Month: March 2020

Asking For a Friend – Day 485

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Photo: L. Weikel

Asking For a Friend

I’m just curious.

If you’ve been reading about and following the stories of the arrival of the Coronavirus here in the United States, you must know the following FACTS:

  1. It is primarily impacting, adversely, people who are 60 years of age or older, or those who are immuno-compromised or have pre-existing conditions, such as asthma, emphysema, etc., that make their lungs more susceptible to infection;
  2. The virus can be killed by washing your hands;
  3. Don’t touch your face;
  4. The virus is most often spread through touching a surface that has the virus on it (in other words, touched by someone who didn’t wash their hands);
  5. People can test positive for the virus and be asymptomatic. In other words, they may feel perfectly fine and yet be carrying the virus to all sorts of places – wherever anyone with even half a social life might go;
  6. Most people who will test positive for the Coronavirus will only experience mild or minimal symptoms;
  7. Don’t touch your face;
  8. Unless you are a healthcare professional, you probably do not need a face mask. If you are so sick that you are coughing a lot (which is really the main time anyone needs to be wearing a mask), you shouldn’t be anywhere but in your home, where you don’t need a mask.
  9. Don’t hoard.
  10. The most aware and compassionate response to having even the hint of suspicion that you might be infected with the virus is to STAY HOME.
  11. By STAY HOME, I mean ‘self-quarantine’ yourself by dropping anchor and staying at home for 14 days. No grocery store; no drug store; no liquor store; no bakery. You need to stock up on that stuff NOW, baby.
  12. Other things to do if you have even the whiff of feeling that you might have been exposed:
    1. Stay home (said above); Stay home even if you “just” have a cough, or “just” have a slight fever; or in anyway “just” don’t feel right or think you could “work through it;”
    2. Wash your hands; (This advice is given ad nauseum. Please, for the love of everything holy, wash your damn hands as often as possible);
    3. Don’t cough or sneeze on anyone or even near anyone. It’s gross, your mother taught you better, and it won’t kill you to either do it into your elbow OR, better yet, into a tissue that can promptly be thrown away;
  13. Don’t hoard.
  14. Don’t touch your damn face!

What I Really Don’t Get

What I really and truly don’t understand is why people are being so obtuse and thick-headed. The instructions, above, really are not complicated at all. And yet? People refuse to listen.

I see all sorts of people making excuses for not following those very simple suggestions, above, and using as an excuse that ‘the flu is worse.’ THAT IS NO EXCUSE – regardless of whether it’s true or not! The bottom line is that the scientists are saying that this has never been around before – it is unique. No one knows HOW fast it spreads (but it sure would appear to be yielding positive tests on an exponential basis within a single week). That does not bode well for any of us.

And tell me: what number of deaths is acceptable? What number of deaths will it take for it to make it worth your while to stay home and watch tv or read some books and keep your potentially lethal germs away from those in our society who are most vulnerable?

It sounds like the vast majority of people are either insanely stockpiling face masks, which is cruel and selfish, or in complete denial that this is really an emergency. Face masks are most helpful to healthcare workers, and by stockpiling them in your closet, you are doing no one any good. Just being selfish. Plus, face masks are best worn by people who have symptoms, such as a cough. If you have a cough: STAY HOME!

I’ve heard people use flimsy excuses for not taking basic precautions that range from:

  1. “It’s not as bad as the flu;”
  2. “The symptoms are mild, especially for people my age;”
    1. And a corollary to the above is, “It’s not impacting kids, so…?”
  3. “It’s a hoax;”

There are a number of other really appalling excuses being bandied about for not being a good human being and fellow citizen. To all of the people making these excuses,

WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH YOU?

Seriously, I’m asking for a friend. I’m asking for your mother. I’m asking for the person in the grocery store who beat lung cancer last year but still has a bit of a struggle with his respiration that makes him a good candidate TO DIE if he catches this virus.

Am I really to believe that people are so greedy that they will hoard food or supplies or even hand sanitizer and toilet paper or so selfish that they may willingly choose to go out and about, to the grocery store, the bakery, the dry cleaner – touching counters and door handles and grocery carts – without caring one whit about the older or ill person who could be felled by this infection?

I’m not intending to harangue the people who must work in order to keep a roof over their heads or food in their mouths. But I am talking to the thousands of people who can easily comply with the suggestions that will keep this from spreading, yet willingly choose to ignore them because they INCONVENIENT.

We Need to Care About Each Other

This infection spreads because our government has been too selfish and greedy, worrying about the stock market as opposed to our lives, to provide us with tests.

Let’s not be as greedy or selfish as our so-called leaders. Let’s show them who we really are.

(T-626)

Finding the Light – Day 484

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Sunset tree – Photo: L. Weikel

Finding the Light

Wow. What a way to start the week. If you pay attention to the news during the day, finding the light in any of what we were hearing was a tough task.

But the weather helped. The blue skies and bright sunshine were not insignificant, as I guarantee things would’ve felt exponentially worse had it been raining.

It looks like we’re in for a blanket of cloud cover tucking us in tomorrow, but at least without precipitation until a shower toward the end of the day. That’s a lot better than what I saw being forecast yesterday.

While I’m sure the skies being overcast will dampen our spirits somewhat, at least we’ll still be able to get outside for a little bit of one-to-one connection with Mother Nature without getting soaked.

Now More Than Ever

It seems to me that, now more than ever, we need to make a point to get outside and be in nature as much as possible. I’m not suggesting that vast swaths of anyone’s day be spent walking or hiking or riding a bike; it’s not even physical exercise that I’m advocating most. (Although I guarantee no matter what you’re thinking or doing or facing in your life, taking a 15 minute walk will improve your outlook).

No, I’m simply suggesting that at some point in your day, if you can even just walk outside and stand with your face pointed toward the sun (even if it’s behind a bank of clouds), close your eyes, plant your feet, listen for any type of a sign from nature, and take three long, slow, very deep breaths, you will feel better.

Sign From Nature?

What I mean by that is try to see or hear some indication that you’re sharing this planet with something other than just other humans. Identify one natural noise: a bird chirping, a squirrel chittering, the wind rustling leaves or tinkling wind chimes; a dog barking, a bee buzzing, peepers peeping, or crows cawing.

Depending upon where you are when you make your nature connection, you may not be able to hear anything ‘natural’ right off the bat. So you may have to look around, use your eyes or other senses, and find your connection that way.

It feels important that we remember to do this right now. We must remember, we’re part of something much bigger than just being human. We remember that by finding the light of Mother Nature.

Rising full moon – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-627)

DST Arrives – Day 483

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Spartacus Making a Warm Spot – Photo: L. Weikel

DST Arrives

I’ll admit it: For the most part, I enjoy the extra daylight tacked on to the end of our days during Daylight Savings Time. Part of the reason, I suppose, is rooted in the fact that I’m generally a ‘night’ person, and I become more and more animated as the day wears on. Which is why I’m finding it a little distressing today, as DST arrives, to be reacting physically to it in a most illogical fashion.

I’m barely able to keep my eyes open!

I’m writing this post significantly earlier in the evening than I normally do. Which means that, from my body’s perspective, I’m writing even earlier than when I would usually consider earlier!

Exquisite Weather

Lucky for me (and those who live in my neck of the woods), the weather today was luscious. It was a perfect spring day – and by that, I mean the clear blue skies and gentle, cool breezes made me want to laugh, and walk zig-zag in the road, and breathe deeply.

Yes, it’s early in March to have such balmy temperatures. And yes, daffodils are probably going to bloom sometime this week, judging by how much they grew just in the past few days – and that does feel quite a bit too early.

But it was so liberating to walk without a jacket on! Funny, how the little things in life make us feel lighthearted and hopeful.

Tomorrow Should Be Even Better

They’re forecasting that it could get close to 70 degrees out tomorrow. A bit too warm for March 9thif you ask me, but I’ll take it. And I’ll run with it! Well, erm, no. I’ll walk with it. Not sure how far, but I did manage to walk six miles today, so I’m cautiously optimistic.

Which reminds me. Pretty soon – one of these evenings – I’m going to have to recapitulate my walking milestones from over the past year. Since I turned 60 on my last birthday, I’ve made a concerted effort to walk more than I used to. Now I have to tally things up. And then, perhaps, set new goals. We’ll see.

Puppies

In the meantime, it’s time for me to hit the sheets. It may not make a ton of sense that I’m more tired after ‘springing forward’ but it’s the truth for me. And I ask you: how could I resist the opportunity to snuggle with my Spartacus, who’s upstairs, as we speak, ‘making a warm spot’ for me in our bed?

And Sheila…well, she’s being her usual amazing, loving self, waiting patiently for me to finish what I’m writing so the two of us girls can make our way upstairs. She’s the best.

Remember, it’s a full moon today (Monday the 9th, when you’re probably reading this). Be extra kind to yourself today. Try to get outside, even if it’s only for a couple minutes, and allow yourself to drink in the sunshine and warmth. Sink your roots into the Earth and feel yourself connected to Her – solid, balanced, centered, and peaceful.

And if you’re not sure how you feel, smile. Everything will feel better if you do.

Sheila Snoozing With Her Monkey – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-628)

Tonight’s Walk – Day 482

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Waxing Moon in Puddle – Photo: L. Weikel

Tonight’s Walk

Wow, did I need a walk this evening. I’m not even sure why, specifically, tonight’s walk felt so essential to my balance, but it did.

The moon began rising in the east before the sun had even set. Karl and I watched it rise as we set off on a four mile jaunt, both of us knowing how essential it is to remain in balance during times of stress.

Even the morning after receiving the call telling us our son had died, Karl and I walked. We walked and we walked and we walked, picking up garbage along the way like we always do. I’ll never forget it: the first day following our receipt of that horrific call, we found an empty bottle of Golden Monkey. For whatever reason, that bottle felt like a sign from him; a sign that he was OK and we should smile through our tears.

Shots of the Moon

I’m not happy with the photos I’ve taken of the moon lately. They’ve felt like they need more context, or a better zoom, or both.

So tonight I tried something different. My attempts were made through a side door, of sorts. Trying to sneak up on the moon and maybe get a bit of a head start on zooming in for a closeup by agreeing to capturing her in costume. So tonight’s almost-full moon was captured in puddles we encountered along the way.

The first one, which I placed at the top of this article, is simply a watery depiction of our magnificent moon, as she readied herself for embracing her fullness tomorrow night into Monday morning.

This photo was taken before it was even dark out. I have to admit, I never tire of trying to capture the moon’s elusive beauty, even if it ends up being her reflection cherished amongst dead leaves.

Magical Reflections

The second shot was a total surprise. While it, too, was taken as a reflection in a puddle, nighttime had fully set in and it took some fiddling to keep it from using a flash or automatically going into ‘night mode.’

Finally, nevertheless, I managed to find the right setting for the job. I’m not sure I’ll be able to replicate how I managed to discover the setting that perfectly captured what I could see in that moment, but at least I found it once.

All this photo reminds me of is that there’s magic no matter where you look: down into a puddle or up into the vast terrain of space.

Keep This In Mind

In these times of potentially needing to restrict our movements in order to minimize our exposure to the Coronavirus, let’s remember now just how much earthly and unearthly beauty surrounds us all the time. Take joy in the little things, such as moonlight reflected in a puddle of water along a country road.

If there’s any chance to walk, do so. Let’s celebrate our health, our freedom, and our unparalleled access to nature’s beauty.

Let’s celebrate the little things, like reflections in puddles.

Waxing Moon in Puddle Photo: L. Weikel

(T-629)

A Bit Surreal – Day 481

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A Bit Surreal

There was something about today that just doesn’t seem quite…right. I’m finding it a little difficult to articulate just what it is, but it’s real. Watching it all unfold, in real time, like a slow motion train wreck, however, is a bit surreal.

Everything about today, in one way or another, felt like it was being experienced by me, but from afar – sort of from an observer’s perspective. The conversations I had, the people I encountered, the weather, the interviews on tv – the videotape of statements made by DT – the headlines. I feel like I’m watching it all play out before me in some grotesque nightmare. But surely, I tell myself, it has to be something from which I’ll awaken.

It doesn’t seem possible that I’m seeing what I’m seeing and hearing what I’m hearing.

It doesn’t seem possible that we are actively being lied to about something as serious as a pandemic. By our own president. By our own vice president. It feels like a surreal horror show to be watching officials from governmental agencies staffed by the highest caliber scientists in the world stand behind a man who makes it all about him, whose only concern is ‘the numbers’ associated with how many people in our country are infected with the coronavirus – as if it is a game show. As if real people are not losing their lives every day as a result of his egotistical need to massage ‘the numbers.’

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

A Crisis Worse Than the Virus

Far worse than any virus is the crisis of VERACITY we’re witnessing. We’ve been groomed for this for at least three years, fooling ourselves that truth didn’t matter. Allowing the blatant lies to stand. Laughing it off in that screwed up, ‘boys will be boys’ attitude that dismisses and permits an astonishing amount of bad behavior in our society in all sorts of situations.

Remember the lies about inauguration crowd size? Well, that didn’t actually matter, did it? I mean, it was – what? A lie that everybody could see was a lie but, since it was The Donald, and – ho ho ho – he’s such an exaggerator –  we could let him have that little white lie. Meh; soothe that ego. What could it hurt?

What it hurt is coming home to roost now. And we can be sure it is directly resulting in scores and scores of people – our most vulnerable fellow Americans, our elderly, our already sick and compromised – suffering from unnecessary profound illness and even dying.

How? By inuring us to the lies about things that we can see unfolding before our very eyes. By telling us that we cannot trust facts and figures from scientists or independent journalists who’ve spoken directly to hospital personnel and know the truth of how many are being tested. No – we’re supposed to trust someone who doesn’t want to allow 3,500 people essentially trapped on a cruise ship off our shoreline because allowing them to disembark and receive treatment on land will ‘hurt his numbers.’

The Big Lie About Tests

Do we fully comprehend the insidious nature of the lies we’re being told about the lack of available testing kits? We had months to prepare for this crisis. We had months to have reliable tests at the ready for when the virus inevitably arrived on our shores.

But did we have our act together? No.

We were told to disbelieve the experts. The virus’s arrival wasn’t inevitable. Not according to the best hunch of you-know-who.

And are we being told the truth now about the impact of this lack of tests? No.

Why Does This Matter?

This matters because it fosters a head-in-the-sand approach to this entire mess. The lack of tests perpetuates an illusion that only a few people are infected. This denial of reality, coupled with the fact that many people who are infected actually do not suffer serious symptoms, is what is creating the crisis and making it exponentially worse.

How? The ‘leaders’ of our country are actually encouraging people to continue going to work and to go about their daily lives in a ‘nothing to see here’ attempt to stave off the trauma to our economy that consumers staying home will create. And if people who are carrying the virus but are not showing symptoms borrow your pen at work, touch the ATM machine, handle your produce, offer you change, touch door handles, faucet handles, coffee cups – you get the picture – then anyone who is vulnerable because of age, underlying conditions, breathing difficulties, exhaustion, or any other condition that weakens their immune system could become very, very sick or die.

Knowledge is Power

What no one in the Administration is apparently thinking about is how far and wide this can be spread by people who show mild or no symptoms. That is why we need access to hundreds of thousands of tests – if not millions. Because knowledge is power.

Knowing you have the virus requires taking responsibility to refrain from infecting others. And that is why the testing crisis is bigger and worse than anyone wants to admit.

Telling ourselves that there are only X number of infected people (because we’ve only tested a small number) is self-delusion. It will not result in fewer serious illnesses and deaths. It will only enable the virus to spread undetected far and wide, thereby sickening and killing exponentially more people.

The emperor has no clothes. The virus is running rampant through our country – just like it’s running rampant across the planet. Pretending it’s not – ‘thinking positive’ by telling ourselves there aren’t that many infections (because we’re not testing to discover those infections) is incredibly naïve, delusional, and when deliberately implemented as a governmental policy? Criminal.

(T-630)

Sadness and Frustration – Day 480

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Photo: L. Weikel

Sadness and Frustration

I watched with sadness and frustration Rachel Maddow’s interview of Elizabeth Warren tonight and was reminded of why I so strongly supported her candidacy. Her intelligence, compassion, and dedication to doing what’s right inspire me. These qualities and other obvious skills of hers actually foster daydreams of what our countrycould actually achieve if she were in charge.

There is not one doubt in my mind that she would surround herself with (truly) the best and brightest individuals ideally suited to getting their job accomplished.

Ever since Elizabeth Warren entered the political arena – back when she first started explaining what the heck was happening when the markets cratered in 2008, and more importantly why  – she’s been a hero to me. She then not only succeeded in advocating for the creation of the Consumer Protection Agency in 2010, but then became Massachusetts’s first female Senator in 2012.

I’m pretty sure she’s the only public person (whom I don’t know personally) who I’ve ever felt enough genuine respect and admiration for to call my hero. It’s not a label I bestow lightly.

Last Battle Of Two Old White Men

I could continue to extol her virtues and lament her departure from the presidential race. But let’s face it. She’s out and that’s the political and cultural reality we’re dealing with in the United States in 2020.

My hope is that she will be savvy in utilizing the political clout she’s garnered. I like to think everything happens for a reason. And even though we are now being treated to what will hopefully be the last battle of two old white men for the Democratic nomination (and then an eerily similar, but unquestionably uglier, battle into the fall for the actual presidency), I do believe EW can be a significant unifying force.

Her endorsement has the potential to make a dramatic difference in shaping the perception of what the Democrats both aspire to accomplish and have the actual ability to achieve if they succeed in unseating DT.

“I Miss My Mom and Daddy”

There are a lot of just plain old human reasons I like Elizabeth Warren, too. One of those being her feistiness (“Nevertheless, she persisted,”) and another being what I perceived as her genuinely good-hearted and honest-to-goodness ‘family values’ nature.

Nothing exemplified that more for me than a clip I saw of a portion of her actual announcement that she was withdrawing from the race. While she answered lots of questions, obviously, about her decision, someone also managed to get a question in about how it felt to be in the voting booth on Tuesday and see her name on the ballot for President of the United States.

Her answer? “I think my Mama and Daddy would’ve been proud.” And then she followed up with “I miss my Mom and Daddy.”

This from a 70 year old woman who is the first female United States Senator from Massachusetts, and who is also a mother and grandmother herself. I found it incredibly endearing that she wished her parents were here to share that moment of looking at a ballot and seeing their girl’s name on the ballot – for President.

We missed our chance to elect someone eminently qualified to bring about systemic change from within, with a particular emphasis on rooting out corruption and giving everyone in this country a shot at success. Remember that? It used to be called The American Dream.

May she use her hard-earned political capital to persist in making true change in our country on behalf of all of us.

(T-631)

Armadillo – Day 479

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Photo: AZcentral.com

Armadillo

Armadillo showed up in my cards today.

While it wasn’t the ‘main’ card for my day, I definitely felt the need to embrace its message.

Sometimes going within and creating a space in which to safely mull over the events of life is crucial to maintaining balance and, ultimately, moving forward. The key word here, I think, is safely.

That’s where the lesson and message of Armadillo can have the most effective impact upon our life. Learning how to create and deploy effective boundaries, which in turn create safety, is essential.

Right now, I’m feeling a powerful urge to withdraw from the world in order to deeply reflect upon a swath of experiences, relationships, and encounters I’ve had in the past several years. And in order to engage in this reflection, I definitely need to feel safe.

What’s That Mean?

“I definitely need to feel safe.” What exactly does that mean? If I had to define it, I guess I would describe it more as a visceral knowing than any kind of intellectual exercise. It’s a state of being that is predicated on knowing that no matter what, you’re loved; that you’re not in danger of being preyed upon.

It’s knowing that you can close your eyes and look within and not feel it necessary to, in actuality, keep one eye open.

I guess it comes down to trust.

Sometimes, when trust has been broken, it takes a while to even have the desire to cultivate a safe space where reflection can take place. It’s a lot of work. It takes a lot of courage. And it can sometimes feel like it would be a lot easier if we could just throw on an invisible coat of armor and just BE the armadillo!

I’m really glad I chose Armadillo to be a foundation of my pick today. It was a timely remainder that, ultimately, I need to take responsibility for creating my safe place for reflection. If I don’t claim it for myself, I’ll never experience it.

(T-632)

Distracted – Day 478

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Setting Waxing Moon – Photo: L. Weikel

Oops

I lost track of time. Distracted by the returns of the primaries of “Super Tuesday,” I’m finding myself with 15 minutes to get this post written.

Earlier, we were pummeled by thunderstorms. Thankfully, we weren’t subject to anything like what hammered Nashville last night. What a nightmare.

But at least from my perspective, it feels as though the weather here is mirroring what we’re witnessing unfold across the country electorally. It’s a storm of support for Biden – which seems to have popped up as rapidly as a summer thunderstorm. The rapidity I’m referencing is based upon the fact that his campaign almost seemed to be on life support a mere week ago.

Clarity

Of course, it’s still early as far as getting final numbers on Texas and, even more so, California. But it nevertheless looks like there are going to be some additional, perhaps unexpected, “reckoning” decisions in the near days to come.

I’m including a photo with this post tonight of the gorgeous night sky of two nights ago. A huge orange crescent moon was setting, and this was my best attempt to capture it.

But I hope you enjoy the clarity of the night sky.

Let’s hope we can all attain the clarity we need to select leaders who will care about and lift all of us.

(T-633)

Luminous Sheep – Day 477

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Luminous Sheep

Karl and I were approaching the last leg of our walk as we followed the road up the hill. The field that’s lain fallow throughout the winter (such as it’s been) and last was home to an entire tribe of adorable pigs and piglets is now being grazed upon by sheep. And lambs! And not just your everyday sheep, I’ll have you know. No, they are luminous  sheep.

Oh sure. Smile to yourself. “There goes Lisa, aggrandizing the mutton.”

But you forget. I was a girl scout. Always prepared. (Or was that the boy scout motto?) Anyway, it didn’t matter.

Thrusting Sheila’s pink plastic leash into Karl’s hand, I leapt into action. “I have to get a shot of those sheep! Look at them! They’re luminous,” I swooned.

The Approach

We were eyed warily as we edged closer and closer. The older, wiser sheep had no intention of losing sight of the two approaching Boston Terriers for even a second, not realizing one of them is deaf and blind, and the other fondly remembers the chase but is rarely inclined to give it any longer.

In fact, the elder sheep wasted no time making their way away from the barbed wire fence that parallels the road, self-herding themselves and their progeny to the far safer climes in the center of the field. The lambs protested plaintively as their mothers bleated commands to ignore me and head for the anonymity found in the midst of the herd.

In spite of me using my best baby/small animal voice on them, trying to coax them to remain near the edge of the field closest to me, they turned up their tails and took off.

But that’s when I appreciated even more just how luminous they appeared, the setting sun bathing them in a brilliant light that honestly made them look like clouds with a silver lining.

Seeking New Beginnings

A moment ago, I looked up the spiritual attributes associated with sheep in Animal Speak* by Ted Andrews and was pleased to see the keynote being: Seeking New Beginnings.

This paragraph leapt out at me:

“If the ram (sheep) has come into your life, do some examination – but don’t take too long with it. It is usually an indication of a time to make some new beginnings, to initiate new endeavors – rather than just think about it. Are you taking advantage of opportunities that are presenting themselves? Are you staying balanced as you make new leaps and climbs? Are you initiating things appropriately? Are you acting on your ideas or just talking about them? When the ram (sheep) shows up, it will teach you to bring forth the power of the mind and imagination and use them to seek out new heights and new adventures.”

Hmm. As we take the first tentative steps toward spring, I’d say these are some great questions for all of us to ponder. What say you, my luminous friends?

Luminous Sheep – Photo: L. Weikel

* Affiliate link

(T-634)

In the Blink of an Eye – Day 476

Posted on by Lisa Weikel Leave a comment
Cloud sunset – Photo: L. Weikel

In the Blink of an Eye

A couple things came to my attention today that drive home the adage that ‘everything can change in the blink of an eye.’

Not that I’m unfamiliar with the floor of my world dropping out from under me. But the feeling that accompanies drastic change in our lives (usually on the ‘awful’ end of the spectrum), is rarely something we want to repeat or actively seek.

One occurrence that shook me was seeing a friend of the family post on FB that their home was lost in a fire this morning. A home in which two girls spent their entire lives growing up – charred beyond measure. Treasured and irreplaceable family heirlooms – up in smoke. Worse yet? Family pets. All but one (a cat receiving medical treatment tonight) presumed or confirmed dead.

Loss

This family has been on my mind all day. I sit in my home of 35 years, surrounded by my beloved pups and kits, and my heart can only flirt with the sorrow and horror I’d feel to lose so much in such a ravaging manner.

And while I absolutely value the preciousness of all life and am grateful human lives were spared, I imagine the loss of photos and journals, and a myriad of other utterly unique, tangible items that were artifacts of lives lived by their ancestors leave a terribly raw and open wound in their hearts. It’s precisely the irreplaceable nature of these items that make their loss tragic.

The loss is stark. Only memories remain. And these realizations of impermanence are harsh.

The Little Things

I imagine that shock has probably overcome the family by now. A certain numbness to the magnitude of loss takes over so we don’t implode on ourselves.

The big stuff, in many ways, is probably most easily replaceable. It may not be Grandma’s four poster bed, but a beautiful bedroom set can be acquired. Same with many other ‘things’ we surround ourselves with in our homes.

No, the excruciating pain will probably come in the form of a daily drip of realizing all the little things that have been lost. Stuff we all take for granted. Little things that are so ingrained as a part of our daily lives that it’s not until we reflexively look for them or think, “That must be in the attic…” that we realize yet again what’s gone.

And the worst part may be that intangible loss: that feeling of being swept out of that home and off that land – no matter how large or small the plot of earth that stood beneath their house. That sense of possibly never sleeping there again, the impact of realizing they may never look out windows onto the familiar trees or grass or skyline they’ve lived with and gazed upon for decades, will only gradually dawn on them.

When others experience horrific tragedies, it’s only human to empathize and reflect upon how we would feel if thrust into the same circumstances.

In the blink of an eye, everything can change for any of us. It is cliché, perhaps, to suggest that we look around and appreciate our lives and circumstances. But nevertheless, it behooves us to do it. Take a moment. Look around you. Appreciate your many blessings.

And send compassion and courage to those who, in the blink of an eye, have lost so much.

Photo: L. Weikel

(T-635)