Unexpected Joy and Excruciating Sorrow

"I am leaving, but I am living."

Cassandra Clare

When I moved to Nashville, Tennessee, a few years ago, my head was filled with visions of book festivals, flea markets, art shows, and creative opportunities.  Little did I know of the tornadoes that would pass through, impacting living arrangements, followed by isolation triggered by Covid.

As I unpacked my belongings, I truly believed it was my last move, that only death would prompt additional  downsizing of my possessions.  It felt as though life had come full circle, forgetting that the only constant in life is change.

So now I choose to return to where I have previously lived, hoping to reenter my sacred circle of friends who enlighten, encourage, and truly 'see' me.  I have learned that opportunities have less meaning if there is no one to witness unexpected joy or excruciating sorrow.

The Choice Was Ours

"We live and breathe words ... "

Cassandra Clare

Christmas arrived dressed very differently and made an exit certainly not up to parr with the past.  In the evening I sat with the Holiday cards I had saved just for this purpose.  It seemed like more people sent cards this year in an attempt to at least announce maintaining their health.

One couple explained how they came to terms with not having a "Christmas" this year.  Their adult children were not traveling and fellow friends were keeping the holiday simple.  They accepted there wasn't any Christmas, so they were determined to create an entirely new day. It was time spent one on one celebrating the many joys they had experienced over the years.

It all comes down to choice.  We could either sit in our darkness with depressing words or we we could create new ways of communication to brighten our space.  Perhaps the newly defined day would never compare to previous holidays, but it still could shine with newly made memories.  The choice was ours.