Oh, Sue, what a lovely, tender memory.
{{{{{ }}}}} to everyone experiencing grief and holding their memories.
Aside from the personal loss and grief I haven't really missed all that much of the outside world while locked down, but one ritual I desperately missed was the tree of remembrance at my church--all of November is set aside for remembrance of our beloved dead, the altar is covered with a cloth inscribed with the names of most of the parishioners who've passed, and a bare-limbed tree stands in a corner of the building and people can write the names of the remembered dead on little paper leaves to hang on the tree. Anyone who wants can add a name; you don't have to be Catholic or even a believer in anything, you just have to remember and love someone who's gone and want to put their name out into the world again. So every year until this year I'd write the names of my beloved friends and family, and the beloveds of any Buffista or FB friend who remembered someone. It was sad but it always felt like such an honor and a gift to write down all the names, think of the people who'd asked for those names and what the people behind those names meant to them, and fill the tree with autumn leaves--a ritual
made
for loss and elegy, canceled for the year that needs it most.
So I don't have any details, but I swear I just saw something that even making up new rituals can be valuable. You might find somewhere to write names this year.
Cindy, thank you for posting that link. Made me cry and feel better. Humans can be pretty awesome.
Timelies all!
Hugs to all who want and/or need them.
We have switched Mr. S to the extended release form of Adderall, in hope to avoid the meltdowns that have been occurring around the time a dose of the regular form starts wearing off.
My puppy is six months old today! We went to the dog park and he got completely covered in mud. and it’s cold enough out I couldn’t hose him down outdoors, so now the bathroom is disgusting—the tub was black with mud, and he of course had to shake it off a few times....yikes.
JZ, I have never had the grief of losing a parent, but I deeply support you. I did love your ritual each year to ask us for people to add to your ritual (and Steph, too, with the boats)
Sue, that is a lovely memory.
I am actually challenged by a work card exchange, where we are writing a Christmas memory To another colleague. And I had nothing. Maria thought it was for you guys, and but I pointed out you might be amused at the funny stories I have. Well, they might be amused at the time I got hopped up on cold medicine and wrapped gifts all night on Christmas Eve and made a gift for last minute Uncle’s girlfriend while watching a weird Steve Martin movie that was based on Silas Marner, but modern day., and the whole time I couldn’t figure out if I was high or it was really based on Silas Marner. And honestly that was one of the last times I took the red Sudafed.
She pointed out our lovely Christmas Eves at the zoo, so now I have something to write about!
I saw your muddy puppy on Facebook, Meara. He was very muddy and very cute.
...well, now I’m flying to Florida tomorrow. Dad finally admitted he could use some help, so — before he forgets he said that or changes his mind — I need to get to him. I’ll wear multiple masks and a face shield and quarantine for a week before I actually see him, but it’s just got to happen. I hate leaving ND right before the holidays, but we both agree I need to go.
JZ, I’m so sorry. The grief is so hard.
Oh jeez, Pix, good luck with all of that! What kind of help?
Well, they might be amused at the time I got hopped up on cold medicine and wrapped gifts all night on Christmas Eve and made a gift for last minute Uncle’s girlfriend while watching a weird Steve Martin movie that was based on Silas Marner, but modern day., and the whole time I couldn’t figure out if I was high or it was really based on Silas Marner. And honestly that was one of the last times I took the red Sudafed.
I am amused!
{{{Pix}}} Good luck to you and much ~ma for your dad.
