We returned from Rachel's memorial with our youngest daughter and her friend, "Barfie," in tow.
It's a great comfort to have Sarah with me now; neither of us can fill the hollow left by Rachel's death, but it helps to have Sarah fill her own space.
Rachel is more defined by what she has left behind in us, a retreating, conforming space like a death mask or a mold for making a bronze.
I've never had so much space missing before.
I believe I am in grief, not the dreaded other condition.
After 12 hours of travel yesterday, Kathleen bravely woke and went to work. My idol.
Sarah and Barfie enjoy picking blackberries. They're city girls.
On a more important note, I want to thank all of you who have spiritually supported us during this time; rarely have I felt so supernaturally buoyed by the prayers of others.
Craig Erick
Hi Mr. Chaffin,
ReplyDeleteIt is very reassuring to have you posting again.
I am so sorry - I only learned of this today. Be well my friend.
ReplyDeleteSo good to hear from both of you today, to know you are home safely. Grief and depression are not the same thing. I know you know that...grief is something we work through with time and it sure helps to have those you love nearby. I am glad you do...glad too, for the city girls, like me, who got to pick wild blackberries today. I did, too. They are great on ice cream, but they are hell to deal with (organically) in a garden. Love to you all...hope to see you soon.
ReplyDeletePat
Welcome back CE and Kathleen. It is indeed a comfort to 'hear your thinking' again.
ReplyDeletetake care
norm
CE,
ReplyDeleteI haven't written anything to you yet -- I keep coming back intending to do so. I know you have lots of good support -- so important at times like this.
Altho I have been silent, my prayers have been with you and your family.
My heart is breaking for you both.
ReplyDeleteMy own personal thanks to all who wrote to comfort us in these sorrowful times. LKD, I've always loved "The Blue Bowl." Ritual is so important. We were unable to have Kenyon cremated and to scatter his ashes in his beloved Pacific, but his last swim before going to the vet was magnificent.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you all for taking the time for us.
Kathleen
May God Bless the memory of Rachel and hold Craig in his hands....
ReplyDeleteYour Cousins in ND & MN