Eat Cake
Celebrating what is going right in the midst of sadness
It is possible, probable, that things might also be going right in the slipstream of grief. It's just harder to see or give them energy because so much of us is pouring into loss. But maybe this is precisely the right time to procure the precious stones from the bottom of the raging river. Swirling the condensation off our magnifying glass. Holding the jewels in our hands to absorb their vibrant frequencies, to lift ourselves up to meet their elevated wavelengths. Maybe this is exactly the right time.
So here I sit this morning. Thinking about the pink pearl tissue in the gift bag my neighbor left at the door last night, holding a gorgeous bamboo-cut windchime for my new apartment. “The Tree of Life” her note read, “means different things to many people. For you, I hope that it can be a symbol of peace, strength, connection to your precious girls, and connection to yourself. Let it also be a reminder of community - don’t ever hesitate to reach out if you need anything.”
My new apartment is beautiful and affordable. It’s on the third floor, and the ceilings are vaulted, and the natural light coming in through the windows lifts my spirits to even consider. It overlooks a community pool, so now my kids can swim all summer. With the help of dear friends and a community of supporters, I made this happen. I will rejoice and be glad in it.
My girls are doing great in school. They are working hard and making strides. They are celebrated for who they are, and their interests are encouraged and fostered. And I can’t tell you how nice it is to hear how well they are doing instead of how they can’t do things because of x, y, or z.
I have a part-time job that pays me. My “clients” are fun-sized. They hold my hands and say things all day that leave a permanent smile plastered on my face.
An email message response to one of my substack posts this week said: “I love reading your work and following your journey. You are so brave and strong. I hope you see that in the middle of all the madness:) Your strength shines through your work and the parts of your life you share, we can all see it.”
This may seem like bragging. And maybe it is. Or maybe it's just me practicing a new ritual called “celebrating myself.” Honoring the light that punches through the bedrock of life a little more often. Maybe we could all benefit from adopting a new celebratory ritual. My best friend has a license plate that says, “EatCake.” Thank you, love. Maybe I will.
