Last Friday I sent my newsletter as usual. Bright and early. Then I disappeared. Didn’t read a single comment, much less reply, which is totally unlike me. Sometimes, one phone call can turn your world upside down.
No need to fret, Linda. Life takes precedence over everything else. I'm so sorry that sadness has struck just when we count on a little joy and calm to keep us going.
I love your thoughts today. It speaks of a generosity of spirit when I'm sure you'd rather just curl up into a ball and wish it all away.
Thanks, Ramona. Sometimes we just need to do exactly that. Curl up into a ball and wish it all away. If only that worked. But we muddle through best we can.
Loss, just doesn't seem to own a watch or know what day of the month it is. It steps into our lives on its own schedule. I'm sorry to hear that loss paid you a visit last week - sorry indeed. But you're not alone. We know what you're going through, and that the pain, though great at first, lessens bit by bit over time. Take care, enjoy the rest of the season as best you can and be assured, you're in our thoughts & prayers.
Thanks, Joe. It's such a shame we can't bargain or offer up a trade. I would have willingly offered to trade a few more of my years to have just a little longer but it doesn't work that way. Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. I could use them.
Oh Linda! I’m so, so sorry. Grief and I are well acquainted. December 26th is the 8th anniversary of learning of my late husband’s terminal cancer. Then this past year my sister who was also my best friend died. There’s no Christmas tree up this year. I’ve been too sad. Too raw. Thank you for the holiday wishes in this very hard time. You mean a lot to me too. Sending you a big hug from chilly Austin TX.
I can relate, Kerry. The first Christmas of Covid we lost Mom. I will never forget walking out of the hospital crying while Silver Bells played in the background. I am so sorry you lost your sister this year. Sending hugs back from the frozen north. -45 here and it seems fitting.
Oh, Linda. I wrote a long comment and it disappeared. So here we go again. (Apologies if two show up) Hugs first of all. I get grief. Lost two dear friends this year to cancer, including my best friend who was like a sister. The best advice I received from a grief counselor was this: trust the Process. Pain sucks. Grieving seems even more endless than our tears. But running from it only delays healing. Take care. Be gentle w/ yourself. xoox
Indeed, they both showed up so I got double hugs. I don't even know how to run. I am more the crumple and cry sort. I am sorry for your losses this year, too. Cancer is awful. Just awful. xo
Oh, hugs, my friend. I too am well acquainted with grief. Lost two close friends, including my bestie, this past year. Take care. Be gentle with yourself. And here's the best advice I ever received from a grief counselor after a long relationship died due to betrayal: Trust the Process. It's sucks. It's so painful. But running from it, from grieving, simply doesn't 'work.' xoxo
Wrap yourself in the comfort of so many thoughts and words flowing across this virtual space. Despite the cruelty of loss and pain in our lives, I am always heartened by the generosity and kindness of the human spirit. On my Christmas Eve star, I wish for you peace and time to heal. Those of us who admire your work and wait for your insights will still be here.
Oh Linda - I'm so sorry. I lost someone special a couple of weeks ago myself and you're right - the world just has to stop for a while so you can get your bearings. I've been working on a piece about grief just to help me get through. I hope you have a warm, safe holiday surrounded by love. You know all of us will be thinking about you.
Dec 23, 2022·edited Dec 23, 2022Liked by Linda Caroll
Merry Christmas, Linda! I'm sorry you had a rough week. I'll keep an eye out for the stars- if there's an upside to arctic blasts, it's that there's usually plenty of them in the night sky.
Sending you a warm hug for the holidays, Linda. I don't know who you lost but I understand. Your newsletter is the least of your concerns, I'm sure.
May you find peace and comfort in whatever you're dealing with right now ❤️ 🙏
Thanks, Kristi. I know you do, for sure. Hope your holiday season has peace and hugs. Maybe a walk in nature with your doggie. xo
No need to fret, Linda. Life takes precedence over everything else. I'm so sorry that sadness has struck just when we count on a little joy and calm to keep us going.
I love your thoughts today. It speaks of a generosity of spirit when I'm sure you'd rather just curl up into a ball and wish it all away.
Wishing you peace and a better new year. ❤️️
Thanks, Ramona. Sometimes we just need to do exactly that. Curl up into a ball and wish it all away. If only that worked. But we muddle through best we can.
Loss, just doesn't seem to own a watch or know what day of the month it is. It steps into our lives on its own schedule. I'm sorry to hear that loss paid you a visit last week - sorry indeed. But you're not alone. We know what you're going through, and that the pain, though great at first, lessens bit by bit over time. Take care, enjoy the rest of the season as best you can and be assured, you're in our thoughts & prayers.
Thanks, Joe. It's such a shame we can't bargain or offer up a trade. I would have willingly offered to trade a few more of my years to have just a little longer but it doesn't work that way. Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. I could use them.
Oh Linda! I’m so, so sorry. Grief and I are well acquainted. December 26th is the 8th anniversary of learning of my late husband’s terminal cancer. Then this past year my sister who was also my best friend died. There’s no Christmas tree up this year. I’ve been too sad. Too raw. Thank you for the holiday wishes in this very hard time. You mean a lot to me too. Sending you a big hug from chilly Austin TX.
I can relate, Kerry. The first Christmas of Covid we lost Mom. I will never forget walking out of the hospital crying while Silver Bells played in the background. I am so sorry you lost your sister this year. Sending hugs back from the frozen north. -45 here and it seems fitting.
Oh, Linda. I wrote a long comment and it disappeared. So here we go again. (Apologies if two show up) Hugs first of all. I get grief. Lost two dear friends this year to cancer, including my best friend who was like a sister. The best advice I received from a grief counselor was this: trust the Process. Pain sucks. Grieving seems even more endless than our tears. But running from it only delays healing. Take care. Be gentle w/ yourself. xoox
Indeed, they both showed up so I got double hugs. I don't even know how to run. I am more the crumple and cry sort. I am sorry for your losses this year, too. Cancer is awful. Just awful. xo
Oh, hugs, my friend. I too am well acquainted with grief. Lost two close friends, including my bestie, this past year. Take care. Be gentle with yourself. And here's the best advice I ever received from a grief counselor after a long relationship died due to betrayal: Trust the Process. It's sucks. It's so painful. But running from it, from grieving, simply doesn't 'work.' xoxo
Love and hugs, Sister.🎄
Thanks, Margie.
Wrap yourself in the comfort of so many thoughts and words flowing across this virtual space. Despite the cruelty of loss and pain in our lives, I am always heartened by the generosity and kindness of the human spirit. On my Christmas Eve star, I wish for you peace and time to heal. Those of us who admire your work and wait for your insights will still be here.
Thank you Kathryn, I appreciate that. I know that sense of peace is out there, it's just not in here. Not yet. One day.
Merry Christmas, Linda. The best gift is time with those we love, for sure. I'm sorry for your loss. Wishing you much joy in the new year.
Thank you Denise. Wishing the same to you.
Linda, I'm sorry for your loss. Wow, even during times of tragedy, you're such an inspirational writer. Happy holidays to you and those you love.
What a nice thing to say, Karen. Thank you.
Thank you Linda. It was a beautiful letter
Thanks, Nalini. I appreciate that.
Please take care. Prayers and positive energies.
Thank you, Subramani. I can use all of those you can offer.
YOU are important to many of us here in this virtual world. Your holiday wishes to us were SO beautiful. Thank you.
Life is sometimes hard. Sounds like last week was hard for you. Hang in there, with whatever is causing pain, heartache, the radio silence.
Glad that you are back. No apologies really needed, but are appreciated.
Wishing you peace and a lightened heart in this holiday season.
Thanks, Linda. Loss is crazy hard and all the good wishes do my heart good. Thank you and hope the holiday season is peaceful in your home.
Oh Linda - I'm so sorry. I lost someone special a couple of weeks ago myself and you're right - the world just has to stop for a while so you can get your bearings. I've been working on a piece about grief just to help me get through. I hope you have a warm, safe holiday surrounded by love. You know all of us will be thinking about you.
It does, and thank you Vanessa.
Sorry for your loss, Linda. Your holiday message is perfect--it's all about those gathered around the tree. Keep writing and I'll be there.
Thanks, Carol. I appreciate you.
Merry Christmas, Linda! I'm sorry you had a rough week. I'll keep an eye out for the stars- if there's an upside to arctic blasts, it's that there's usually plenty of them in the night sky.
I can relate to artic blasts. It's -45 here and feels strangely fitting.
Seems weird to like any sentence with “-45” in it, but here we are. Only -4 where I’m at. Feels like a heat wave comparatively.
Yes, -4 would be balmy by comparison for sure!