I’m grateful that during this time when many are suffering, I have so very many blessings to count. The changes COVID-19 has brought into my life have been easy for an introvert like me to embrace.
- Staying employed – I’m able work from home and even assist our front line workers in some small way.
- Staying connected – from social media to email groups and texts with family, all are at my fingertips.
- Staying healthy – we have plenty of healthy food options on hand, a basement workout room, and a nice sized patio and back yard available 24-7.
Even for me, here in my protected bubble, though, the grief of the world seeps in from time to time, especially when watching the news. In all my stability, I have moments when that river inside rises and I either let it overflow, or breathe deeply to settle it.
Yesterday, I relaxed with my youngest in their room, watching “Little Women,” where Jo lay next to Beth, who struggled to make it through the night, I realized I was lying in the exact same spot I’d been 13 years ago with my Jessie during her final hours. I breathed and let go some of the tears.
Today is the 13th anniversary of Jessie’s passing. The grief can still be intense, but those tears get fewer each year. I reach out to her and my parents often and feel their support as a constant in my life.
This year I’m not seeing my middle daughter, Liz Graham, aka my Newt, for the first time on the anniversary of her sister’s passing. So today I’m missing them both, but Liz is a call, IM or text away and I’ll see her as soon as we’re able to when the world has healed enough for us to do so. I can’t wait to give her a big hug. And Rain is with me now, even as I write this, still my inside connection, helping me embrace the changes during this historical time of pandemic.
Great site, Dorene!
Thank you, Susan. Sending you good vibes through this trying time. Take care.
Peace, Dorene. Sending you much love and hugs.
Thank you, Karen. Love and hugs back to you. Hope you and yours are safe and well.
Stay safe Dorene…TOY
Much appreciated, Gil. Take care.
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thanks, Joani. Stay well.
The anniversary of Rain’s passing comes up every year for me with a beautiful picture of her on my FB. After reading your incredible book about her and the journey of her passing, I was able to see the whole picture better vs. just mine, and it was such a blessing. She was an amazing, gifted and unique person and I am grateful that I and the boys knew her.
She forever changed our and many others lives, and so did you as you showed us how to unconditionally love someone. Blessings on this special day Dorene ♥️
Thank you so much, Pam. You all had an impact in our lives. Jessie loved Logan like a brother. I hope you are all safe and well.