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Spring! What a lovely word: a hopeful season fostering hopes and dreams for a gentler 2021. Vaccines are "happening!" This feels so encouraging.
Recently, some of our communities happily "opened up." Then, before we could celebrate our good fortune, they were forced (by advance of the variants) to partially close yet again. Oh dear, as discouraging as this can be, please follow the advice of the scientists and stay safe. We can get through this one step at a time . . . Easter and Passover are early this year. Memories abound of pre-pandemic occasions. Traditionally, it's a blessed time for family and friends to congregate; supporting each other with laughter, memories, and tradition. As poignant and hard as it is, we can put safety first. As we encourage hope, grief remains a challenging journey. When the days feel sorrowful, please hold onto Washington Irving's wise words: "There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness. They are the messengers of unspeakable love." At vulnerable times, there's a harsher spotlight on sadness and grief. While restrictions are still in place, we miss out on many of those close physical connections with family and friends. But even when it's complicated to support each other in the usual ways; we can do this; one step and then the next step. Reach outward rather than bottling-up hard feelings. It helps to share your story again, and again with those you trust; you are not alone. Encourage yourself to contact friends and family by phone, internet, physical-distancing visits, and closer connections with your safe circle. Snail-mail too can offer some of the help and support you need. If it feels as if some members of your circle don't fully understand the depth of your sorrow, please share how you feel and ask for what you need. Sometimes, we must walk a "similar path" to fully comprehend another's grief. Gently, let's encourage one another with compassion and understanding. The only measure of control we have is of ourselves, and what we do. With this in mind, let's discover what sustains and nurtures us, and those we love, one-day-at-a-time. Individually we navigate our lives, and this pandemic, differently. Some of your neighbours and mine may be struggling financially, or with underlying health issues, while for those who are bereaved grief continues. Through it "all" traditional celebratory days, birthdays and anniversaries continue. Happy for "some," these special days can blind-side those who grieve with unpredictable emotions and poignant memories. When an unexpected roller-coaster-ride of pain seems unstoppable, please ride the wave rather than flee emotionally. The darkest of days hold small shimmers of light, if we let the light in. Deep breaths, as you bring your loved-one into your day. Give yourself the same kindness you would offer to a special friend. While our book does not "speak" to the new realities of 2021, we hold out a helping hand for your grief. Life Came to a Standstill is dedicated to every heart impacted by loss. We "get it" that your grief continues to impact you while world events attempt to overshadow your sorrow. A bereaved mom gives back: The Story of the Dragonfly (photo to the left) begins: "Once in a little pond, in the muddy water under the lily pads, there lived a little water beetle . . ." Barbara, bereaved mom of Nathan, lovingly crafts these beautiful key chains, from parachute silk, in her son's honour and memory. She donates them including this timeless legend. If you have an interest in Barbara's compassionate work, you may contact her at: dragonflys4nathan@gmail.com To learn more about Life Came to a Standstill: photos, a piece of the Introduction, and to read the first paragraph of each chapter click on: "author & contributing writers." To view the opinions of others, please open "reviews." Moving through our site, under "more" you'll find 2 free support-booklets ready to print. Scroll further for 13 book tips. Grieving a loved-one is the hardest work. We'd like to help you . . . Various communities offer bereavement support. One valuable resource is Bereaved Families of Ontario-York Region (BFOYR). Click here to access their website. Face-to-face support is temporarily suspended, due to Covid-19; however, peer support by phone is available upon request: leave a message at (905) 898-6265. "Life Came to a Standstill" is available through many venues, including libraries. To see where you can purchase your copy (with no obligation to buy) look under "order your copy." Follow our FB book page by clicking the symbol below, or send us a note anytime at all. BTW, giveaway winners, well done! Many thanks to each and every entrant. You make a positive difference to the outreach of "Life Came to a Standstill." Goodreads' profile is available here During each and every day, we wish you hope, health, strength, safety and love. |
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