dr.e

And dear Aine, dear dear Aine. 3 months is still so raw. And I see what you wrote, that your mother and also her mother passed within a very short time of one another. I am sorry to hear such hard times.

I am glad you can see the progression forward. That is a strength in itself, to be able to imagine a place different than the one we occupy for a time right after. I would just say this too, to soften the word a bit, it's not 'stuck' that we get… it's more often a point of honor and a compelling evidence of 'helpless love' to stay near, and in grief, for as long as one needs after the passing of a beloved. That place, has its place. And its own timing for passing.

And not too far down the road, people move from that place, to another, one that is not so, every moment, difficult to bear. They move from place to place in thought and heart in their own time. Not because they're told to, or because they chastise themselves to.

To my mind, one of the most injurious ideas to come out of modern psychology was the unobservant absurdity that people grieving serious and significant losses, are all done, have it all wrapped up after a year. Perhaps some do. But, most don't.

Take your time. In many ways, grieving is like being incubated. The time will come for emergence. You'll see. Hang in there.

dr.e

Although I am still stuck in the first verse, this poem/song of the heart is the first thing that has given me the idea that there is a place going forward that keeps what I don't want to leave behind. For this one reader, at this time, it has been a gift of grace. Thank you.

And the image of the painting! I have to admit, that's why I clicked on the entry, as I had to find out the name of the artist. Thanks for including the image and background about Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida; I'm off to research him now and see what other treasures he's produced!

and dear aabacot, You also? A year ago, also. I will keep your heart in my prayers for this passing. I'm often taken with how deeply sweet a mama-kidlette relationship can truly be. From what you've told us about your mother, I feel I miss her presence on earth too.

Thank you for your blessing. I will put it to good use.

with kindest regards to you both, hang in there…
dr.e

Thank you.

Thank you.

My mother 'sailed from this world' a little over a year ago and I often feel very much 'a ship who’s lost her riggings;
suddenly come unmoored'…

This past weekend, before I read this article, I attended two workshops: First Steps in Story Telling and Story Telling as Communion by Horst Kornberger. In the introduction we were asked to name one of our favorite stories. One of mine is your beautiful story within a story within a story, 'The Faithful Gardener'. Which lead to me pulling it off the book shelf and reading it again. It is like a conversation with an old friend whom one loves dearly.

My little mama was so much with me while I listened and learned and tried to connect and be with the people listening. Mama was so good at meeting people right where they were and giving them something that they really needed at that particular moment. Although she was not aware of doing this; it was just a part of her.

And the reason I was at the storytelling workshops, the reason I became interested in storytelling and the healing property of story was because of your many influences over the years Dr Estes.

Thank you.
Thank you and Bless you and
May God keep you in the palm of his hand and
May his face shine upon you and bring you peace.

Angela