10 Comments
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Colleen McCubbin's avatar

The eye contact is what nearly broke me at the end.

Aaliya's avatar

You’re doing an amazing job balancing everything as a mom, a woman who has to take care of herself and her family. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes, but remember, you’re not alone. Take it one step at a time, and don’t forget to give yourself some credit for all the effort you’re putting in., you are braver and stronger and much more able to handle everything than you think my love. You’ve got this! And I have got you ♥️

My Unapologetic Playlist's avatar

Aaliya,

I so appreciate you. You have the gift of encouragement and when I read your things, I become more and more convinced that you are one of those rare humans who have and are a window into what life is really about.

Thank you for your words. I’ve applied them like a salve.

Jim Cox's avatar

This poignant story reminded me of of an elderly widow in our retirement community who was broken briefly by the trouble she had assembling her 8’ Christmas tree. She said, “There’s no one here! And he’s not coming back. . . .” I helped her with the tree, and yet she was the one who intuited how to put it together and did so.

My Unapologetic Playlist's avatar

Also, that widow will never forget you for the kindness you afforded her in one of her more mundanely desperate moments.

You served as the “body double”(context: psychological coping technique) she needed in a time where she was finding her footing, not just through new territory, but with the added weight of recent devastation.

Bless you for it.

Jim Cox's avatar

The two great commandments of Jesus were to love God with all your might, and to love one’s neighbor as one’s self. And the Christmas tree was huge.

My Unapologetic Playlist's avatar

Yes, Jim, surely Jesus was seen in your face that day.

My Unapologetic Playlist's avatar

Post-natal women often experience a surge of confidence after surviving—and even triumphing over—the harrowing experience of labour.

Just before the birth, they commonly experience a sudden sense of inadequacy.

I’ve experienced this several times, no just in surviving the illness and death but in every new challenge and chapter I’ve had to endure on my own.

Grecia Figueroa's avatar

You are doing your best. Ah oh gosh. This piece reminded me of something I’m going to talk to my mom about. Thank your sharing. And your full vulnerability. Be kind to yourself, to your worth, to your knowledge. You are doing the best you can and that’s all that matters.

Erin Pyper, MSW's avatar

This seemed like a hectic day.