On the back of yesterday’s post, I will share these paragraphs from an email from a reader which rather moved me.
“I don’t need to shop for food items, but I pretend to. A chat to the teller can be quite engaging as long as they aren’t too busy to share a conversation. I try to alternate stores too because I don’t want to be known as the sad lady who chatters far too much.
There was a talk at the bookstore last week and even though I’m not a reader of fiction , I went for something to do. The author looked shy and ill at ease, so I spent time sharing anecdotes with her and she hugged me, with one of grateful hugs which made me burst into tears right THERE AND THEN. I’m not a crier John but I cry every day John, every single day.
I cry when I read of your village, and wish I was there. I cry when I will miss Mary, a dog I have never met and I cry when you do something kind for someone because I wish you were doing it to me.
Is that sad?
I read many blogs of worth which give me company but I don’t comment even though I was once a person of some minor note in the academic field. A wife, agood friend, a person of interest who could hold her own at a faculty cocktail party full of strangers.
Your blog touched a nerve with me yesterday, and if I wore a bra ever again. I would hike it up, like you have often done in Going Gently and will try to solider on as you do.”
This moved me greatly also. Thank you for sharing and thank you to the person that emailed you. I find myself with the same thoughts so perfectly described by you both.
ReplyDeleteI asked permission to publish her words , but she didn’t want her;name given ….i hope she posts again xx
DeleteDitto from me
ReplyDelete❤️🌈👍👀
DeleteI think anyone that lives in their own feels like this from time to time. Heather
ReplyDeleteHeather , and singletons often feel like second class citizens so it’s important to talk about
DeleteThis email made me cry. Life can be so fucking hard some days. I love that she no longer wears a bra, well done woman. Sending hugs to you John.
ReplyDeletePixie …it is hard , but made better by love and support
DeleteThank you John and the emailer. Sometimes it's hard to share our feelings, especially negative ones, but I'm convinced that, if we do, we somehow lessen the hold they have on us. Does that make sense? xx
ReplyDeleteThat was the conversation we had by email earlier…sharing dilutes things and problem shared as it were
DeleteWhat a treasure of a note - for you and for all of us. Spot on! I’m trying to hike up my bra straps right now and you help every day no matter what you share as do many of your community who share their comments.
ReplyDeleteBe brave dearHeart
DeletePlease comment. You seem perfect for John's on-line groupies. We're a friendly bunch.
ReplyDeleteWell apart from a troll with a heart of lemon juice
DeleteThat is very touching. I hope your e-mail writer feels at ease enough to comment now and again!
ReplyDeleteI do too, I suspect most of you know her already
DeleteYep, scratch the surface, there are many, many, many of us in this position. I lost the love of my life last year after 52 years together and l had known him since l was 13. Although l am chatty, outgoing and have found 'stuff' to do, to fill the days plus there are 4 sets of paws depending on me. Sometimes it just all gets too much and l just want to curl up in a ball and disappear.
ReplyDeleteI get this. Sometimes all I want is someone to hug
DeleteI was a shy solitary child, probably lonely but I knew nothing different---I didn't know/ experience loneliness until ''empty nest'' / Covid, now grief of losing my Pug. I have nothing useful to add, but I can listen and understand.
ReplyDeleteHaving someone to touch you on the shoulder in passing
DeleteThat’s all I would like
"No Bra Sundays": for those of us who celebrate the Saggeth.
ReplyDeleteSending a hug to all who need one. xo
ReplyDelete