Day ? of the pandemic.

Just a bit of peace. But down below, as well

A day of reality checks.

The purpose of these blog posts has been to remind my own fragile self, and perhaps a few others, that there is beauty, grace, and comfort to be found in the (sometimes silly) things of daily life, in spite of everything.

I’m going to keep doing that, even so.

However, I also want to hold space (as my friend Sister Rita says) for the understandable chaos and pain and grief and confusion of this bizarre moment, in spite of everything.

I have descended into the muck more than a few times over the past while. Can’t deny it. And I’m one of the absurdly, undeservedly, lucky people in the world. I know that, even so.

So, if you, too, are feeling wobbly (as my friend Susan A. says), or if you’re so sad as a friend from the UK is, because something she wanted to do for someone she loves simply isn’t going to happen in this stupid season, or if you, like more friends than I want to name, are grieving the death of friends-and-relations and worrying yourself into a migraine about others… well, that’s just as it should be. There would be something wrong with your good hearts if you weren’t feeling this way, but hoping still, in spite of everything.

Not the fishing boy, but my Best Beloveds, both of them.

But, right now, I want to tell you, there was a young boy fishing in the river today and although he caught nothing, he was still so perfectly engaged, for sublimely himself, with rod and reel and the balance of his feet on the slippery rock, even so.

And just now, a mixed-race family sauntered down the lane, laughing and kicking stones, so full of love and grace it makes my heart glow with gratitude, in spite of everything.

Stay safe, Beloveds. Let me know how you’re doing.