Courtney, this is an important and impactful story, and I thank you for sharing it. I noticed a million precious details and meanings as I read, but what filled my hope bucket the most was towards the end, when you described neighborhood walks with your dad: "I have learned to leave the theology and philosophy behind, and instead talk on…
Courtney, this is an important and impactful story, and I thank you for sharing it. I noticed a million precious details and meanings as I read, but what filled my hope bucket the most was towards the end, when you described neighborhood walks with your dad: "I have learned to leave the theology and philosophy behind, and instead talk only about the concrete things right in front of us—that beautiful tree, that little crew of baby quails, that Little Free Library that has so many vintage botany books." I liked how, amidst a season defined by loss and longing and change, those walks create an opportunity to tend to the moment at hand, the corporeal and concrete surroundings, the evolving experience of being together now. And now. And now. And now.
Yes--thank you for seeing this! I'm amazed at how spiritual it feels, like all the mindfulness my dad modeled through his Buddhist identity all those years is our sole focus now by necessity.
Courtney, this is an important and impactful story, and I thank you for sharing it. I noticed a million precious details and meanings as I read, but what filled my hope bucket the most was towards the end, when you described neighborhood walks with your dad: "I have learned to leave the theology and philosophy behind, and instead talk only about the concrete things right in front of us—that beautiful tree, that little crew of baby quails, that Little Free Library that has so many vintage botany books." I liked how, amidst a season defined by loss and longing and change, those walks create an opportunity to tend to the moment at hand, the corporeal and concrete surroundings, the evolving experience of being together now. And now. And now. And now.
Yes--thank you for seeing this! I'm amazed at how spiritual it feels, like all the mindfulness my dad modeled through his Buddhist identity all those years is our sole focus now by necessity.
You've captured the loss and the consolation that translates to some level of hope..