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Hello March: Another clean slate on which to write our hopes and dreams for a gentler safer 2021. This pandemic has been going on for so long. We may need to try even harder not to cocoon . . . 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 harsher spotlight on sadness and grief. With restrictions in place, for our safety, we miss out on many of those close physical connections with family and friends. While it's complicated to support each other, in the usual ways; still, we can do this; one step and then the next step. You are not alone . . . Reach outward rather than bottling-up those hard feelings. Truly, it helps to share your story again, and again with those you trust. Encourage yourself to contact friends and family by phone, internet, physical-distancing visits, and (perhaps) a closer connection with your small safe circle. Snail-mail too can offer some of the help and support you need. If it feels as if some members of your support 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. Vaccine is being distributed, which is so hopeful. Still, it will be quite some time before a substantive number, of our world's population, is immunized. In the meanwhile, we can follow the advice of the scientists and stay safe. Individually we navigate 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. Although 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, it can be helpful to ride the wave rather than to flee emotionally. Even 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; giving 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 upward 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. BTW>"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. During each and every day, we wish you hope, health, strength, safety and love. |
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