Jimmie, I just came across your posting of Feb 3rd. I have no words to describe the emotions that you evoke in me. I can't imagine what you are going through. I wish I were there to give you a big hug, sit down with a cup of coffee and simply listen to you and offer comfort. This is not possible of course, so I will offer you my thoughts and prayers.
You are a very good writer Jimmie. I hope that you (like me) take comfort in the catharsis offered by putting pen to paper.
Through your writing, you have provided me with sweet gift. I refer to your description below:
“Perhaps some winters night with the north-east winds doing their best to batter down our door, we should gather together as a circle of friends. I suspect we could cook and bake a wonderful feast. And the conversation could be our dessert - food for the body and food for the soul There is something iconic about such an image - friends bound by difficult times gathered together - a table laden with homemade food - an evening of conversation - moments of silence understood and honoured and not rushed or brushed aside. Let us do that for each other. And let us make some thick warm soups and bake delicious brown molasses rolls. And let there be lots of butter on the table and big easy chairs to sit in and should the windows be frosted over with ice and snow may the warmth of our friendships keep the cold at bay.” - spoken anonymously from a sweet tender soul
I immediately thought of our wonderful kitchen staff at the hospice where I volunteer. Although in my role as a resident support volunteer, I do offer compassion and a “listening ear”, I have always found that there is as much if not more support that occurs in our kitchen. I think the reason for this is that the same comforting atmosphere exists there as does in your wonderful words. There is just something so very special in “breaking bread” with tender souls.
If you don’t mind, I will pass these wonderful words on (anonymously) to them. They are an amazing group of people and I know that they would love your beautiful words.
- eKim