Have you ever struggled with your emotions on your birthday? Missed someone you loved? Felt a need for peace and quiet? I know I have! Well, that is exactly what I am going to talk about here. Well…. I taped this for you after my birthday last week...an emotional time for many reasons... and it made me realize the importance of resting our spirit and mind, and not just our body! LISTEN TO THE PODCAST! So That Is My Message For You Today.... It's my birthday and I’ll cry if I want to! I am 51 today but I am not out celebrating. In fact, I am in quite a different situation. I am tucked away at a hermitage which is a quiet retreat space .. in Washington D.C. at the Franciscan Monastery of the HolyLand. And I am grieving the loss of both of my parents at this time of my life. Missing My Father Who Recently Passed I came to D.C. for my father’s interment at Arlington National Cemetery, which we had on July 26th. My father William V. Cabeca, Jr., passed away April 9th, but due to a long waiting list, some 3 months, this was the earliest day for interment that we could get. I honor all the families, and all the military men and women and their spouses, that have sacrificed so much for our country. I am truly proud to be among them. My mom was buried there nearly 20 years ago, and now my father. And so we celebrated the life of a good man. The Healing Power Of Spiritual Rest After the interment I retreated to the monastery for some time to reflect. I spent some time looking back, on the loss of my parents...and my earlier loss of my young son. And also some time looking forward, as one daughter leaves home for college and I look to my current list of priorities before me. Is it the right list? We all need to take some time and ask that of ourselves. The quiet of the monastery, tucked away in the woods, allowed me to completely disconnect from media, world events and office happenings. And I focused on all the positives and gratitude that I have in my life. We know from scientific studies and research that prayer, meditation, and even mindful wandering is beneficial to our body, mind, and spirit. Not that I needed an excuse, but it's my birthday and I'll cry if I want to!