Thank you. You made the fire’s hunger real. Justin was a guardian. We live and reflect that of which we become guardians. Great story. Ripping writing.
I loved the gentle trajector of tenderness toward the trees, land, this beautiful dog, and in the end, even the bear. A difficult thing, to tell a story of loss in a way that prepares the reader to hold the grief with you - thank you for showing us how it's done.
Your words carry us across time and space, and allow us to touch into something timeless and sacred. Beautiful Justin. Beautiful trees. Beautiful raven. Thank you for this dose of beauty!!! So refreshing and necessary.
I met your beloved Justin when a small group of us on a nearby music retreat stayed at your paradise in the woods. Justin was a beautiful guardian as you describe, and I also remember him as a warm and welcoming greeter upon our arrival. I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for navigating the grief with deep introspection. It helps all of us to see how we might find a way through, when we experience the inevitable partings of loved ones.
Oh Diane, I am weeping with you, again. Thank you for weaving so much life and death together in this beautiful tribute to it all, and to Justin. Holding your chants and your mantras...
threw my arms around its wide, solid girth and wept
My good, guardian dog
The soul is not in the body. The body is in the soul.
Living with and through heartbreak, once again... and allowing that to work you...again. Your courageous "yes" to what is brings new life to you and us. Love to you, Diane.
Tremendously powerful, moving storytelling, Diane. Your grief feels like my grief, it is so present and palpable. What a poignant witnessing of the natural world, honoring its complexity while exploring our place in it. Thank you for taking me on this sacred journey with you!
Thank you. You made the fire’s hunger real. Justin was a guardian. We live and reflect that of which we become guardians. Great story. Ripping writing.
I loved the gentle trajector of tenderness toward the trees, land, this beautiful dog, and in the end, even the bear. A difficult thing, to tell a story of loss in a way that prepares the reader to hold the grief with you - thank you for showing us how it's done.
Thankyou Susan for such affirming feedback
Diane, thank you for this - taking me on this sacred journey. The tears dripping down my checks are those of gratitude.
Your words carry us across time and space, and allow us to touch into something timeless and sacred. Beautiful Justin. Beautiful trees. Beautiful raven. Thank you for this dose of beauty!!! So refreshing and necessary.
I met your beloved Justin when a small group of us on a nearby music retreat stayed at your paradise in the woods. Justin was a beautiful guardian as you describe, and I also remember him as a warm and welcoming greeter upon our arrival. I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for navigating the grief with deep introspection. It helps all of us to see how we might find a way through, when we experience the inevitable partings of loved ones.
This is magnificent, Diane. Thank you.
Oh Diane, I am weeping with you, again. Thank you for weaving so much life and death together in this beautiful tribute to it all, and to Justin. Holding your chants and your mantras...
Good mantras to hold!
Echoes:
I would like that,” I said, unapologetically
burned through underground roots
united my sorrow to losses across the planet
undigested pain in my chest
threw my arms around its wide, solid girth and wept
My good, guardian dog
The soul is not in the body. The body is in the soul.
Living with and through heartbreak, once again... and allowing that to work you...again. Your courageous "yes" to what is brings new life to you and us. Love to you, Diane.
Thanks Chris! You remember our beautiful guardians! Thanks for the echoes...and the witnessing.
Thank you for taking me on this sacred journey.
Tremendously powerful, moving storytelling, Diane. Your grief feels like my grief, it is so present and palpable. What a poignant witnessing of the natural world, honoring its complexity while exploring our place in it. Thank you for taking me on this sacred journey with you!