Funny, not so funny
shocking
disrupting
centering
sobering
how news of long-term illness
or anything with the C_
can bring awareness of
value back to the fore.
Give me strength so that I can
Give to those who need more than me.
I'm a wreck, I'm
not a wreck. I'm
Grieving.
For those who have passed
and those with recent
diagnoses.
Re-discovering the 15-20 minutes between phases of a single activity, and spending it by sitting in the sun, drinking, reading, writing, organizing. It's like having the unpredictable time spaces when newborns were tended to. I got weary of ennui, complaining, and watching nothing, so I am running a few threads into the future. "In my spare time," is where explorations are being pursued.
I took apples, philosophy, and technical news, and we rested in the silences between topics. The visit was followed by departure the next week. The obituary was a collective effort. Wrenching at times, but I remain and need to speak on behalf of those who cannot. Meanwhile a family member (who was unconditionally accepting) and a childhood friend also departed. I have never felt more alive and vital. A puddle of sorrow and enlivened beyond measure.
I still need to complete a correspondence as a tribute to a friend, whose dimension continues to expand as I converse with acquaintances. A series of vivid dreams has stimulated my imagination and sharpened my senses to an acute level. Meanwhile I continue a weekly vigil to another friend. Although this activity is uncertain with regard to call and response, I take the time needed, knowing that this is very precious and rare time, and I honor my promises.
Idealized and fantastical scenes have their place, but reality and what is needed always settles and takes over. I do visit elsewhere occasionally, and will continue to do so.
When limited time included meaningful conversations, when such time was acknowledged with unsolicited "high-fives" and "thumb-ups". And when hand-holds in greeting and departure are heartfelt.
Despite being laden with grief and many tasks, a few opportunities arise and I seize them. I look forward to future projects. This is no different from my typical outlook, which seeks the long view. I find ways to move around obstacles.
The golden waxing sliver of a lunar cup is in the low southeast and is especially beautiful on this very long night.