Almost another year has gone by since the passing of my dear mentor and friend Will Pegg. The value that Will brought to my life and career is much more than I can fully describe. He taught me many things, but at the root of it all was the deep learning that only this moment is guaranteed, and that if we can connect with the strength in our hearts, then each moment can be filled with hope, love and acceptance.
I wrote this letter to him 1 year ago, and it still perfectly describes how I feel. I am so very grateful for him!
“Dear Will Pegg,
One year ago you passed onto your next stage of being. Since then some of the last things that you said to me have spun around and around in my head and heart. That last conversation went something like this:
“listen, what the world needs now is love! – isn’t that the perfect thing for your counselling practice website, in a banner or something? That was a song, what year was that? 1964? No I think it was 1965…anyways, dear one, remember whenever you go to that place that you know in your heart, I’ll always be there.”
I’ve often laughed at those words, at how typical of you it all was – even in your last hours giving me the support and love that I needed to follow my dream of starting a private counselling practice. No matter what was going on for you or me, you never wavered in your support of my dreams, and it is you that I have to thank for finding the strength and courage to take the risks that have led to a career more fulfilling than I could ever have imagined!
In the time that I knew you we often talked about how some day I would take the leap and open my business. In the months leading up to your passing I had vivid dreams of you as a lion friend of mine. I remember telling you about this, and you laughed, but you didn’t seem surprised at all. After that, I came up with the name of my counselling business – “Strength in Heart” - a result of brainstorming on the idea of the lion (you).
After your passing I came up with my Strength in Heart logo and began what is now a thriving counselling practice! The logo is a lion and a hummingbird (both have incredibly strong hearts!) in the shape of a heart. The reason for the Lion is obvious, and I added the hummingbird to symbolize all of the hummingbird love that you and Louise have around your home – including the live ones in your back garden! I remember sitting there with you watching them glide and dive around. The humming and whirring of their wings would shift my mind for a moment from sadness to awe and peace.
Over the past year I have felt your love and support often. At first I despaired over losing you, my strong lion friend, but soon I began to notice the echoes of you throughout my life and work – you are still an incredible source of support to me! I love you and still miss you dear one, but as you said, I carry you, and your strength, in my heart.”
