The Enchanted Guest

Gabriel being his delightfully flamboyant customer per his nature after we walked out of my
favorite local thrift store with some gems of finds !

 

It has been two weeks since this one-of-a-kind person flew back, after 6 days of pure enchantment. It was such a special, vibrant, restoring, enlightening, sacred moment that I have not been able to blog... There was something about his presence and our moments together that felt bigger than life, therefore it took me many days to absorb all the pure awe my soul has been swimming in.

I was not prepared for that much bliss. He brought music in the home: he is gifted at the keyboard and also at singing, in addition to having entered the path a ballet prodigy in childhood. He was so present to each moment that he took time to notice people, the environment, my restaurant-size kitchen sink that needed scrubbing (he did an impeccable job at it, my sensitive shoulder couldn't do such vigorous work), and the objects displayed in my home where he identified a theme (New Age ?). When I am around this cousin 20 years my junior, I can speak my mind or dance around without restraint. He is love and acceptance embodied. There were times when we laughed SO HARD that my vocal chords hurt !!

On the one hand, Gabriel's elegance and attention to details is enviable. On the other hand, he can surprise any host by finishing his plate in an astonishing way ;) He has spontaneity and grace. He has a very sophisticated mind and can have a good time buying a sweatshirt at Fisherman's Wharf. He finds beauty in everything while remaining appropriately critical of what needs to change, such as our relationship with the natural world. He has such depth and cuts right to the chase. Gabriel is light in his whole being yet there is not small talk.  As we sat, looking at the soothing flames in my fireplace, I felt touched and destabilized by some of his questions I had once thought my boys would ask but ended up giving up on... hence my unpreparedness for the perfect answer. I therefore knew these were the most important questions...While walking or putting the laundry on a rack, we also had deep conversations I will always cherish.

Every conversation (like about the number 3) or daily activity (like walking in the neighborhood) could be turned into something captivating. Even chores that I usually dread (like grocery shopping) were a ton of fun. He taught me about the drag queen scene and told me about salient artists.

He twirls with joy and is efficient in keeping the kitchen tidy. I was moved almost to the point of overwhelm by his attentions. He wanted to treat me, and he sure did ! Not only by his kindness, his support, his friendship, his solidarity over the recent years, but more concretely also at the Indian restaurant, theater, and by finding items for my kitchen he noticed I needed, adding me on his Disney subscription, and cutely nicknaming me... his spiritedness pervading all our affectionate interactions reminded me of my kids and me when theu were little... and exactly how I imagine life can be once they are adults like him...

Enjoying some local wines at Amador Cellars.
We were still engaged in deep convo when the owners
were cleaning up to close !!

We talked about our grandparents. About his mother, and about my sons. There was a form of crossover love between us cousins that felt so healing.

He left on Wed. I dropped him off on a sunny day, the irony since most days were grey, rainy, even haily. Huge silence in the car, in my home, in my life. I have not undone his bed yet... What he left on his sparkly trail goes way beyond his wise words, our laughter, or philosophical conversations. For instance, he amplified my intention to be the best version of me I can be. Sitting at my table this morning, as we were rushing to leave to the airport, he took the time to savor my vegan version of pain doré, which I had never tried before. Having lived without eggs in my household for over a year, I had not tried this breakfast treat. But thinking of his love for all beings and all of nature, and inspired by his ability to find substitutes for all animal-derived products, I discovered you can use a mashed banana instead (add to almond milk, and some cinnamon, and the result was delicious !).

I am still very moved by his vibe as I am reliving our conversations, absorbing his positive energy, his light. The magnet that he is was such that we met people from our bi-monthly discussion group (Inside Out) and his brother Dominic and his girlfriend Mahenna. I was moved to reconnect with Dominic after over a decade and to meet his beloved in person. I am so grateful for cousinhood, and immensely proud to see the inspiring people these young, bright and beautiful relatives have evolved into. There is something unbelievably moving about seeing loved ones you have known and cherished since they were babies who are now adults. 

Gabriel meeting his Inside Out group friends in person for the first time.

Mahenna, Dominic and Gabriel.

Merci Gabriel pour ta magnifique visite. I am proud of your path. And you continue to inspire me to be me even more mindful. What is left is your questions echoing my own and I can't wait until we meet next time and share some answers to our questions from this research project or study that is our life ! I wanted to do more photo shoots with you.

One thing is certain: there is never a dull moment with the epitome of authenticity and joy that Gabriel is. How to best describe or summarize such a buoyant, colorful person ? He is an amusement park, a spa, a psychotherapy and a musical combined ! 

Gabriel, I am so grateful for you. Love you so much, bestie !!!

Car💖

Gabriel who is a gifted musician. He marvelously played a piece by ear at
 Jerry's place, at his request, after hearing it once.

The legendary Gabriel at Burke Junction !

Gabriel being the light of the party !