Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Lisa Hedley's avatar

It's so hard to look back and wonder if there was more we could have done...if we could have made a difference. I lost a friend to suicide in high school and it was devastating. But, what's been even harder for me to face, are the losses that feel hopeless as they slip away slowly: my mother has Alzheimer's and it's like watching her drift out to sea in boat that has no oars, while I stand on shore helpless. I also lost my best friend of 23 years to his drug addiction...no amount of intervention could stop the loss. Neither of these two people are gone in body, but they are in spirit, so grief is ongoing and constant, because of the helplessness that seems to be suspended indefinitely. In a way, it's a blessing to grieve once someone is gone. But, it speaks to the very heart of you, all of you, who fight so hard to be a light where there is none. We may not be able to save the one we wish we had, but perhaps the light in our hearts touches others who do and can make better choices because of our interventions. 💗

Expand full comment
Katie's avatar

Thank you for your beautiful words, in the poem and the post. I’ve tried to be someone’s light a few times before, sometimes successfully. More frequently, and in secret, I’ve desperately searched for someone in those dark moments to be there for me. It has taken many years of therapy and some lucky mistakes that mean I am still here. Still trying to carry that defiant hope for myself.

Admittedly, years ago, finding one of your books I had bought on my shelf was was helped pull me from darkness one night. And it’s meant the world to me ever since, being fortunate enough to continue to read your words.

Expand full comment
21 more comments...

No posts