Gestures of Love
Food is definitely on of our love languages in this family, and we are bursting at the seams which means we are very, very loved. For those who feel called, here is the link to support us over the coming weeks: Sabatier - Moreland Food Train
The gestures of repairing, making calls, giving rides, dropping of toilet paper, tampons, tissue, tea, epsom salt, bringing prescriptions, Easter treats may seem effortless on your end, but it is part of our life-source when the big open spaces of the world of grocery stores and pharmacies feel too much in our rawness.
Edmond used to bring me coffee in bed every morning. The latest version of this ritual involved him waking before me, turning on the tea kettle to heat the water, grinding D’s Coffee Beans, and making two cups by hand with the ArrowPress. He would then set one of them down outside our bedroom door so he could open the door with his free hand. (I could always hear the mugs gently sit on the wood floor. It was the most gentle wake-up call/alarm.) He would bring me my mug of coffee with just enough half and half. He let me stay in bed while he made our coffee, such a gesture of love. We then sat in bed and drank our coffee, checked the weather and news—hoped for rain to fill our rain tanks, or sunshine for William’s baseball game, laughed at the ridiculous headlines, rolled our eyes at the state of the world, or shared a sweet piece of life one of us happen to read. We talked about the day’s plan so we knew when our paths might cross next, usually at lunchtime. I have not been able to bring myself to make a cup of coffee since Tuesday afternoon. Friends who know this ritual between us have brought me coffee the last two days. I was not sure I could drink it the first time, but I took a sip. It was a gesture of love. I finished the cup, slowly.
The outpouring of love and support from all directions is truly helpful. It does not take away the pain, but it is a soft cushion and a place to land. Connection is so critical to our grieving. My children and I appreciate all of you more than you will ever know. It is like echos of love all around, and it is the sweetest sound. Blessings to all of you this weekend. Thank you for all the gestures of love in every form, wish, prayer, text, candle lighting, kiss, and hug.