Instructions on how to mourn from a 7-year-old: Stomp around the Redwoods. Gaze up at them. Notice their height and swaying. Your mom will say, “Do you have any questions about death?” Ignore her and keep walking. When you are sitting in a field to rest, ask her, “Do you think that tears fall down even if you’re doing a handstand?”
Perhaps life is simply another fallen log balance beam. Always leap at the end. Something, even if it's the underbrush of memories you've left inside others (which I just learned is also known as "the O horizon"!), will catch you.
This stirs up so much. The fourth big-hearted woman in my circles to die these past weeks, "not of COVID," but surely affected by the energy of these sickness times . Plus children creating their own rituals for mourning. We sure do need them. I learned a few years ago that my ancestors in "New England," the ones who are called "Founders," considered mourning a sin--it meant you were questioning God's will. I think that's why some of us have no traditions for dealing with grief. We need to rediscover them and we need to learn from the 7-year-olds. Thank you for this beautiful story, Courtney.
The swaying trees remind of the ancient Hebrews swaying as they prayed. I suppose children have always known how to mourn when their wise and loving parents gave space for them to do so. What better place than the woods?
Thank you for sharing. I am so sad for you, for her, for all who knew her. And your sharing helps me, through the welling of tears, process bits of what I have been holding... so many things.
Oh Courtney, I am so sorry to hear this. Nature is the best place to take this sense of loss and mourn. She holds us in her arms when our hearts are breaking.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Courtney -- and wish peace for the loss felt by so many this teacher touched. Thank you for sharing about her amazingness and how you and your family are facing it all.
Perhaps life is simply another fallen log balance beam. Always leap at the end. Something, even if it's the underbrush of memories you've left inside others (which I just learned is also known as "the O horizon"!), will catch you.
It is the anger of: too soon. It is the joy of: to have known her at all. I love the way you captured this with words. I'm sorry she's gone.
Yes daughter, tears do fall down even when you’re doing a headstand. They also climb back up into your heart to rest and later blossom.
Sending extra love to you all today Courtney ❤️
This stirs up so much. The fourth big-hearted woman in my circles to die these past weeks, "not of COVID," but surely affected by the energy of these sickness times . Plus children creating their own rituals for mourning. We sure do need them. I learned a few years ago that my ancestors in "New England," the ones who are called "Founders," considered mourning a sin--it meant you were questioning God's will. I think that's why some of us have no traditions for dealing with grief. We need to rediscover them and we need to learn from the 7-year-olds. Thank you for this beautiful story, Courtney.
my heart breaks for all who knew this wonderful woman. and, always, thank you for using your words in such profound ways
The swaying trees remind of the ancient Hebrews swaying as they prayed. I suppose children have always known how to mourn when their wise and loving parents gave space for them to do so. What better place than the woods?
I am so sorry, Courtney.
I'm so sorry.
love you
Oh golly. The woods. And you all. Love, S
Heart-wrenching but so beautifully written.
Thank you for sharing. I am so sad for you, for her, for all who knew her. And your sharing helps me, through the welling of tears, process bits of what I have been holding... so many things.
Oh Courtney, I am so sorry to hear this. Nature is the best place to take this sense of loss and mourn. She holds us in her arms when our hearts are breaking.
Thank you for this beautiful remembrance and tribute to all teachers who listen and love and give. 7 year olds have so much to teach us.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Courtney -- and wish peace for the loss felt by so many this teacher touched. Thank you for sharing about her amazingness and how you and your family are facing it all.
Sadness. Tears. Unambiguous loss.
Sorry for everyone’s loss.