What a beautiful, beautiful post. Strangely enough, Glen and I attended the funeral of the daughter of old friends of ours some time ago...in Nashville. I will never forget the mother's deep bewilderment of the loss of her girl. That's how it felt to me- bewilderment. How in the world could this have happened? In this instance, although God was mentioned, music was the main source of comfort. The father, a violinist, the daughter a singer. It felt right and yet, at the same time, inadequate. Of course.
People are still unmasked. WTF. And to be honest I hate it when people say, it's up to God. Really? Why not help god out a little and trying taking care of yourself for a change. I remember when Katie was little and I was still grappling with her disability and my depression and I was sitting next to a group of Christians talking about praying for help/money to pay for the paving in the parking lot. I wanted to yell at them, quit bothering god with your petty problems and give him time to work on the big stuff like fixing my daughter.
Anyway, I digress. I'm sorry for your friend's loss. Losing a child is not something you ever get over. It's so wrong, to have to bury a child. Sending hugs and sorry for the rant.
How sad, this young man's death, his parents' loss, the loneliness in which we all abide ultimately, but for moments held in warm brown eyes. Sending love to you, dear one.
That's so sad, about your friend's son. I'm sorry to hear it, but glad you were able to go and show your support (despite the masklessness). I can't imagine how devastating it must be to lose a child, after investing so much time and energy and love in the life and future of that child. It must seem so fundamentally unfair.
"During these intensely religious gatherings I am alone in a smothering sea (desolation) yet at once feel something divine, a love that surrounds and holds (consolation) everyone. The Ignatians would say this is being away from God and moving toward God. That knowing when to resist, to struggle against or to go with the flow, along, is discernment."
Yes indeed. Thank you for this.
Because you mentioned Toni Morrison's Beloved recently, I'm re-reading it for the only time since that first time which was possibly 30+ years ago. I've long had it at the top of my lifetime list of best books ever, remembering more than anything else the astounding spectrum of intense feelings, sorrowful to joyful, that it evoked. I want to thank you for drawing my attention back to Beloved. In this second reading, I see and experience so much that I couldn't see or experience before, and am moved on an even deeper level than I was when I was in my late 30s or early 40s, now that I am closer to the age of Baby Suggs rather than to the age of Sethe. As I was reading, I couldn't help but wonder if Bob Dylan has read Beloved. I can see what might be Toni Morrison's influence in his later songs. I found photos on the internet where both are receiving the Medal of Freedom from President Obama. The deeply appreciative expression on Toni Morrison's face and her enthusiastic clapping while Bob Dylan receives his medal from President Obama confirms for me the strong connection between them in their work.
What a beautiful, beautiful post. Strangely enough, Glen and I attended the funeral of the daughter of old friends of ours some time ago...in Nashville. I will never forget the mother's deep bewilderment of the loss of her girl. That's how it felt to me- bewilderment. How in the world could this have happened? In this instance, although God was mentioned, music was the main source of comfort. The father, a violinist, the daughter a singer. It felt right and yet, at the same time, inadequate. Of course.
People are still unmasked. WTF. And to be honest I hate it when people say, it's up to God. Really? Why not help god out a little and trying taking care of yourself for a change. I remember when Katie was little and I was still grappling with her disability and my depression and I was sitting next to a group of Christians talking about praying for help/money to pay for the paving in the parking lot. I wanted to yell at them, quit bothering god with your petty problems and give him time to work on the big stuff like fixing my daughter.
Anyway, I digress. I'm sorry for your friend's loss. Losing a child is not something you ever get over. It's so wrong, to have to bury a child. Sending hugs and sorry for the rant.
This, so much: "I can only observe the comfort afforded the faithful."
How sad, this young man's death, his parents' loss, the loneliness in which we all abide ultimately, but for moments held in warm brown eyes. Sending love to you, dear one.
A very moving post, my friend. That poem - exquisite.
Indeed, dearest Elizabeth.
That's so sad, about your friend's son. I'm sorry to hear it, but glad you were able to go and show your support (despite the masklessness). I can't imagine how devastating it must be to lose a child, after investing so much time and energy and love in the life and future of that child. It must seem so fundamentally unfair.
"During these intensely religious gatherings I am alone in a smothering sea (desolation) yet at once feel something divine, a love that surrounds and holds (consolation) everyone. The Ignatians would say this is being away from God and moving toward God. That knowing when to resist, to struggle against or to go with the flow, along, is discernment."
Yes indeed. Thank you for this.
Because you mentioned Toni Morrison's Beloved recently, I'm re-reading it for the only time since that first time which was possibly 30+ years ago. I've long had it at the top of my lifetime list of best books ever, remembering more than anything else the astounding spectrum of intense feelings, sorrowful to joyful, that it evoked. I want to thank you for drawing my attention back to Beloved. In this second reading, I see and experience so much that I couldn't see or experience before, and am moved on an even deeper level than I was when I was in my late 30s or early 40s, now that I am closer to the age of Baby Suggs rather than to the age of Sethe. As I was reading, I couldn't help but wonder if Bob Dylan has read Beloved. I can see what might be Toni Morrison's influence in his later songs. I found photos on the internet where both are receiving the Medal of Freedom from President Obama. The deeply appreciative expression on Toni Morrison's face and her enthusiastic clapping while Bob Dylan receives his medal from President Obama confirms for me the strong connection between them in their work.