This is a bit of a different blog entry today. Not about food, an amazing new haunt, or an artisan you just need to check out. Those will all come - I promise - but today I must admit I'm having a hard time seeing the abundance of joy that I know dangles before my dampened eyes.
A relative passed away yesterday. There was an accident, something that could've happened to any of us, and something no one thought would result in him moving from this life onto the next five short days later. But it happened, and in a most abrupt and disheartening way, reinforced the fragility of life.
Bryan was a poster child for the sum of a good man. Salt of the earth, humble, incredibly kind, loving, community-focused and ever curious about this earth and all the marvels it has to offer. He and his adorable wife parented six amazing children, each of whom continue to make this world a better place by sheer virtue of breathing and being themselves. My heart aches for them and what they're all going through right now. This is something no one can fix; time can only slowly heal.
Throughout this agonizing week, I have come to understand a couple fundamental truths. One: there is no greater joy, to me anyway, than family. 'Family' comes in many forms and blood doesn't strengthen this bond - the heart does. The people you call your 'family,' your 'peeps' in whatever way, shape or form that may be, will do far more for you than you could possibly conceive. They will rally behind you when you've lost your pep, celebrate the milestones and the seemingly mundane, and be your soft place to fall when the world beyond your door seems too cruel to face.
Two: there's something so beautiful, raw and honest about being accepted unconditionally. 'Family' has a way of unequivocally knowing - as clearly as they know the sun will rise - your good qualities that you may have a hard time seeing or accepting yourself. Masks, fronts or long sweatshirts that cover your growing behind aren't necessary because these people accept and love you for who you are, right here, right now. Dr. Seuss put it best: "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.”
I have been blessed with people like this in my life who love me for me, standing still with my socks on. And for people who arrive into this world alone and must pass on to the next alone, is there any greater joy than sharing this sort of bond with another human being?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your story and thoughts. I lost my mother almost a year ago now. It is the hardest part of this journey we call life.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Suzanne. I appreciate your kindness and I'm sorry to hear of your mother's passing last year. I guess the most we can do is illuminate their best qualities and bask in that light and the goodness we've learned from them. Thank you for visiting my blog - I hope to see you again.
ReplyDeleteHey Tanya, Sorry to hear about your loss. If there is anything I can do, just let me know. If you need a shoulder I have two strong ones you can use. They have been used a lot lately so they are all yours. Hold on to your memories, that is all we have left. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kacee. I've sent you an e-mail. I appreciate your support. xoxo
ReplyDeleteHey Tanya - this is so well written and so signature-Tanya! It brought more than one tear. My thoughts are with everyone. xo
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Shels.
ReplyDelete