4 Comments

We often focus on the joy aspect of love, but ignore its element of sadness/grief.

Love is only complete when both joy and sadness are present. The deeper the sadness, the more profound the love.

Thank you for this wonderful, beautiful post, Dawn. It brings me such serenity.

With Gratitude...

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Thank you, Andy. Your words resonate deeply. And they also make me think of the film Inside Out... I think Pixar may need Joy and Sadness to create an offspring called Love in Inside Out 2;)

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Thank you for sharing this most thought-provoking and grief acknowledging piece. It is beautiful to see how your love and admiration for your father continues to grow and flourish over the years, even though his physical body is unable to walk side-by-side with you here and now. He was an extraordinary man indeed and the apples from his tree did not fall far from his trunk💝

Just recognizing we carry grief at different stages of healing is so important! Being able to acknowledge it, shine light on it, share it and explore its contours can help so much towards healing it, similar to the broken leg!

Like you said, grief never seems to completely go away but in its many phases and stages of healing, becomes manageable and even a source of strength, understanding and insight to help us in our work with others.

Thank you Dawn for your beautiful gift of introspection and insight and your courage to share it openly with those who are listening and those pretending not to listen.

You are greatly loved,

Mary Alden

Beacon Light Doulas LLC

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Thank you, Mary. Thank you for your deep listening and ever-present embracing presence. Your ability to sit with and “see” the invisible injury of grief is at the core of the critical care essential for supporting resilient healing.

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