It truly was helpful. I am in the first months of experiencing this major loss. I don’t know what to expect and imagine it won’t be easy to move through life without my dad….but also know that this is part of what it means to be human….
Thank you so much for sharing that with me - I'm so sorry for your loss. Your words about this being part of what it means to be human are both heartbreaking and beautifully true. I'm grateful the piece could be a small companion for you 💚
One of many key lines “ The uncomfortable possibility that a meaningful life and an impressive life are not always the same thing.”
By my measure, my parents had both. I have had a meaningful one if the measure is closeness to family and great friends. Many times I wish I had the positive influence on hundreds of people that my parents had but I could not have stood the sacrifice, pressure or lack of private time that entails.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I agree - a life can absolutely be both meaningful and impressive. My hope is simply that we don't overlook a meaningful life because it doesn't always look impressive from the outside. Thank you for such a thoughtful reflection 💚
Thank you so much for such a thoughtful message. I'm so sorry you've had to navigate so much, but I smiled when you said nature is your solace and sanctuary - I think that's something we have in common. Thank you for sharing a little of your story with me, and for recommending your poem. Wishing you many more moments of awe outside 💚
What strikes me most is your acute awareness of life's fragility, and also your closing words on learning to value your future differently... there's a deep level of understanding here which hand-in-hand with the beautiful faith quote will act as a guiding light. 🤍
Thank you so much - that’s such a thoughtful reflection. I don't feel as though I have many answers, but I do think my perspective has been quietly reshaped by everything that's happened. I'm so grateful you took the time to read it so carefully 💚
When one has lived 57 years and raised a neurodivergent son, one thinks she has done with being sentimental like a school kid. But reading you is making me feel why I haven't caught a glimpse of you before. Long ago, I accepted that I am meant for an obscure, ordinary life, but I can make it incredibly rich. I am proud to say that I have done that-I have really enjoyed living.
Thank you so much. Your comment really moved me - I love your description of an ordinary life made incredibly rich. That feels like such a quiet and beautiful way of living. Thank you for sharing it with me 💚
Beautiful article and picture, I am sure you mum would be proud of you.
Thank you. That's such a kind thing to say - it really means a lot. 💚
What a beautiful and thought provoking piece. Thank you as I process my own grief, this is helpful 💕
Thank you for reading - and for sharing that with me. It means more than you know to hear the piece has been helpful 💚
It truly was helpful. I am in the first months of experiencing this major loss. I don’t know what to expect and imagine it won’t be easy to move through life without my dad….but also know that this is part of what it means to be human….
Thank you so much for sharing that with me - I'm so sorry for your loss. Your words about this being part of what it means to be human are both heartbreaking and beautifully true. I'm grateful the piece could be a small companion for you 💚
One of many key lines “ The uncomfortable possibility that a meaningful life and an impressive life are not always the same thing.”
By my measure, my parents had both. I have had a meaningful one if the measure is closeness to family and great friends. Many times I wish I had the positive influence on hundreds of people that my parents had but I could not have stood the sacrifice, pressure or lack of private time that entails.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I agree - a life can absolutely be both meaningful and impressive. My hope is simply that we don't overlook a meaningful life because it doesn't always look impressive from the outside. Thank you for such a thoughtful reflection 💚
There's a lot here that resonates with me.
My mother passed nearly 30 years ago for me
I'm not one to self promote but I wrote a poem " Her name is Esther" which I think you might like.There are some similarities here, I think.
We both loved our mums and miss them
I love the phrases you quote
" Faith in something ,... like the future"
Alao
" Genes load the gun, Enviroment pulls the trigger."
Had skin cancer too, my second cancer. Not too bad for me, think it was the radiotherapy
So only 6 weeks of chemo cream applied. Side effects, bloody hell, OK
Also understand emotional turbulence, like an untethered kite through Hormone therapy
At my age I know I am knockin' on heavens door, see the light in the distance.
Nature, mountains is my solace, sanctuary. You have a kindred spirit here.
Yes get up, get on with it
No time to waste
Resolutely but calmly
Look for the awe in nature, rest there sublime
Have a lovely day....Outside
I gently say
Thank you so much for such a thoughtful message. I'm so sorry you've had to navigate so much, but I smiled when you said nature is your solace and sanctuary - I think that's something we have in common. Thank you for sharing a little of your story with me, and for recommending your poem. Wishing you many more moments of awe outside 💚
What strikes me most is your acute awareness of life's fragility, and also your closing words on learning to value your future differently... there's a deep level of understanding here which hand-in-hand with the beautiful faith quote will act as a guiding light. 🤍
Thank you so much - that’s such a thoughtful reflection. I don't feel as though I have many answers, but I do think my perspective has been quietly reshaped by everything that's happened. I'm so grateful you took the time to read it so carefully 💚
When one has lived 57 years and raised a neurodivergent son, one thinks she has done with being sentimental like a school kid. But reading you is making me feel why I haven't caught a glimpse of you before. Long ago, I accepted that I am meant for an obscure, ordinary life, but I can make it incredibly rich. I am proud to say that I have done that-I have really enjoyed living.
Thank you so much. Your comment really moved me - I love your description of an ordinary life made incredibly rich. That feels like such a quiet and beautiful way of living. Thank you for sharing it with me 💚