Finding Peace, One Piece at a Time by Rachel Blythe Kodanaz is a book I wish I had long before Jan died. It provides helpful information that can help maintain an organized lifestyle as well as assist with the possessions of a loved one.
Stream of Consciousness!
My random thoughts on Jan, love, grief, life, and all things considered.
Fast Eating
Recently, I have noticed that I devour my meals, even though I have never been a fan of fast food. I miss having my dear companion, Jan, by my side during mealtimes.
I rushed through my meals and cleaned up more efficiently without Jan. Unfortunately, I am left with nothing but the lonely hours of the night as my companion.
Eating alone makes me feel rushed and unfulfilled, as if I am trying to finish my meal as quickly as possible without taking the time to savor it.. Despite being able to care for myself, eating alone makes me uneasy.
The Jan Lilien Education Fund sponsors ongoing sustainability and environmental awareness programs. Gifts made this month; I will match dollar-for-dollar. All donations are tax-deductible.
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Visiting the Cemetery
Yesterday, I went to the cemetery for the High Holidays, the first time I did the visit without Jan. In the past, I could hold her hand, hug her when her body language indicated she needed one, and give her a kiss when we were leaving.
The High Holidays have helped me to think more clearly, and having cast out my sins that I may or may not have committed against the love of my life allowed for a franker discussion.
Living With Loss, One Day at a Time
Living With Loss, One Day at a Time by Rachel Blythe Kodanaz is the book I would recommend for anyone beginning or in the early stages of grief. The memories you created and your love will live forever. Embrace the love and cherish the memories, as they will always be a part of you remain in your heart.
High Holidays 2021
Rituals are critical to my recovery. For many years, I participated in the High Holidays with minimal engagement. As I had adopted Jan’s religion, I followed her lead, but, in many ways, it was as if I was sleepwalking.
This year, I was fully engaged. This year, for the first time, I understood that it’s the time when my fate stands in the balance as God reviews our past year and decides whether to renew our lease on this planet.
New BooK: The Testaments: The Sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale
The Sequel to The Handmaid's Tale
The Testaments: The Sequel to The Handmaid's Tale
The novel alternates between the perspectives of three women presented as portions of a manuscript written by one (the Ardua Hall Holograph) and testimonies by the other two. Being an amateur historian, I found this a fascinating way for Ms. Atwood to write this book.
Climate Tipping Point?
Robinson Meyer in the Atlantic articulates that we may have reached the tipping point.
Nearly a third of Americans live in an area where a federal disaster occurred this summer, according to a new Washington Post analysis, and at least 64 percent of Americans suffered through a multi-day heat wave this year. Since June, more than 380 Americans have died in extreme weather events.
But we are not doomed.
Because it is Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, I am thinking of the teaching of the first-century rabbi Tarfon: “It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you at liberty to neglect it.”