Jane, I very much enjoyed this post and can empathize. As you know, my mother passed in September and while she had been in declining health she went quickly due to COVID. During the shutdown, we Facetimed daily between 3 and 4 PM. Even now, four months later, at about 3 PM I think of calling her. Somedays it brings a tear; others a smile at the image of her wrapped up in God's loving arms. Her phone is now sitting in my living room, but I leave it plugged in. I'm not ready to unplug her phone just yet! As you know a famous politician once said "all politics is local"...I say, "all grief is personal" and there's no right or wrong way or time to grieve. All the best, Fr. Bernie
I hope you are okay that one of my blogs named you. And you are such a fantastic writer - I hope you find a way to share your thoughts at some point. During my quick departure from Mass one day the most validating thing Fr. John said was something to the effect of "It's awful, right?" It was very validating to know that painful grief & faith are compatible.
I am truely moved by your posts. I can't help but think about grief and how it washes over and moments we least expect it...those moments that are at it's most simple and the moments we take for granted. I love this prayer from St Teresa of Avila: May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.
It must have been very hard for you Jane to go with Chuck shopping in order to not run into people and have conversations.
Your mother was probably the most famous shopper at Price chopper in North Adams. I'm sure it took her a very long long time to get anything because she knew just about everybody in that place and would always stop and have a conversation.
Personally, I think, toss out rules one through three and go back to your mother's rules about going to the grocery store. Just about all those folks you're going to run into truly, truly wish you well and it's a great encouragement.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on what you're going through. I've been thinking about you and the girls and wondering how it's going.
You, Mary & your family have been stalwarts on this journey. The girls have you in the running for the walk down the aisle if you promise to bring a water/bouncy house. ;)
I have never understood why people are so negative about women in positions of power. You did a great job as governor. I didn’t agree with everything thing but who does? I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. Grieving is such a tough thing to go through never mind as a public figure. Remember a lot of people admire what you have accomplished and wish you well.
Jane, thank you for sharing your grief journey so you, other Black Swans, and those on the grief journey will know "your are not alone." May you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit walk with you each day. Keep being your authentic self.
I was thinking of you and your girls the other day and hoping you were coping. We’ve never met but have friends in common. I’ll continue to send prayers for strength and healing for you all.
Jane, thanks for sharing what you are going through. This beautifully written post says it all. I often thought you were "ahead of your time" when you were Governor, managing to do it all. As working mothers/parents, it is not easy. And you had to do it in front of everyone. For what it's worth, I always thought you managed it with grace and style. At times, I have struggled with keeping the emotions in check, especially in a work setting. I do, think, though, that it takes courage (and I think you have demonstrated that often) to show that emotion and be "pathetic". I happen to believe it is my emotion, caring and empathy that makes be better at everything I do and the many roles I play each day, mother, daughter wife, friend, sister, coworker. I have always thought you were inspirational and I think these posts continue to confirm that.
Jane, I very much enjoyed this post and can empathize. As you know, my mother passed in September and while she had been in declining health she went quickly due to COVID. During the shutdown, we Facetimed daily between 3 and 4 PM. Even now, four months later, at about 3 PM I think of calling her. Somedays it brings a tear; others a smile at the image of her wrapped up in God's loving arms. Her phone is now sitting in my living room, but I leave it plugged in. I'm not ready to unplug her phone just yet! As you know a famous politician once said "all politics is local"...I say, "all grief is personal" and there's no right or wrong way or time to grieve. All the best, Fr. Bernie
I hope you are okay that one of my blogs named you. And you are such a fantastic writer - I hope you find a way to share your thoughts at some point. During my quick departure from Mass one day the most validating thing Fr. John said was something to the effect of "It's awful, right?" It was very validating to know that painful grief & faith are compatible.
I am truely moved by your posts. I can't help but think about grief and how it washes over and moments we least expect it...those moments that are at it's most simple and the moments we take for granted. I love this prayer from St Teresa of Avila: May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.
Thank you - that is beautiful.
It must have been very hard for you Jane to go with Chuck shopping in order to not run into people and have conversations.
Your mother was probably the most famous shopper at Price chopper in North Adams. I'm sure it took her a very long long time to get anything because she knew just about everybody in that place and would always stop and have a conversation.
Personally, I think, toss out rules one through three and go back to your mother's rules about going to the grocery store. Just about all those folks you're going to run into truly, truly wish you well and it's a great encouragement.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on what you're going through. I've been thinking about you and the girls and wondering how it's going.
UT
You, Mary & your family have been stalwarts on this journey. The girls have you in the running for the walk down the aisle if you promise to bring a water/bouncy house. ;)
I have never understood why people are so negative about women in positions of power. You did a great job as governor. I didn’t agree with everything thing but who does? I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. Grieving is such a tough thing to go through never mind as a public figure. Remember a lot of people admire what you have accomplished and wish you well.
I’m coming up on the 2nd anniversary of my husband’s death at 64. What I miss most is having someone to do nothing with❤️
Bingo.
Oh, Jane...tears here as well. I hope writing this is as therapeutic for you as it is moving for us.
Yes. Funny - talking was my therapy, so interesting to pivot to writing.
Jane, thank you for sharing your grief journey so you, other Black Swans, and those on the grief journey will know "your are not alone." May you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit walk with you each day. Keep being your authentic self.
I was thinking of you and your girls the other day and hoping you were coping. We’ve never met but have friends in common. I’ll continue to send prayers for strength and healing for you all.
Thank you.
Jane, thanks for sharing what you are going through. This beautifully written post says it all. I often thought you were "ahead of your time" when you were Governor, managing to do it all. As working mothers/parents, it is not easy. And you had to do it in front of everyone. For what it's worth, I always thought you managed it with grace and style. At times, I have struggled with keeping the emotions in check, especially in a work setting. I do, think, though, that it takes courage (and I think you have demonstrated that often) to show that emotion and be "pathetic". I happen to believe it is my emotion, caring and empathy that makes be better at everything I do and the many roles I play each day, mother, daughter wife, friend, sister, coworker. I have always thought you were inspirational and I think these posts continue to confirm that.
Thank you, Kim.
OK that I'm weeping while reading this? Your reflections continue to be powerful, moving, and helpful...
Are you at the grocery store? And also, for men - you actually get points for crying (within certain boundaries).
Fair. Or unfair as it may be.