Somebody I know died suddenly in the village this morning.
Apart from knowing who it is and the fact they were young and liked , I am aware of little else , but like ripples on a small pond the news is spread not out of gossip or salacious interest , but from concern and self reflection and as I’ve cleared the back patio of detritus and slime, villagers have stopped, then passed some with sad faces and in hushed tones.
In my experience a death, any death, makes people seek others out. There is a reaching out, a sort of sharing which is needed. Contact has to be made.
Maybe it’s a grace of god go I thing….? Or maybe it’s an innate thing where neighbours stand shoulder to shoulder, a comfort to each other rather than just being the witnesses to an event.
I have some nice boxed paper with my name on. Nu gave it to me for Christmas. I will write to the deceased’s partner with my ink pen over the weekend. The ink and the paper says I’m thinking about you more than any words do
Well in my mind they do
I’ve planted out long stem polyanthus in planters on the kitchen wall and will buy more from the supermarket late
Hey ho
Oh, John. I send my condolences to your village. Yes, death, probably more than any other life event, brings people together. To support, share, reminisce and console. xx
ReplyDeleteA shallow thought to think your words will mean more due to being written on "special" paper and with an Ink Pen.
ReplyDeleteWritten with care..is to my mind a kindness..you obvious cannot understand this concept
DeleteAmazing how people love to demonstrate their ignorance and lack of empathy by pretending the very opposite. When my husband died suddenly I took great comfort from the notes people took the time and trouble to write. In pen. On particular note cards chosen with care. They have a connection and comfort no email could ever replace. And they remain in my family file to connect with those who will see them later, and reflect on the feelings of other people and what my husband meant to them. Neither I nor John should have to explain or justify respect and grief to emotional pygmies who think they know everything. And so clearly do not.
DeleteMy sympathy to all and I agree that caring letters, cards, flowers, food, and hugs (when appropriate) are meaningful to the partner who was left behind.
ReplyDeleteHugs!
I agree totally John. Your choice of pen and paper shows caring. For me (and everyone I know) a hand made card from a friend or my family, means so much more than a shop bought card, even if it's words are more poetic.
ReplyDeleteNever underestimate the power of a heartfelt letter.
ReplyDeleteYou are a thoughtful friend, John.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful note written with a good pen on special paper will be undoubtedly appreciated. Our condolences to your village
ReplyDeleteThere’s also such a difference between handwritten and typed. Now I type 98% of the time, I’m loosing confidence in my handwriting skills - they’re so rusty. A couple of weeks ago I had to practice before I wrote!! In the end I remembered the finger exercises I used to teach my Junior School children, and that helped.
ReplyDeleteWhat a supportive village you have. I’m sure Trelawnyd will go on supporting that young widow as she navigates the next difficult months.
darn,,, that was Virginia, not Anonymous. XX
ReplyDeleteAfter losing my husband, close relatives and friends over the last five years, I've spent a lot of time thinking about how very fleeting our lives are, in the final analysis. It is a sobering thought but has made me appreciate the folks I still have. And I can say the notes I received after my husband's death are precious to me. So sorry for the loss of this member of your village.
ReplyDelete