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| I wasn't alone in my car today. |
So I decided as I drove myself on Route 46 at 4 P.M. to our family appointment that I would not just press on the radio dial and listen to NPR, as I normally would, letting news and interviews, other people's thoughts, fill my mind. I was going to sit in silence in our Honda CR-V--as silent as it can be as you're driving on a busy highway in New Jersey past strip malls, diners and gas stations. I thought silence would help me settle down, sit with and process my feelings.
I soon pretended God was in the passenger seat. I didn't say anything. I just listened. And I heard two important messages: 1. This type of problem can tear families apart. and 2. Certain illnesses carry an unfair stigma. Both of these thoughts came to me from a wise and calm source, from someone with wide-sweeping perspective. Someone like Dad.
And I really liked the idea that I was not alone--both in the car and in the problems.
As for the hard work at the appointment, and it was hard work, I thought of this well-known line:
Whenever two or more of you are gathered in His name, there is love.
Good night.
TCOY
- Jogged 1.5 miles and walked .5 mile with Elly @ Brookdale Park!
- Iced coffee.
- Balanced out the pasta on my plate for dinner with a serving of artichokes.
- Got new reading glasses and a copy of Eating Well Magazine, to curl up and read.
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Hello Alice, I discovered you today--In the back page of a Dec. 2011 Coastal Living Mag. I am at work at the Univ. of Fla.and literally cried when I read your story. It could have been mine too !! I miss my father so much! Growing up on the South Shore of Boston,I traveled down to Bourne where our summer home sat on the edge of a Salt Pond. One that winds its way out into to the ocean- right near the Canal.In your writing I could feel the life I too lived. My Dad had only girls,so all of us had to help repair and rebuild our homes. Cranberry picking--I still have his handmade Maple and Brass Scoop. Quahoging and fishing--I still have a metal basket and 7 foot beach casting rod! My heat thanks you soooo much for the touchstone. When life is hard for your heart at this time , please remember that you have also touched others with your skill of writing and willingness to share those memories. I appreciate you ! Take Care, Drue Tulip-Valerio
ReplyDeleteHi Drue....thank you so much for this lovely note. I really appreciate it. I love hearing the stories about you and your Dad, too, and your sisters....and the cranberry scoop and the quahogs.....the Cape is just such a magical and nurturing place, in its quiet unspoiled beauty. Yesterday, I pictured myself at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary instead of in crowded NJ. Do you still go to the Cape? I hope to get back up there soon once I can get away. Thank you again for writing from Florida. Sincerely, Alice
ReplyDeleteSorry to see that something bad happened recently. I was completely unaware. You hide it so well behind your smiles and laughter. :(
ReplyDeleteHeidi
Hi Heidi. yes, I have to hide it, bury it, put it aside, whatever, so that I can manage to exercise and take other healthy steps. it is very hard to do so. but when i was upset a while back, Patsy suggested not thinking about it just for the hour of boot camp. i think that helps if i can manage it. love alice
ReplyDelete