27 Comments

I am so sorry, my friend. Grief is hard. Facebook -- ungh! Blarg!

Grief is the beaded curtain or the sprinkler that hits you when you didn't expect it. It flits across you and suddenly you are in a different room. You are soaking wet. You are wrecked or changed or exactly the same. Such a journey. Love you, my new friend, from afar.

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Love you, too, friend. I know you know grief. XO

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Your definition of grief is it! Such a metaphor you have created and one I can totally relate to. I have copied it down and may I use it in one of my blog posts on my website? Of course, giving you full credit? Thank you for letting me know, Julia. I believe so many will relate as I have. 🩵

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I love this piece, and very much relate. I'm a 56 year old lesbian living with my partner of 26 years. We are outraged, disgusted, and so confused by people, some close friends we both have, who, support Trump. I have also lost both parents, so grief is unfortunately a part of my life too. I love how you write and look forward to continuing to read more! 😊

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Thank you so much, Lisa. Wishing you and your partner some peace and joy during these tumultuous times. XO

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Standing right there with you. One step after another is really the only way through. xo

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Standing with you, too, friend. Holding your hand. XO

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The way you love your people is really beautiful. Really, really beautiful.

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And I should add that I've loved badly, too. But I'm trying to do better every day. <3

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Haven’t we all. Trying to do better is the most beautiful part.

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That is such a lovely thing to say, my friend. Thank you. <3

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Katrina, oh, that picture of the two of you. My heart feels yours and this has just been a tsunami of so much grief and loss. May you find a moment or two to inhale when it doesn't hurt to and a huge exhale of what is not yours to hold. So grateful for your vulnerability and continuing to share these matters of your heart. They are landing right where they need to on mine. Mahalo nui loa. 💜

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Thank you so much, Joanie. Your words are always such a balm to me. XO

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Hi Katrina, I'm on the same struggle bus as you. I am a former Christian, and I don't recognize my Christian friends who support the former president. I once had a yoga teacher who told us to treat everyone with unconditional positive regard. I can usually do that with my students, but outside in the real world it is a challenge, especially on Facebook, especially behind the pick up truck with the gun bumper stickers, and especially when I see the Trump parades around town. We are all in the same boat, and I see you!

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Oh, the pickup trucks with the bumper stickers and flags. It's so hard, isn't it? I try to see the best in everyone, but it's really, really challenging with the Trump supporters. I just don't understand those hearts. When I see friends arguing about whether or not VP Harris flipped the script on her stance on issues, I think... How does that even matter when the other choice is a rapist?

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I am so sorry you are having that feeling with community and friends, have been there and it’s lump in the throat, shock stuff…. Hang in there with your beautiful positive attitude and good for you for getting outside and smiling at the world! Keep it moving!!! 🤍🫶

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Lump in the throat, shock stuff is such a great description. That's exactly how it feels when you find out they're not who you thought they were. I'm sorry you've been there, too, and I hope things are better for you now. XO

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I appreciate and applaud your resolute and determined spirit at the end. I'm sure you made someone's day with an unexpected smile. I am sorry for what you are experiencing with your stepdad. My grief this summer is something different, but I understand (as so many do) the risk of being swallowed. I am glad that not everyone finds themselves alone in these times. The added angst of the facebook comments is something I am sure you are better off without!

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Thank you, Amy. I'm sending you lots of strength and support to get through the grief you are experiencing. Our grieving itself may be different, but it's a human experience for us all. XO

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I walk in spirit beside you. I’m grateful everyday that I still have Michelle.

We lost our little family (the only ties to our childhood, Mom, Dad & Uncle) all within 6 months time. It almost took us under. So know that I walk beside you and I have good shoulders for crying on.

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The month I lost my mom, I also lost an uncle and a cousin. I understand how so much loss can threaten to take you under. I'm so happy you and Michelle still have each other, too. XO

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I love you so very much friend. I'm so sorry for all that you're enduring right now. Sending you a big hug and hope for many more brighter days ahead <3

Here if you need an ear or shoulder or someone to yell at others ;) Xoxo

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I might call on you to do some yelling for me at some point. ;) I'm the world's best conflict avoider. Love you so much, friend. XO

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I understand and sympathize. I will never forget when my mother said to me "I know you are Risë, but how did you come to be my daughter?".

The pictures help with the good memories, which are what we need to be able to put one foot in front of the other for the rest of our time here.

Blessings on you and yours.

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I’m so sorry for the pain you went through with your mother. It’s so hard to watch them slip away. Sending lots of love. ❤️

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Sending hugs to all ❤️❤️❤️

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Be assured there are so many who have walked parts, at least, of this same path you find before and behind you. We too know your loss; friends, family, colleagues. But we too know that forward with a soul braced toward love and acceptance is the better path. Shalom.

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