Everything, Nothing, and I'm a Middle Child

You may not know the specifics, but I know you can relate to the feelings.

There's a part of me that just hurts. In fact, I am apparently going to have to write this blind, as I can't help tear up at the memory....

One of my office mates left Israel this morning. And, as she and her husband have been here since the inception, literally, of the Universal House of Justice, it was a particularly special occasion as they left the Seat of the Universal House of Justice just shortly before their departure. The entire building assembled to wish them good-bye. One of our friends led us in song, and they paused, acknowledging us, and quietly turned and left the building. So typical of their quiet, unassuming ways.

I guess I just want you to know how honored I am to have known these people. Both husband and wife have bestowed upon me so much noble loving guidance. So much humble encouragement - as if they weren't some of the most accomplished, selfless human beings on the planet. For a brief moment in time, my life touched history in the making - and I was worthy of it.

And I miss them. And it makes me sad. And I know it was time for them to retire. And I know that life still goes on here at the Baha'i World Centre, and now there are new people on the Universal House of Justice. But for a minute I will let myself be sad.

For a lifetime, I will cherish the memories that they created for me in a special - open - space in my heart.