Griefs...

"The size of a misfortune is not determinable by an outsider's measurement of it but only by the measurements applied to it by the person specially affected by it. The king's lost crown is a vast matter to the king but of no consequence to the child. The lost toy is a great matter to the child but in the king's eyes it is not a thing to break the heart about." Mark Twain
    When Joanne was comforting the bereaved she'd often say "grief touches grief."  It's the truth that, for one loss or another, we are all citizens in the land of grief. As such, we have a well of sorrow and any new loss increases the load, or depth,  and experience of grief.
    Last night's blog reflected on the terrible consequences of losses during this time when corporate grieving is curtailed.  Deaths happen and the loved one's community is unable to gather to share their loss. This leaves more grief work that needs to be done individually. As Mark Twain accurately observed the measure of grief can only be known by the loser. This pandemic has caused innumerable losses. It would help had we national leadership of compassion and empathy who could articulate the collective experience.
    Holiday's, such as the 4th of July, do serve as reminders of the presence of absence. Two plus years into life since Joanne's death have created a sense of normalcy, as I go singly about my days. Special days always serve as poignant reminders of my bereavement.
    Here's a positive note of hope on which to end this post.

"I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word."  Martin Luther King, Jr

Takk for alt.

Al