Misc.-ing in Action
Michael Salinger posted a photoblog covering Wednesday's Lix and Kix poetry extravaganza on the Cleveland Poetics blog (click here to see it). Thanks to my co-host Dianne Borsenik, the friends who attended, everyone who participated in a stellar open mic session, and especially our fine featured poets Robert Miltner, Wendy Shaffer and Jean Brandt! To see my photos from the event, click here.
Yesterday was a rough day in a lot of ways — I've been in a funk, more aware than usual of my (and our) mortality. So much to do, so little time, no chance to ever catch up on all I want to accomplish, and dealing with family and/or friend issues. I decided to take a poetic break and see Russ Vidrick read at Visible Voice Books last night. Allisun Hovater and js makkos also read, followed by a strong open mic — and I was glad I went, not just because of the great poetry.
But I learned last night that my niece's boyfriend Steve died in a car accident yesterday afternoon. He was 19. You can read an article about it here and see how badly his car was damaged here. I'm not posting those links on Facebook since she's my friend there (I'm fairly certain she never reads this blog). Death is always hard on the living, but especially so at 19.... Sigh.
I'll post pics from Visible Voice (and maybe write more) later, if I have the time and inclination.
Yesterday was a rough day in a lot of ways — I've been in a funk, more aware than usual of my (and our) mortality. So much to do, so little time, no chance to ever catch up on all I want to accomplish, and dealing with family and/or friend issues. I decided to take a poetic break and see Russ Vidrick read at Visible Voice Books last night. Allisun Hovater and js makkos also read, followed by a strong open mic — and I was glad I went, not just because of the great poetry.
But I learned last night that my niece's boyfriend Steve died in a car accident yesterday afternoon. He was 19. You can read an article about it here and see how badly his car was damaged here. I'm not posting those links on Facebook since she's my friend there (I'm fairly certain she never reads this blog). Death is always hard on the living, but especially so at 19.... Sigh.
I'll post pics from Visible Voice (and maybe write more) later, if I have the time and inclination.
Posted by Jesus Crisis at 5/22/2010 8:42 AM 
Categories: Miscellaneous
Tags: Robert Miltner Death Visible Voice Allisun Hovater js makkos Russ Vidrick Wendy Shaffer Lix and Kix Jean Brandt
Categories: Miscellaneous
Tags: Robert Miltner Death Visible Voice Allisun Hovater js makkos Russ Vidrick Wendy Shaffer Lix and Kix Jean Brandt
The world is filled with sorrow. All we can do is embrace each day for the precious gift that it is. My father always used to say that no one is promised tomorrow, and I learned that the hard way. That is why I buy my daughter an ice cream every single day. My son's second Christmas was also their last and I had made a big production of baking hundreds of cookies. I didn't put any limits on how many they could have. I am so glad I did that now.
Reply to this
Leaving a prayer and warm hug for you and your family John... what tragic news.
Glad the reading acted as a welcome break...
Reply to this
oh god...i am so sorry to hear this....xxoo
Reply to this
Death always has a way of making us contemplate our own mortality. We wonder when it will be our time or if we'll accomplish our goals (no matter how impossible). Sometimes, when someone dies too soon we are overcome with grief and absorb ourselves in the "Why?". As Isaac Asimov said, "Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome."
I recently experienced this a couple weeks ago when a friend's child, age 12 (the same age as my son) died unexpectedly. One day he was fine, the next day he was gone. My only saving grace is knowing I have my son...but the "what if" kept creeping in and I would find myself drowning in sorrow again.
Now my son's grandmother is clinging to life...still... It's been like a Chinese water torture...slow drip of life slipping away every day for over a month now. It's been extremely depressing around here lately. But there is something. Life does go on all around you and it should be lived to the fullest. If life didn't throw in a ray of sunshine or a cool breeze...a dragonfly buzzing by...and the wind chimes playing whimsically in unison down my street and an honest "I love you" from my son, I would fall apart easily. In there is a reason to smile. A reason to get up in the morning. Sometimes you have to focus on the little things. They're much bigger than they seem.
I realized this when my Father passed away. We were being driven to the funeral home and I saw people outside the window doing the usual mowing of the lawn, the kids were playing, and no one seemed to care that my Father was gone and it pissed me off. I realized it wasn't that they didn't care, it's just that they didn't know because they weren't a part of our lives no matter how much I wanted them to be at that moment. The world wasn't going to stop because my Father died. But MY world did. My world changed but life goes on. You can either live it or let it live you. Personally, I prefer living. Screw the self-imposed impossible expectations! One day at a time to the fullest! On my own terms...
My heart goes out to you and your family at such a great time of sorrow. You know where to find me if you ever need a shoulder to lean on.
Warmest hugs,
Stacey
Reply to this
great advice Stacey... especially..."you can either live (life) or have it live you."
Reply to this
It's a quote by me. I guess you can consider it the Tao of Stacey M. Maybe I'll write a book of Stacey-isms...ha!
Reply to this
I neglected to say that I am very sorry for your family's loss. The loss of a child, of any young person, has to be the worst sorrow there is.
Reply to this