest thanks for your beautiful words.
B’Shalom,
Anne
Holding Wayne and you in my heartfelt thoughts. I am sitting Shiva with you now across the dimensions. Leslie i remember enjoying Wayne’s Mom and Dad in their home.
Lovely Ellen, I felt Roberta’s beautiful spirit envelop me as I read this. You definitely hit the nail on the head. I am so sorry for the loss of your mother-in-law in body but she is truly with us in spirit.
Love,
Suzy
Heartfelt condolences to you and Wayne. Sounds like Roberta was a wonderful woman. I have a feeling she’s much more clear about what you’ve been saying about the spirit world. May the wonderful memories keep you at peace with her passing.
Thank you for your lovely and meaningful message dear Ellen. A heart that sings with love transcends all differences…..which have such minimal impact when emanating from this space. Roberta has left a legacy for all of us to learn from. And, as always Ellen, you gift us with perspective and pure vision. Sending my love to you and to Wayne at this time of mourning.
Nancy
Ellen,I was touched by your lovely tribute honoring your special mother-in-law. My thoughts are with you. It was a blessing to have each other’s LOVE !!!
I am sorry for your loss.
Dear Ellen, thank you for sharing the love and wisdom of your remarkable mother-in-law, Rabbi Wayne’s beloved mother. Her very special presence is palpable in your words, and the times I was in her physical presence have left a lasting sense of her unique energy! My heart is with you both during this time, and always. Much love ~
Sounds like the “rationalist” and “spiritualist” harmonized with one another. How perfectly loving and lovely. Blessings of comfort and peace to you and Wayne. May this time and may these gates bring you to wonder and amazement, grace and thanks.
Dear Ellen,
What a beautiful way of describing Roberta and her relationship with you. She was very fortunate to have you as her daughter-in-law. It is a pleasure to hear about the wonderful example that she set of respecting and loving others even when holding a completely different way of perceiving the world. May all of us learn from your wonderful tribute.
Thank you, Beloved Ellen, for this exquisite tribute to your MotherInLove, Roberta.
With this sharing, her memory is already a blessing for all of us.
We hold you and Beloved Wayne in the deepest part of our Hearts.
May you feel comfort as our love joins the many waves of love for you both
and for the whole mishpucha.
Love, Bahira & Shaya
Ellen,
What a wonderful tribute to Roberta! I know that her open mind and her open heart will be sorely missed!
What a wonderful tribute to Roberta. I hope we can make her proud.
What a touching account of a great mother-in-law. One you undoubtedly deserved. I am very sorry for your and Wayne’s loss.
Obviously, your mother-in-law was a fine, honest, loving, intelligent woman. You were indeed very fortunate to have her for a mother-in-law. However, I would imagine that she feels very differently about the issue of after life now.
Thank you, Ellen. What a beautiful tribute to your beloved mother-in-law.
Her life and her legacy are surely a blessing. May the One who dwells in every Place comfort you and Wayne and bring you peace among all those who
mourn.