Let’s leave the world aside for a minute.
In the last days of the era the Gregorian calendar (Wikipedia tells me it was first introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582) calls 2024, I am thinking that even if I had heard nothing of world or national events this year, I’d still have learned something. It’s kind of embarrassing to write, so, a few data points first.
In the peer grief counseling volunteering I’ve done, often times people just want company–the sound of someone else’s voice, the shape of someone else’s face.
In the years since my mom died, although in her lifetime we were not close, I’ve missed her company. Not her efforts at care and feeding, but the feel of her fine hair, the softness of the skin over her cheekbones against mine, her little voice. When she was alive, despite our differences, I always felt comfort in simply hearing her walk from one end of her house to the other.
Mom, those of you who read this blog in the early days will remember, always said, A Simple Thank You Will Suffice. It meant, I think, voice gratitude without furbelows. Might work for presence too.
Let’s try it. Simple presence can suffice.
Besides, as I’ve probably said here before, my adult children once told me that while they appreciated my mind, they’d be happy if I just showed up with hugs and words of comfort.
I might have taken umbrage at this. Am I just a creature? Is my heartbeat all you need of me? But also, it could be a song. I am just a creature. My heartbeat is all you need of me. Because the next line is something like my breath is your grace and my own.
Well. That’s a lotta awe and folderol for a Saturday morning, but I guess I mean we don’t always have to work hard to warrant our stay on Earth. You never know who you might be comforting by reading a book and slurping ginger tea; your slow but constant heart rate may serve others.
Have a wonderful weekend.
