09/12/2022
A boating tragedy recently rocked my community. A beautiful young 17-year-old girl, loved by many, passed away and another two are still in the hospital fighting for their lives. I am in awe as I have seen so many people outpouring pure love and grace during this time.
In times of grief I often turn to the work Francis Weller. Here are some excerpts from his book, The wild edge of sorrow. And this quote below describes impeccably how this community embodied the love of God directly outpouring onto these families, deep in sorrow.
“Imagine the feeling of relief that would flood our whole being if we knew that when we were in the grip of sorrow or illness, our village would respond to our need. This would not be out of pity, but out of a realization that every one of us will take our turn at being ill, and we will need one another. The indigenous thought is when one of us is ill, all of us are ill. Taking this thought a little further, we see that healing is a matter, in great part, of having our, connections to the community and the cosmos restored. This truth has been acknowledged in many studies. Our immune response is strengthened when we feel our connection with community. By regularly renewing the bonds of belonging, we support our ability to remain healthy and whole.”
Community in times of grief is necessary as is solitude.
I trust these words will find whomever is is need of them. 🙏🏻
Rest In Peace, sweet girl.
