We always tell each other, don't take things for granted. Be grateful for all you have. Always be brave. We say these things to each other. All of us, well, most of humanity. We mostly live by these rules. We say these things and as much as we mean it we sometimes forget. Sometimes we get a bit caught up or caught off guard by life.
All month long I sliced mostly about things we lost in the fire. I threw in a slight deviation here and there while sticking to my "not my" theme. What I never said was that there was a lot more that could have been lost in those wee hours of the night back in November of 2016. I didn't mention all the "what if" statements I've wondered about over the past several months. I certainly never think, gosh, what if I could have saved that mug or what if I could have snapped a quick picture of the wall in my kitchen with all the little growth marks on it. I never think of those, "what if" statements. It's the horrifying "what if" that I think about.
Regardless, I'm lucky. I'm grateful. I'm brave. For all these reasons and so many more. My amazing parents, in-laws, sister, and all my extended family beyond.
You have bravely told the story of loss of things, tangible and intangible things that were a part of your life before the November tragedy. One of the things I have learned through my own story of loss is that it is OK, perhaps even good, to acknowledge that this has been and is hard for all of you. But, we are all glad that those you loved more than any "thing" are with you on this journey.
ReplyDeleteYour slice made me teary.So thankful the "what ifs" didn't happen.
ReplyDeleteYou have so many things for which to be thankful!! You ARE brave!!
ReplyDeleteIt takes courage to write about loss. When we write up close to an issue, it frequently reveals our very best words. There is an honesty that shines through. May you continue to be a brave writer Betsy.
ReplyDeleteYou wrote bravely all month long. You thought through and wrote the tough stuff. But this one...this is the heart of it all. I'm thankful that the what ifs didn't happen and thankful for the reminder to never take things for granted. Hugs
ReplyDeleteI just went back and read some of your other posts that I'd missed over the course of the month. What a powerful theme you created through the repetition of not my. I'm glad it wasn't the what if that was repeated in the posts, although I am sure it's repeated in your head. Your family is beautiful, Betsy, and there will be time to replace shoes, find rocks in your own driveway, and linger along YOUR drive to work in the morning. You've done an awesome job of cherishing what really matters.
ReplyDeleteSo glad those "what ifs" that you write about are only "what ifs".
ReplyDeleteThis slice, like all of your slices, and all of the encouragement you have given to me personally has been life enriching. I included an additional small thank you on my final blog posting, but once again I appreciate you so much.
ReplyDeleteMe again. Thank you for sharing from your heart. I came back to read every slice.
ReplyDeleteYour family is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI think your "what if" statements were implied...or at least I thought them....
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