This. 🩶 Having experienced a lot of death, it’s always a little surprising who doesn’t show up (when you thought they would) and the unexpected ones who do.
And: my most recent lesson was to give more grace. After being present for a friend’s death, I reached out asking for help and got little. Inquiring further, gently, with those who could tell me why they had flinched, it’s clear we are at a time when many of us are overwhelmed and all somehow hurting.
In times of needing Paul, we also need to be Paul to others — to all those who shrunk back into their lives. I believe it’s the only thing that is going to shepherd us through.
I so enjoy reading your work. I hope you don’t mind me piggybacking on it with The 5 Needs because I see them so clearly in what you write. I just reposted your piece again. I would definitely like to read your story completely. Do you have it written somewhere? A book? A movie perhaps? Sounds like you’ve got lots to teach us. Thank you for being here.
My Paul turned up last week when I found myself homeless. Someone I’ve only met very recently when she started taking a course with me. She arranged for my husband and I to stay at her cousin’s empty family holiday home, which is never let out to strangers, and we have 5 weeks of breathing space before the family comes on holiday here. Huge thanks to Anita for arranging it and to Alan and Ellen for opening up their home to us. 🙏💙
I've been someone's Paul, and still maintain a wonderful friendship. I'm so glad he showed up for you, Diamond-Michael. We are our brothers' and sisters' keepers, after all.
This song spoke to me as my brother was dying and I was giving him emotional support, but I feel that it's appropriate for this post too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUWZqbumaZo
This. 🩶 Having experienced a lot of death, it’s always a little surprising who doesn’t show up (when you thought they would) and the unexpected ones who do.
And: my most recent lesson was to give more grace. After being present for a friend’s death, I reached out asking for help and got little. Inquiring further, gently, with those who could tell me why they had flinched, it’s clear we are at a time when many of us are overwhelmed and all somehow hurting.
In times of needing Paul, we also need to be Paul to others — to all those who shrunk back into their lives. I believe it’s the only thing that is going to shepherd us through.
Truth. 🙏
This runs deep
I’ve been there to…. Indeed the thing to do is to keep the circle small but deep.
This is beautifully written and so true.
🙏
Be like Paul. Beautiful!
I so enjoy reading your work. I hope you don’t mind me piggybacking on it with The 5 Needs because I see them so clearly in what you write. I just reposted your piece again. I would definitely like to read your story completely. Do you have it written somewhere? A book? A movie perhaps? Sounds like you’ve got lots to teach us. Thank you for being here.
Thank you for your kind words. Yes, a book is in the works. Will keep you updated.
My Paul turned up last week when I found myself homeless. Someone I’ve only met very recently when she started taking a course with me. She arranged for my husband and I to stay at her cousin’s empty family holiday home, which is never let out to strangers, and we have 5 weeks of breathing space before the family comes on holiday here. Huge thanks to Anita for arranging it and to Alan and Ellen for opening up their home to us. 🙏💙
Beautiful.
I've been someone's Paul, and still maintain a wonderful friendship. I'm so glad he showed up for you, Diamond-Michael. We are our brothers' and sisters' keepers, after all.
This song spoke to me as my brother was dying and I was giving him emotional support, but I feel that it's appropriate for this post too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUWZqbumaZo
What a wonderfully kind thing for Paul to do! I hope you are still friends to this day. Glad you are doing better, friend.
Thank you.