One of our group suffered a tragedy this past week. Her
husband died suddenly, unexpectedly and much too early.
To me, grief is a stone that, when it is first put into your
hands, is sharp and unbearably heavy. It is there with you day and night and
when you touch it, you bleed. As time passes, the sharpest corners wear smooth
to the touch and slowly but surely the load lightens. It never goes away
entirely, nor should it, but it recedes to the background, becoming bearable
and allowing you to focus on the banal and profound act of living once again.
I know that TPW will help her carry that stone by being
there over the long term, listening, hearing, comforting and sharing.
Walking through the cemetery this morning I was struck by
the fact that each and every headstone and plaque represents its own ocean of
grief. And yet, I love walking
there. This quote (Shakespeare of
course) seemed to bring together some of what I was feeling.
Thou know'st 'tis
common; all that lives must die,
Passing through nature to eternity.
Passing through nature to eternity.
Our thoughts are with you, my friend.
