We shake with joy, we shake with grief.
What a time they have, these two
housed as they are in the same body.
- Mary Oliver
I had to cancel a trip to Paris with my oldest friends. Grief.
I have friends who will spend time and money to travel together. Joy.
My dad doesn't always know who I am. Grief.
My dad called me "doll" last week, something I haven't heard in a long time. Joy.
Many folks in my community are jobless and worried right now. Grief.
Our community is finding new ways to love and support one another. Joy.
I will eat meals alone for the foreseeable future. Grief.
I have time and resources to try new recipes and enjoy the process of cooking. Joy.
Grief was with me long before this slowdown. Joy as well. I still don't know how the two fit together, exactly. But I don't need to know, at least not right now.
Thank you for sharing. I had to cancel a trip to see my best friend in Seattle. I’ve learned (probably temporarily) not to put off the things that will bring me great joy.