I am just catching up here, and I see that it has been an emotional and devastating time. Goodness. Thinking of you and feeling privileged to read these heartfelt words.
So often, your writing does this, Holly: makes me want to grow up to be as tender, as wise, as compassionate, and as articulate as you. You follow Jesus, and the Buddha, and all the angels and saints, independently of dogma or prescription.
My friend, I ache with you. Watching suffering in those who we love is a different, powerful pain that echoes their own. Thank you for expressing your deep love in such potent words.
Thank you for this, Holly. You are a good friend. This week, we take another journey to say goodbye to old friends succumbing to cancer, and old age, at the end of their wonderful lives and our special earthly friendship. Your post reminds us of the importance of presence.
Holy crap, that was poignant and heartbreaking and heart-healing. Not just because of the oh-so-sad and oh-so-unfair stories, but because you just summed up Life and Love in the most efficient, beautiful way possible in writing.
I’m breathless from all the sorrow in your life. Sadly that grief, anger, frustration comes to us all at some point, even if we think we’ve solved all the riddles and have all the answers. It’s happening in my family …. Severe mental
Illness in a young family member and the grief of his family, watching my friends who are of an age… become ill, disabled etc.
your statement that even when loved ones are gone that story continues always is such a comfort.
Prayers for strength and peace for your loved ones and for you.💜
I stumbled upon your Substack. You write and express beautifully. At almost 75 I can attest, life is certainly a random cycle of challenge, joy, and sorrow. Peace to you in your journey. 🎭💖
Being a witness to a friends' suffering or grief is an indescribable gift of love.
I have recently experienced both. Thank you for being vulnerable by witnessing your friends' suffering. I *know* it was a priceless gift to them. (Now take care of yourself.)
I am awed by your multiple talents. Earlier, you were offering another piece of your artwork for a fundraiser. And now, you give us this beautiful piece of poetic prose.
Thank you everyone for your well wishes for me and my loved ones. I really appreciate your support.
I am just catching up here, and I see that it has been an emotional and devastating time. Goodness. Thinking of you and feeling privileged to read these heartfelt words.
So often, your writing does this, Holly: makes me want to grow up to be as tender, as wise, as compassionate, and as articulate as you. You follow Jesus, and the Buddha, and all the angels and saints, independently of dogma or prescription.
Thanks heavens your are in the world!
Oh dear, you are more than my equal!
My goodness, Holly - your writing just keeps getting better and better.
Im so sorry that you are walking alongside so much pain right now. It is an awful, sacred privilege.
Life can take your breath away with both its absolute glory and its utter cruelty. Thanks for describing the dilemma of having a tender heart.
My friend, I ache with you. Watching suffering in those who we love is a different, powerful pain that echoes their own. Thank you for expressing your deep love in such potent words.
Thank you for this, Holly. You are a good friend. This week, we take another journey to say goodbye to old friends succumbing to cancer, and old age, at the end of their wonderful lives and our special earthly friendship. Your post reminds us of the importance of presence.
Holy crap, that was poignant and heartbreaking and heart-healing. Not just because of the oh-so-sad and oh-so-unfair stories, but because you just summed up Life and Love in the most efficient, beautiful way possible in writing.
I’m breathless from all the sorrow in your life. Sadly that grief, anger, frustration comes to us all at some point, even if we think we’ve solved all the riddles and have all the answers. It’s happening in my family …. Severe mental
Illness in a young family member and the grief of his family, watching my friends who are of an age… become ill, disabled etc.
your statement that even when loved ones are gone that story continues always is such a comfort.
Prayers for strength and peace for your loved ones and for you.💜
Oh Holly, I am so sorry that you and your loved ones are going through such shit. Sending hugs.
Thanks for sharing Holly… so glad you could be there for your friends and family.
I stumbled upon your Substack. You write and express beautifully. At almost 75 I can attest, life is certainly a random cycle of challenge, joy, and sorrow. Peace to you in your journey. 🎭💖
I’m so glad you found me!
Oof. Powerful.
Sending all of the love and strength to you and yours.
Bennacht (Blessing)
On the day when
The weight deadens
On your shoulders
And you stumble,
May the clay dance
To balance you.
And when your eyes
Freeze behind
The grey window
And the ghost of loss
Gets in to you,
May a flock of colours,
Indigo, red, green,
And azure blue,
Come to awaken in you
A meadow of delight.
When the canvas frays
In the currach of thought
And a stain of ocean
Blackens beneath you,
May there come across the waters
A path of yellow moonlight
To bring you safely home.
May the nourishment of the earth be yours,
May the clarity of light be yours,
May the fluency of the ocean be yours,
May the protection of the ancestors be yours.
And so may a slow
Wind work these words
Of love around you,
An invisible cloak
To mind your life.
-- John O'Donohue
Vulnerability can cause great pain.
Being a witness to a friends' suffering or grief is an indescribable gift of love.
I have recently experienced both. Thank you for being vulnerable by witnessing your friends' suffering. I *know* it was a priceless gift to them. (Now take care of yourself.)
Beautiful, bittersweet, humane. Thank you, Holly.
I love your writing.
I am awed by your multiple talents. Earlier, you were offering another piece of your artwork for a fundraiser. And now, you give us this beautiful piece of poetic prose.
Eh, i am fairly mediocre really! Just very energetic i guess?