I’ve been celebrating a lot lately… My wedding, My students’ amazing achievements, and as of 5:40 this morning, my snow day. However, amid my joy, Ruth has been going through a more painful time, experiencing the loss of several loved ones over the holidays. She blogged about the tragic loss of her cousins’ young children over at Inspiring Readers and Writers, which made me feel as though I have permission to do some blogging around this as well. (I didn’t want to put my sentiments out on the web until hers were out there, out of respect to Ruth and her family.)
I know how close Ruth and her family are; they have an enormous amount of strength and love that will help get them through this difficult time where the loss feels so great since the children were just that… children. Ruth is a respected Writing Coach and a wonderful friend, which helps me to know that even though I’m 872 miles, and a phone call, away, there are others who are right there by her side and will help her family get through this trying time.
Joy and Pain… Two very different emotions, but two real very real emotions. Right now we’re on the opposite ends of the spectrum. Kind of a flip-flop from the day we met in person, which was only a short time after my grandmother’s death. So, if you’re fortunate enough to be going through one of those joyful periods in life, take a moment to look around and assist someone who is experiencing the complete opposite.
When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced.
Live you life in a manner so that when you die the world cries and you rejoice.
–Native American Proverb
Seeing death as the end of life is like seeing the horizon as the end of the ocean.
-David Searls
Poems, quotes, and other words to help others cope with loss can be found by clicking here.
TWO WRITING TEACHERS 