Collective grief.

I was deeply touched by the article on collective grief. It started me thinking about the Italians banging pans from their balconies, as well as New Yorkers at 7 p.m. making noise to recognize their city’s front-line health care workers.

I haven’t always done well with acknowledging others’ grief, but when Paul Wellstone died and I couldn’t think what to do, I put a sign on my fence asking my neighbors to leave their porch lights on that week. I was astonished how many responded. It made a difference — for me, for everyone.

Size is not everything. It doesn’t matter if we’re alone or in a gathering together of 10. Each of us can do something. Let’s trust that, much like prayer, this “something” will vibrate/resonate around the world. Tonight, as always, I’ll be leaving the light on in my kitchen window. I encourage each of you to do whatever feels right. Light a candle. Say an evening mantra, “May they find their way.” Have faith in this — it matters.

JUDITH MONSON, St. Paul  7/5/2020 Minneapolis Star Tribune

    In a recent blog I mentioned a newspaper article about collective grief. Then, in today's paper, was this letter to the editor. Monson is right that it is important to do something. Perhaps the benefit will be only our own, but isn't that something? Newspapers have begun to run articles about "Those We've Lost" telling stories of those who have died of COVID. Reading those articles and reflecting on their lives, and their loss, is one thing we can do. 

    Yes, we are all in this together, our sisters and brothers keepers.

Takk for alt,

Al