being sad
feeling the loss of a precious smile, the absence of a strong presence
doesn’t erase gratitude
struggling to learn to live in a new reality
doesn’t overshadow the gift of cherished memories
this is the strange truth
that opposites
like despair and relief
absence and presence
loss and gift
joy and sorrow
can co-exist, conjoined, mysteriously meshed
challenging our tendency to divide reality into distinct parts
redefining clarity and wholeness
and coming to rest deep within
as peace
This "strange truth" became my experience in the days and weeks and (now) years following my husband's death. It wasn't either/or, but indeed, a co-existing of seeming opposites, a bit more leaning in this direction now, a bit more leaning in the other direction next. Yes, an opportunity to redefine our habitual patterns...and find peace. Beautifully written, Janie, you have captured the experience of living this duality so well. Julie
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