Today’s photo is a meditation on love and faith found early one morning in “a collection of stuff in the yard of a man who lives on the outermost inhabited island on the coast of Maine,” as my photographer friend Peter Ralston put it.
For me this is a comfort. I lost my husband on August 11th and I had just finished reading John O’Donahue’s on Grief. So I’ll see you tomorrow was poignant.
May your precious memories give you peace and comfort--as the late HM Queen Elizabeth II said “Grief is the price we pay for love.” Be kind to yourself ☮️💟
It will be bittersweet to have your memories, but in the long run, they'll be invaluable. You will have the support of many because you've been helpful to all.
Thank you, Lee. I didn't mean to "intrude" on Liora's grief. I just blurted out my response without thinking. But thank you. As Liora said, this is truly a great community!
I lost mine 48 years ago a week before my 31st birthday and before he turned 33. The only thing I remember that isn't a blur is what the minister, Rev. Moore, said during his memorial service, "As long as he is remembered he will always be with you." There are still many alive today that still remember him. He was loved by so many. I lost my mother 11 years ago and my father 6 years ago. It is so hard to lose those that we love. Hugs for you Liora Katherine Gale! Sometimes I have a hard time turning off those tears. But, it is okay to shed them! I have changed so much since my husbands death, I have become a stronger woman today. You take one day at a time and seek joy in that day!
There are never words that seem adequate. I lost my husband August 12th last year. It's so very hard to absorb. Know that others understand and hold you close in thought.
August seems to have been a hard month for a number of us. I lost my father in August. May your memories soon become transformed into a blessings to you.
What a loss. Sincere condolences. Take a look at books by George Anderson…you’ll be assured he is “simply in another room.” I found George’s insights so comforting.
If only there truly were words that could wash away pain! Sadly, there is not, but along with all the others here, I offer my sympathies and let you know I've taken a moment to think/send peace to you.
So very sorry for your loss. Taking comfort in every way possible, like this picture and the sentiment it represents to the person who captured it, is so valuable to you right now. Please take of yourself- grieving takes a physical and emotional toll on you. Sending hugs.
Simply put, your "Letters from an American" are a treat I savor. You remind us what the fundamental issues are that are critical as we try to keep civil discourse and democracy alive. Thanks so much !!! Why don't we have more civics classes in our schools so our children are not ignorant when it comes to how we got to where we are ? So they can be thinkers and movers and shakers for making our US and world better.
And yet I am hopeful when I see the young courageous teenagers fighting the good fight, David Hogg for stopping assault style gun sales, Greta Thunberg, sailing for climate change mitigation and a green environment, Malala Yousafzai fighting for girls education against the Talban, and there are plenty of other young activists worldwide who may not have had a civics class but who are working for a better world.
Sandra I was shocked to read, in Danielle Allen’s current article in Foreign Affairs, that a 2017 survey indicated that less than 30% of American millennials believe that it is essential to live in a democracy [70% for those born before WW II.]
If young Americans aren’t convinced that our fragile democracy is better than authoritarianism and fascism, what’s the use of us oldies fighting to preserve democracy and the Constitution? This concerns me profoundly.
Thank you Phil......our children have to learn that they are citizens in a democracy with rights and responsibilities to keep and cherish our freedoms within the rule of law . I learned this in school & have observed the
erosion of core principles in American democracy----due in part to the absence of civics classes.
Civics is one of those things that the “conservatives” have been getting rid of in the process of unfunding public education. It does nothing to prepare students to become cogs in the industrial assembly lines.
Unconditional love is something I reserve for my daughters, Erica and Andrea; my wife, Susan; and even though he's passed on, my cat, Little Guy. Love is what makes life worthwhile, and whatever pain comes along endurable.
What a wonderful collection to come across during your honeymoon! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and historical insights and thank Buddy for adding to your life as you add to ours.
Truly enjoy the photo. Just found out that my Grand daughter's 5th grade class is going to D.C. at the end of the school year. She's on the student government "board" this year at 11 y/o. Perhaps I should give them the book on the Constitution I found for children?
For me this is a comfort. I lost my husband on August 11th and I had just finished reading John O’Donahue’s on Grief. So I’ll see you tomorrow was poignant.
May your precious memories give you peace and comfort--as the late HM Queen Elizabeth II said “Grief is the price we pay for love.” Be kind to yourself ☮️💟
Thank you kindness is the best medicine for healing.
Oh my...my condolences on your terrible loss.
Thank you. Such a great community.
August 17th for me on the loss of a loved one. So keep his memory close to your heart, Liora, as I am striving to do for mine.
Lynell, whenever I see you, it is with lasting gladness and appreciation.
Et tu, Fern! Thank you.
🌱
Lynelle, I'm so sorry. Weep as long as you have to, then be happy for what you had - easier said than done, I know.
Thank you for your wise and thoughtful words, Nancy. Starting to have memories that now evoke happiness for having him in my life.
It will be bittersweet to have your memories, but in the long run, they'll be invaluable. You will have the support of many because you've been helpful to all.
Thank you for this, Nancy.
❤️
So very sorry, Lynell. Stay well.
Thank you ever so, Linda.
Oh Lynell, you bring such joy to us all and then this…you have my heart and my deepest sympathies. ❤️
Many thanks, Marlene! It's something we all go through if ever we're lucky enough to love.
Very true…
Blessings to you you and yes blessed memories
Keeping you close in thought, Lynell.
Thank you, Rowshan. "May his/her memory be a blessing," is an expression that until recently was new to me. I now see the power of its lesson.
I'm sorry for your fresh loss, also.
Thank you, Lee. I didn't mean to "intrude" on Liora's grief. I just blurted out my response without thinking. But thank you. As Liora said, this is truly a great community!
I wish I could have pasted the poem by John O’Donahue but regrettably it didn’t work. The title is For Grief. I hope it helps.
I know it takes time so be well and held in your journey.
Liora
https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/for-grief/
My heart to yours. I lost mine of 30 years recently. Peace and love and healing to you.❤
💞
Tamera, my condolences to you.
Comfort and condolences to you, also.
Sincere condolences to you.
This is a great community and hope we are able to give some emotional and moral support. Sending sincere condolences
Gosh—I’m so sorry.
I lost mine 48 years ago a week before my 31st birthday and before he turned 33. The only thing I remember that isn't a blur is what the minister, Rev. Moore, said during his memorial service, "As long as he is remembered he will always be with you." There are still many alive today that still remember him. He was loved by so many. I lost my mother 11 years ago and my father 6 years ago. It is so hard to lose those that we love. Hugs for you Liora Katherine Gale! Sometimes I have a hard time turning off those tears. But, it is okay to shed them! I have changed so much since my husbands death, I have become a stronger woman today. You take one day at a time and seek joy in that day!
Liora Katherine Gale there are never the right words. 💔 If you ever need to have someone to talk with, I'm always here. Gailee
There are never words that seem adequate. I lost my husband August 12th last year. It's so very hard to absorb. Know that others understand and hold you close in thought.
May he test in peace, and May light perpetual shine shine upon him.
Thank you I love the thought
August seems to have been a hard month for a number of us. I lost my father in August. May your memories soon become transformed into a blessings to you.
So sorry, Mary Beth in NM.
I'm so sorry, Liora, and I'm happy that Heather's well-timed photo helped. She comforts all of us with knowledge and symbols.
As President Biden says, "May your tears turn to smiles."
What a loss. Sincere condolences. Take a look at books by George Anderson…you’ll be assured he is “simply in another room.” I found George’s insights so comforting.
If only there truly were words that could wash away pain! Sadly, there is not, but along with all the others here, I offer my sympathies and let you know I've taken a moment to think/send peace to you.
Hi, Miselle. Taking "a moment to think" perfectly describes what I try to do but didn't know how to express it textually. Thank you!
So very sorry for your loss. Taking comfort in every way possible, like this picture and the sentiment it represents to the person who captured it, is so valuable to you right now. Please take of yourself- grieving takes a physical and emotional toll on you. Sending hugs.
Simply put, your "Letters from an American" are a treat I savor. You remind us what the fundamental issues are that are critical as we try to keep civil discourse and democracy alive. Thanks so much !!! Why don't we have more civics classes in our schools so our children are not ignorant when it comes to how we got to where we are ? So they can be thinkers and movers and shakers for making our US and world better.
And yet I am hopeful when I see the young courageous teenagers fighting the good fight, David Hogg for stopping assault style gun sales, Greta Thunberg, sailing for climate change mitigation and a green environment, Malala Yousafzai fighting for girls education against the Talban, and there are plenty of other young activists worldwide who may not have had a civics class but who are working for a better world.
Sandra I was shocked to read, in Danielle Allen’s current article in Foreign Affairs, that a 2017 survey indicated that less than 30% of American millennials believe that it is essential to live in a democracy [70% for those born before WW II.]
If young Americans aren’t convinced that our fragile democracy is better than authoritarianism and fascism, what’s the use of us oldies fighting to preserve democracy and the Constitution? This concerns me profoundly.
I do wonder if it's the same after 4 years of Trump and 2 of Biden? Concerning if true now.
Thank you Phil......our children have to learn that they are citizens in a democracy with rights and responsibilities to keep and cherish our freedoms within the rule of law . I learned this in school & have observed the
erosion of core principles in American democracy----due in part to the absence of civics classes.
Civics is one of those things that the “conservatives” have been getting rid of in the process of unfunding public education. It does nothing to prepare students to become cogs in the industrial assembly lines.
and it opens their minds to creative and critical thought... and they might ask questions... challenge you, even. horrors!! can't have any of that.
Lovely simplicity in heart shaped stones. Perfect for your wedding week
The Source
The porousness of hearts
seen in the light of love
takes me to the very
source of being — of life.
Earth tones, neither sentimental
nor elaborate, welcome the gaze
into engagement at a level of
structure and origin — and beginnings.
Time has worn these heart-shaped
rocks and pebbles out of perfection,
and into the reality of porous
love: natural, open and bequeathing.
A veritable monument to gift of
loving and being loved,
giving and being given —
love itself: subversive and free.
9/19/22
Beautiful, Rowshan, especially "the gaze into engagement" Ahh!
Thank you so much, Mim! I’m so glad that it gave you pleasure.
Yes indeed, Mim.
“Time has worn these heart-shaped rocks and pebbles out of perfection,
and into the reality of porous
love: natural, open and bequeathing.”
Thank you for blessing us with these perfect, picture-accompanying words, Rowshan!
Thank you so much AshleyR. You’re too kind!
I find it amazing that wind and water can shape a stone into a heart. Such a reminder.
🗽💜🇺🇸
Lovely, I also have a passion for heart shaped rocks. My grandchildren save them for me.
And how well connected to this time in your life.
Pure poetry…time to rest and rejuvenate. Tomorrow is another day. Thank you, always.
Simply beautiful
Love conquers all! Thank you Heather and enjoy your time, everyday...
Lovely Maine granite. Great calming photo.
As always…very grateful to you❤️🙏🏻
These are the wonderful coincidences that keep us going… Cheers!
Unconditional love is something I reserve for my daughters, Erica and Andrea; my wife, Susan; and even though he's passed on, my cat, Little Guy. Love is what makes life worthwhile, and whatever pain comes along endurable.
What a wonderful collection to come across during your honeymoon! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and historical insights and thank Buddy for adding to your life as you add to ours.
Truly enjoy the photo. Just found out that my Grand daughter's 5th grade class is going to D.C. at the end of the school year. She's on the student government "board" this year at 11 y/o. Perhaps I should give them the book on the Constitution I found for children?
Yes please let us know the name of the book so we can share!
beautiful! they are there for ours to find when we look. thank you for sharing!
Lovely photo and Very calming as was the interview with President Biden tonight on 60 minutes.
Agreed, it was a good interview!
Beyond words…