Linda, grief sucks and it plays fast and loose with our emotions. I've likened it to a wild roller-coaster ride in the past 20-months. I like your image of a corn-maze -- that works, too.
I still have my moments, at just 6-months past your husband's death, I would expect you will still be trudging along wishing you hadn't stumbled into another blind alley in that maze.
When politics is blowing up our country as we knew it--it's a lot to take in when in such a vulnerable state. It's impossible to not know and worry about what is happening politically, but for self-preservation, I have to sometimes deliberately step away from the TV, news media, even here on Substack. Thinking of you and praying you find some peace.
I feel very much supported and in good company with all of your comfort. The political is the hardest thing to back away from since we're in such a critical time. When I'm unable to protest in person, I have friends who let me go with them in spirit. And who make outrageous wonderful homemade signs. Thank you for your faithful reading of my work. I very much appreciate it. ~Linda
Having lived through the Viet Nam years and Civil Rights, etc. I often feel that it's my duty to pay attention to politics. Even though it might be healthier for my heart to shut it out, I believe that "All it takes for absolute evil to overcome is for good people to do nothing." Of course my suffering in this time pretty much does accomplish nothing. Still I say we have to stand up and speak truth. So on to love. It is so very hard to love one's enemies when they are evil and doing evil things. Even Bonhoeffer came to the place where he was willing to fight evil rather than ignore it. I feel for your loss and know each day is a struggle. So glad you have faithful friends. That always helps. Love can look like kindness and not sniping at people. It can look like sending a kind word. But it is fair to say that love also hurts. Sending hugs your way.
I agree that in this current situation we must not only love, but do. The pushback I believe is necessary echoes the Bonhoeffer years quite aptly, IMHO. And yes, to deal with loss at the same time feels difficult. But love requires me to get out of my head and see God everywhere. Like the chicken suit? LOL. Much Love, Linda
Dear Linda, Thank you again for expressing your feelings and feelings so uniquely. My Denny has been gone for an unbelievable 14 years, and I still have waves of grief that overwhelm. The littlest thing can trigger a memory-- a song, a smell, a picture. I treasure every blast from the past, and count my blessings that I experienced that kind of love. I finally found peace, and even joy, through a closer relationship with God's love and my family and church family.
Please know that you are not alone in abhorrence at the current political debacle. I take heart every time I see another person who realizes what's going on and speaks up.
Your writing keeps getting better and better, Linda. I identify with the wanderings of your mind, and I'm in awe of the ways you express yourself. I pray you keep hope and faith in your heart during these extremely surreal times. ❤️
Oh my heart--thanks for your kind words. "closer relationship with God's love" is what keeps me going. Although it's been a long struggle, my two live-in sons have provided so much support as I learn to be widow. They help me in so many ways. I'm grateful. How is dear Bobbie? I pray for her comfort. This is so unfair. Sending love your way, Linda
LOL you remembered! Yes, I do indeed guzzle that stuff, especially when I'm feeling down. I don't know if Jesus prefers Dr. Pepper too, but He keeps carrying me through the hard stuff. BTW, my next book is called Carry Me Through (For Times When You Can't Go On). Hope you're doing well. Much Love, Linda
Thank you for sharing yourself and your writing skill with the community. Your exercise is paying off: your writing muscles are strengthening along with your personal resilience. I like the poetic imagery, and your use of nautical metaphor particularly speaks to me. (Abyss…lifeline…far offshore … missed an opportunity to finish it off with something like “crashed into your bow” instead of head-smacking! 😉.) Keep up the good work and the generous sharing, which helps us all.
I live, or try to, to live by the 3 C's if I did not Cause it, cannot Control it, cannot Change it, I don't let myself think about it so that pretty well cancels out politics and news for me. The secondary loses after Joe passing are proving to be far worse that when he initially was gone. That is in part why I run to my computer on Saturday mornings to read again how you put words to what I am feeling. Thank you as always.
You are so kind. I confess to being a bit of a political junkie but you're so right--the feelings of loss have only grown in the 6 months he's been gone. Staying grateful and trying to be loving is sometimes hard. Be kind to yourself, sweet friend. Sending love and hugs, Linda
Linda, grief sucks and it plays fast and loose with our emotions. I've likened it to a wild roller-coaster ride in the past 20-months. I like your image of a corn-maze -- that works, too.
I still have my moments, at just 6-months past your husband's death, I would expect you will still be trudging along wishing you hadn't stumbled into another blind alley in that maze.
When politics is blowing up our country as we knew it--it's a lot to take in when in such a vulnerable state. It's impossible to not know and worry about what is happening politically, but for self-preservation, I have to sometimes deliberately step away from the TV, news media, even here on Substack. Thinking of you and praying you find some peace.
Nancy,
I feel very much supported and in good company with all of your comfort. The political is the hardest thing to back away from since we're in such a critical time. When I'm unable to protest in person, I have friends who let me go with them in spirit. And who make outrageous wonderful homemade signs. Thank you for your faithful reading of my work. I very much appreciate it. ~Linda
Having lived through the Viet Nam years and Civil Rights, etc. I often feel that it's my duty to pay attention to politics. Even though it might be healthier for my heart to shut it out, I believe that "All it takes for absolute evil to overcome is for good people to do nothing." Of course my suffering in this time pretty much does accomplish nothing. Still I say we have to stand up and speak truth. So on to love. It is so very hard to love one's enemies when they are evil and doing evil things. Even Bonhoeffer came to the place where he was willing to fight evil rather than ignore it. I feel for your loss and know each day is a struggle. So glad you have faithful friends. That always helps. Love can look like kindness and not sniping at people. It can look like sending a kind word. But it is fair to say that love also hurts. Sending hugs your way.
Jan,
I agree that in this current situation we must not only love, but do. The pushback I believe is necessary echoes the Bonhoeffer years quite aptly, IMHO. And yes, to deal with loss at the same time feels difficult. But love requires me to get out of my head and see God everywhere. Like the chicken suit? LOL. Much Love, Linda
Dear Linda, Thank you again for expressing your feelings and feelings so uniquely. My Denny has been gone for an unbelievable 14 years, and I still have waves of grief that overwhelm. The littlest thing can trigger a memory-- a song, a smell, a picture. I treasure every blast from the past, and count my blessings that I experienced that kind of love. I finally found peace, and even joy, through a closer relationship with God's love and my family and church family.
Please know that you are not alone in abhorrence at the current political debacle. I take heart every time I see another person who realizes what's going on and speaks up.
Your writing keeps getting better and better, Linda. I identify with the wanderings of your mind, and I'm in awe of the ways you express yourself. I pray you keep hope and faith in your heart during these extremely surreal times. ❤️
Linda,
Oh my heart--thanks for your kind words. "closer relationship with God's love" is what keeps me going. Although it's been a long struggle, my two live-in sons have provided so much support as I learn to be widow. They help me in so many ways. I'm grateful. How is dear Bobbie? I pray for her comfort. This is so unfair. Sending love your way, Linda
Nothing wise here, just Grief sucks. 💔
Julie,
Yep, but grief forces me to think about love and what God wants from me. . .just love.
Hugs, Linda
Love is a lot on some days!
100%!
Time for a Diet Dr. Pepper!
Sometimes little stuff like that, and a letter from a friend, lift some of the fog. I care.
Catherine,
LOL you remembered! Yes, I do indeed guzzle that stuff, especially when I'm feeling down. I don't know if Jesus prefers Dr. Pepper too, but He keeps carrying me through the hard stuff. BTW, my next book is called Carry Me Through (For Times When You Can't Go On). Hope you're doing well. Much Love, Linda
If you need me to come back with my trailer to haul away some of your sadness, I can do that, Linda. You are loved by many, my friend.
Ed, So kind of you to say. I'm going to make it through--it's just hard sometimes. Thanks for your friendship and support. ~Linda
Thank you for sharing yourself and your writing skill with the community. Your exercise is paying off: your writing muscles are strengthening along with your personal resilience. I like the poetic imagery, and your use of nautical metaphor particularly speaks to me. (Abyss…lifeline…far offshore … missed an opportunity to finish it off with something like “crashed into your bow” instead of head-smacking! 😉.) Keep up the good work and the generous sharing, which helps us all.
Dear Thomas,
Thanks for your kind words. As to images, sometimes less is more, right? I hope you'll continue to follow my weekly posts. Best wishes, Linda
I live, or try to, to live by the 3 C's if I did not Cause it, cannot Control it, cannot Change it, I don't let myself think about it so that pretty well cancels out politics and news for me. The secondary loses after Joe passing are proving to be far worse that when he initially was gone. That is in part why I run to my computer on Saturday mornings to read again how you put words to what I am feeling. Thank you as always.
Pam,
You are so kind. I confess to being a bit of a political junkie but you're so right--the feelings of loss have only grown in the 6 months he's been gone. Staying grateful and trying to be loving is sometimes hard. Be kind to yourself, sweet friend. Sending love and hugs, Linda