This was like a meeting for me - as i sit full of fear, deep breaths, look to the sun, take a walk - and yes acceptance. My friend who is in recovery too says - ‘acceptance doesn’t mean we have to like it’ - somehow it made acceptance a bit easier, maybe less fearful.
Your posts always draw me in. So thoughtful on some of the the smallest yet very important points of life. Such a dear dad you have. I wish him the best for his possible heart procedure, and for you too.
Thank you Susie for such a beautiful piece. I look so forward to your Sunday morning post. Today was filled with making my sourdough and boiling cider so l left my read till late in the date and I’m so glad I did. It struck me hard. Time and how it passes. I’m originally from Northern Ontario, you mentioned A&P and the stamps and I flashed back to my childhood when my mom came home with the stickers and pulled the books out to fill the squares pages. What a memory that I forgot but I hit me. It so a very difficult time right now in so many ways. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful post.
Helen, making your sourdough and boiling cider sounds like an absolutely perfect way to both start Sunday and ease anxieties. Time does pass, and I never thought I'd be doing all this nostalgia stuff- I'm worse than my Dad - ha! But the memories come back in fits and starts - like those S&H stickers. Sending all good thoughts to you.
Marie, thank you, that is very flattering. These (recent posts) are hard pieces to do and I feel like I never quite complete them. I go off in too many directions! But it is good practice and I learn a lot! Hope you have a peaceful week too!
It is easy to share when we feel triumphant; and so hard to share when we feel most vulnerable. You are so brave. Thank you for sharing & reminding us that vulnerability is not a weakness.
Thank you Carollyn. You are very kind. It doesn't come easy, that's for sure, but working through these things in writing is very helpful. Thank you for listening and reading!
Beautiful essay on the pain of watching your father fade, coupled with the memories and fabulous images of your family's heritage. What beautiful streets and buildings. I love that the church is Episcopalian. And that your recovery meetings when you're at your Dad's meet there. Both resonate for me, as that was the church I was raised in from about fifth grade to eleventh. It provided a haven for a young girl - me - who would walk to the church in the middle of the night to sit in the back and watch the perpetual candle, then go upstairs to Father Winn's study to write in my journal. My scholarship year at an Episcopal all-girl's school, Annie Wright Seminary, also helped nourish and protect me. Then, not that long later, the support meetings that likewise saved my life. Here in Port Townsend, Washington, where I was born, some of our gatherings still find sanctuary in our own historic Anglican church.
Kirie, something else we have in common! I'm really glad to know you found sanctuary in the Episcopal church. St. Peter's is truly wonderful. I found it ironic and poignant to be at a recovery meeting there, for many reasons. The church, the cemetery, and the town itself are all so tied to Dad and family history etc. that it is hard to sort out and write about these things, especially right now when I feel bombarded by a lot of different feelings. But I keep trying!
Love this story. I was on 2nd Street in September and thought “yep, I can live here.” A rare reaction for me to have. (Touch of Italy plus the proximity to the beach cinched it for me.)
You are cherishing every minute with your wonderful father. I like the nostalgic view town you grew up in. It all comes through rather crystal clear in your thoughtful and grateful writing. I wish I had asked my father about his family and growing up. I have no clue.
It's all a bit overwhelming, Kathy, so the writing is not easy. But I keep trying, perhaps trying to forestall the inevitable writing that will come after he is no longer with us.
Of course! St. Peter's truly is a great church. I really didn't need to go down the road of talking about second street but I guess I'm trying to sort out many things at one time these days. Will be thinking of you and Pam tuesday! xo
This was like a meeting for me - as i sit full of fear, deep breaths, look to the sun, take a walk - and yes acceptance. My friend who is in recovery too says - ‘acceptance doesn’t mean we have to like it’ - somehow it made acceptance a bit easier, maybe less fearful.
Your posts always draw me in. So thoughtful on some of the the smallest yet very important points of life. Such a dear dad you have. I wish him the best for his possible heart procedure, and for you too.
Thank you so much Rosemary. I appreciate your kind thoughts. All the small things seem so big right now!
Thank you Susie for such a beautiful piece. I look so forward to your Sunday morning post. Today was filled with making my sourdough and boiling cider so l left my read till late in the date and I’m so glad I did. It struck me hard. Time and how it passes. I’m originally from Northern Ontario, you mentioned A&P and the stamps and I flashed back to my childhood when my mom came home with the stickers and pulled the books out to fill the squares pages. What a memory that I forgot but I hit me. It so a very difficult time right now in so many ways. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful post.
Helen, making your sourdough and boiling cider sounds like an absolutely perfect way to both start Sunday and ease anxieties. Time does pass, and I never thought I'd be doing all this nostalgia stuff- I'm worse than my Dad - ha! But the memories come back in fits and starts - like those S&H stickers. Sending all good thoughts to you.
It is a joy to read your writing each week! Reminds me of Annie Dillard in the best way possible.
Wishing you a peaceful week.
Marie, thank you, that is very flattering. These (recent posts) are hard pieces to do and I feel like I never quite complete them. I go off in too many directions! But it is good practice and I learn a lot! Hope you have a peaceful week too!
It is easy to share when we feel triumphant; and so hard to share when we feel most vulnerable. You are so brave. Thank you for sharing & reminding us that vulnerability is not a weakness.
Thank you Carollyn. You are very kind. It doesn't come easy, that's for sure, but working through these things in writing is very helpful. Thank you for listening and reading!
Acceptance is the key—and it’s indeed the hardest thing ☺️🙄
That’s for sure! 😍
Beautiful piece of writing Susie!
thank you Jessica - a tricky one!
Beautiful essay on the pain of watching your father fade, coupled with the memories and fabulous images of your family's heritage. What beautiful streets and buildings. I love that the church is Episcopalian. And that your recovery meetings when you're at your Dad's meet there. Both resonate for me, as that was the church I was raised in from about fifth grade to eleventh. It provided a haven for a young girl - me - who would walk to the church in the middle of the night to sit in the back and watch the perpetual candle, then go upstairs to Father Winn's study to write in my journal. My scholarship year at an Episcopal all-girl's school, Annie Wright Seminary, also helped nourish and protect me. Then, not that long later, the support meetings that likewise saved my life. Here in Port Townsend, Washington, where I was born, some of our gatherings still find sanctuary in our own historic Anglican church.
Kirie, something else we have in common! I'm really glad to know you found sanctuary in the Episcopal church. St. Peter's is truly wonderful. I found it ironic and poignant to be at a recovery meeting there, for many reasons. The church, the cemetery, and the town itself are all so tied to Dad and family history etc. that it is hard to sort out and write about these things, especially right now when I feel bombarded by a lot of different feelings. But I keep trying!
Love this story. I was on 2nd Street in September and thought “yep, I can live here.” A rare reaction for me to have. (Touch of Italy plus the proximity to the beach cinched it for me.)
It's a very special place - so glad you found it, Julie!
You are cherishing every minute with your wonderful father. I like the nostalgic view town you grew up in. It all comes through rather crystal clear in your thoughtful and grateful writing. I wish I had asked my father about his family and growing up. I have no clue.
It's all a bit overwhelming, Kathy, so the writing is not easy. But I keep trying, perhaps trying to forestall the inevitable writing that will come after he is no longer with us.
“of the town you grew up in…”
That’s a beautiful portrait of time passing ..while it stands still.
And of course, I’m proud of the welcome of that Episcopal Church. 😏
Of course! St. Peter's truly is a great church. I really didn't need to go down the road of talking about second street but I guess I'm trying to sort out many things at one time these days. Will be thinking of you and Pam tuesday! xo