(no subject)

[catelin]

For days now, I've been muted by the sorrow I feel at the losses that several people I care for deeply are in the midst of enduring. I have sat down to write something so many times, hoping that if I thought about it hard enough the right words would come. The right words---the ones that will unroll gently as rice paper to offer a magical balance of soothing strength and understanding, the words that will honor what I can only watch from a distance. I've wanted to do something, to send something, to call---to do something, anything to give some ease to people I love. Nothing seemed appropriate, nothing seemed enough. Everything I could think of to offer comfort seemed so small, so insignificant. I told myself that I would wait. I would wait until I knew the right thing to do, the thing that would have meaning beyond the borders of my own words. And today, I know the right thing. I know the right thing because of the words you both shared this morning, about a daughter singing her mother to heaven. Tonight I will lay my favorite blanket out under the stars in my circle of trees and I will sing. I will sing the songs my grandmothers taught me, defiant and joyful songs born in Appalachia long ago to people who traveled oceans and mountains. I will sing the spirituals that weave us southern folk together in all sorts of complicated ways. I will sing the old cowboy songs that my great uncle taught me to conjure visions of open plains and cool rivers. I will sing the songs that have meaning to me, the songs of my tribe. I will join in singing your mother to heaven, Lisa; and I will sing for Leo's mother, and Velma's mother. I will sing for my grandmothers. I will sing and hope that my small voice will grow large and find its place in the sky, in the sky that we all share, to mark the journeys of your beloved.

Comments

[frawst.livejournal.com]

Yes.

[iamkatia.livejournal.com]

Yes.

I, too, will sing.

[catelin.livejournal.com]

My voice will join yours in the sky, Katia. Wonderful. : )

[mylastsigh.livejournal.com]

out of sorrow comes these beautiful words and visions

[lacyunderall.livejournal.com]

you make me want to be a better human, cate.

[justamy.livejournal.com]

donna's already the most amazing human i know, but i know how she feels.

[catelin.livejournal.com]

Ditto, sister. And I second what Amy says! : )

[jourdannex.livejournal.com]

I agree with this statement completely. This is what you do for us, and so much more. Sing we will.

[ex-blurt634.livejournal.com]

Hallelujah.

[cathead9.livejournal.com]

Thank you, Cate. I'll sing too.........

[catelin.livejournal.com]

I can't think of a better duet partner, Lisa. Thank you. I'll be thinking of your mom as well tonight.

[wanderlustlover]

You are so amazing.

[catelin.livejournal.com]

We all are. : ) You and your mom have been on my mind as well.

[kenhighcountry.livejournal.com]

I love you, Cate.
Thank you.

[anoisblue.livejournal.com]

When I read this post today, I could feel warmth spreading through my body like warm water after being out in the cold. I was so moved by it, I couldn't find words to say. Reading again, I think how beautiful it is, you are. Thank you, Cate.

[catelin.livejournal.com]

Lisa, I just got the book today. That you thought to do this in the middle of everything else you've been dealing with says so much and I am truly humbled by it. Love to you, Lisa. Love and so much more.

C.

Re:

[anoisblue.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad you got it. I wanted to get it to you before you move! I wish I had much more time so I could keep up with your big adventure right now. Your life is changing in big beautiful ways. Please don't forget to send me your new address? I'm feeling the need to write "real" lettters for awhile. Do you know?

[joeyhemlock.livejournal.com]

Hello, new friend. This was a great first entry to read! I look forward to reading more... :)

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[chachachana.livejournal.com]

I am bawling in the internet cafè.

Thank you.