I know this piece is coming from the fire and yet, it feels hopeful, Morganne. The way you've illustrated these experiences in public places reinforces that there can be a path forward, one of unity, empathy -- or compassion if there's no lived experience, patience, and openness. Thanks so much xx
I spend a fair amount of time walking on the Olympic Discovery Trail and I frequently come across a bench which I stop and read the dedicated names. It always warms my heart. I lost my beloved wife to cancer in Aug 1993. Besides the gift of her love she left all of us she also left with her son Ted and myself we witnessed her moment of death and felt the presence of Jesus Christ. I have never been the same since. Yes it is very hard to be comfortable with the unfortunate who need our love and attention to help them cope with their condition. God bless them.
This post is so beautiful, Morganne, and made me tear up for a number of reasons. First being that touching message from your parents' neighbors in their sympathy card. Grief can be so isolating, causing even well-meaning people not to reach out for fear of saying the wrong thing. Also, how special to have your aunt memorialized in a bench with a beautiful view. As I was reading, I was thinking about the bench you and I sat on at the Edmonds waterfront - I believe there was a memorial plate on that one too 💛
Second, I too have been crying at all the videos of the protests. Some of the tears are guilty, since I didn't join in, but most of them are the same as you mentioned: hopeful. It is truly moving to see everyone coming together all across the country, even in places you wouldn't expect like Boise, ID and Spokane, WA.
Lastly, your point about hypernormalization reminds me of the book I'm reading right now: No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood about the general state of everything around technology and the 2016 election. It was published in 2021, and it's wild how so little yet so much has changed since she wrote it. The protests are giving me hope that maybe we can see some lasting change for the better.
Aw, I'm so glad that this post gave you such feeling! 🫶 Gosh, I think you're right about the bench. I think I was too engrossed in our convo to notice, or if I did I forgot about it lol. I love that you remember that!
I understand the guilt feeling because I've been there before, but please know that you did nothing wrong and it is ok! We are all on our own journey. There will be plenty more protests in our lifetimes, I am sure (for better or worse 😬).
And that sounds like such an interesting book! Your description made me think it was non-fiction but I see it's a novel. I'm intrigued—you'll have to let me know how it is! 👀
Thank you 🫶 It's true, like that video Amandine shared, there are multiple ways to participate, not everyone can or is meant to do it in the same way and that's okay.
It's honestly kind of a hybrid, the entire second half is based on something that actually happened to her/her family. It's definitely a Purple read in the sense that it defies form and is a little odd, but the lens through which she writes it is really interesting. It wasn't a top favorite of mine, but I thought it was an insightful, topical commentary for where we're at as a country.
Reading your soft words is such a poetic way to start the week ! Thanks for that 🩵
Aw thank you, Amande! I'm so glad they resonated with you 🫶
I know this piece is coming from the fire and yet, it feels hopeful, Morganne. The way you've illustrated these experiences in public places reinforces that there can be a path forward, one of unity, empathy -- or compassion if there's no lived experience, patience, and openness. Thanks so much xx
I'm so glad you enjoyed, Aoife - thanks for your kind words! 💗 I have to hold onto my hope, always!
I spend a fair amount of time walking on the Olympic Discovery Trail and I frequently come across a bench which I stop and read the dedicated names. It always warms my heart. I lost my beloved wife to cancer in Aug 1993. Besides the gift of her love she left all of us she also left with her son Ted and myself we witnessed her moment of death and felt the presence of Jesus Christ. I have never been the same since. Yes it is very hard to be comfortable with the unfortunate who need our love and attention to help them cope with their condition. God bless them.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Papa Jack! I love that you also read the names on benches. They are treasures!
And I so wish I could've known Grandma Leah more before she died 💙 I always remember the photo of the two of us in our matching Mr. Bubble tshirts.
Beautiful reflections, Morganne 💛 Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for reading, Jenna 💗
This post is so beautiful, Morganne, and made me tear up for a number of reasons. First being that touching message from your parents' neighbors in their sympathy card. Grief can be so isolating, causing even well-meaning people not to reach out for fear of saying the wrong thing. Also, how special to have your aunt memorialized in a bench with a beautiful view. As I was reading, I was thinking about the bench you and I sat on at the Edmonds waterfront - I believe there was a memorial plate on that one too 💛
Second, I too have been crying at all the videos of the protests. Some of the tears are guilty, since I didn't join in, but most of them are the same as you mentioned: hopeful. It is truly moving to see everyone coming together all across the country, even in places you wouldn't expect like Boise, ID and Spokane, WA.
Lastly, your point about hypernormalization reminds me of the book I'm reading right now: No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood about the general state of everything around technology and the 2016 election. It was published in 2021, and it's wild how so little yet so much has changed since she wrote it. The protests are giving me hope that maybe we can see some lasting change for the better.
Aw, I'm so glad that this post gave you such feeling! 🫶 Gosh, I think you're right about the bench. I think I was too engrossed in our convo to notice, or if I did I forgot about it lol. I love that you remember that!
I understand the guilt feeling because I've been there before, but please know that you did nothing wrong and it is ok! We are all on our own journey. There will be plenty more protests in our lifetimes, I am sure (for better or worse 😬).
And that sounds like such an interesting book! Your description made me think it was non-fiction but I see it's a novel. I'm intrigued—you'll have to let me know how it is! 👀
Thank you 🫶 It's true, like that video Amandine shared, there are multiple ways to participate, not everyone can or is meant to do it in the same way and that's okay.
It's honestly kind of a hybrid, the entire second half is based on something that actually happened to her/her family. It's definitely a Purple read in the sense that it defies form and is a little odd, but the lens through which she writes it is really interesting. It wasn't a top favorite of mine, but I thought it was an insightful, topical commentary for where we're at as a country.
Nice, Morganne :) I always enjoy reading your posts.
Thanks momma ☺️
Lovely, Morganne