I've recently lost two retired historian colleagues, but they lived full lives, and it was the news of the death of a former student of mine, only in her mid-thirties, that hit hardest. Life is cruel and beautiful. Thank you for reminding us of the beauty in the everyday, Kate.
"Life is cruel and beautiful"...and so fragile. We don't realize just how fragile it is. Yet, it is wondrous. I am so grateful that our paths have crossed through this crazy digital platform, Annette, and am so looking forward to meeting you in person soon.
Every word you write makes me wish we lived close enough to be close friends. Seriously, you are always full of surprises, wisdom, and such joyful insight.
My oven is broken, waiting for parts. As soon as they arrive and I install them I'll bake a pie in honor of you, your father, daughter, and Ram Das!
Kate, You always seem to make me think and pause to check my priorities. Thanks for helping me try and keep things straight! It does take a village... Happy Monday, a snowy one here!❤️
And thank YOU for being here, Pam. It does take a village. No snow today here but there was ice on the deck this morning when I went out to feed the chickens. I'm just about to make soup. Stay warm!
Kate, memories of wonder filled moments/ connections/ places/ shared beliefs/ values brings comfort. Sara was a sweet happy baby and had a good life. I am grateful for many of our shared moments. Here is one from 7 years 3 weeks ago.
It’s difficult to share the saddest, most intimate moments of loss and reflection in a way that touches others who may know you only in this space, but you do it so well, Kate. This is a touching piece—and the music and images from the Taj Mahal are sublime.
Thank you for your wise reminder today. I've got a lot to be grateful for...not the least of which is the dodging of yet another heart attack in my mother. I am grateful for the first responders and medical staff in the hospital (except for the guy who tried to kick me out of the ICU waiting room!) I'm grateful too, for the hospital security staff that showed me where an out-of-towner could hunker down in the chapel.
There is good in this world, and it deserves recognition when we find it.
Such touching writing. I honor your good heart, your approach to life as we experience this stage of it, your openess to making friends wherever you are. Today you encourage me to move from procrastination to exploration- a difficult thing for me but at least I can ponder it
Kate, my heart - I'm so sorry for these devastating losses, but so grateful that you've continued to share beauty with the world. We're all the better for it. Losing my mom & sister shaped me, and I'm still trying to figure out the path forward. Thank you for being such an inspiration!
One of the things that has gotten through loss is baking and cooking, Kristen. It's therapy for me. Writing is another way and I'm grateful for this platform which allows me to share with others thoughts inside of me.
oh Kate, I didn't know. (of course, we barely know each other, and still...) I'm glad you're here too. xo
I am grateful for each encounter along the way, Jan. I know you are, too. Thanks for checking in today. It always means a lot. xo
I've recently lost two retired historian colleagues, but they lived full lives, and it was the news of the death of a former student of mine, only in her mid-thirties, that hit hardest. Life is cruel and beautiful. Thank you for reminding us of the beauty in the everyday, Kate.
"Life is cruel and beautiful"...and so fragile. We don't realize just how fragile it is. Yet, it is wondrous. I am so grateful that our paths have crossed through this crazy digital platform, Annette, and am so looking forward to meeting you in person soon.
Same here, Kate. :)
". . . so much to discover, to learn, to give. . . " Amen, sister!
Thanks, Wayne. I'm grateful for each day here.
Every word you write makes me wish we lived close enough to be close friends. Seriously, you are always full of surprises, wisdom, and such joyful insight.
My oven is broken, waiting for parts. As soon as they arrive and I install them I'll bake a pie in honor of you, your father, daughter, and Ram Das!
I hope your day is as sweet as strawberry pie.
Oh Michael, your words bring a smile to my heart and you've made my day sweeter!
Kate, You always seem to make me think and pause to check my priorities. Thanks for helping me try and keep things straight! It does take a village... Happy Monday, a snowy one here!❤️
And thank YOU for being here, Pam. It does take a village. No snow today here but there was ice on the deck this morning when I went out to feed the chickens. I'm just about to make soup. Stay warm!
Kate, memories of wonder filled moments/ connections/ places/ shared beliefs/ values brings comfort. Sara was a sweet happy baby and had a good life. I am grateful for many of our shared moments. Here is one from 7 years 3 weeks ago.
Yes she was and I am so grateful that you were a part of her life and family history both of which makes you family, too.
https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:39104d3c-9cb5-3a71-b831-bd62a1185ab7
OMGosh Vicki! Look at us!
It’s difficult to share the saddest, most intimate moments of loss and reflection in a way that touches others who may know you only in this space, but you do it so well, Kate. This is a touching piece—and the music and images from the Taj Mahal are sublime.
Thank you so much, Ruth. As a friend of mine says, we are all just walking each other home.
What a great comment, Kate!
Thank you for your wise reminder today. I've got a lot to be grateful for...not the least of which is the dodging of yet another heart attack in my mother. I am grateful for the first responders and medical staff in the hospital (except for the guy who tried to kick me out of the ICU waiting room!) I'm grateful too, for the hospital security staff that showed me where an out-of-towner could hunker down in the chapel.
There is good in this world, and it deserves recognition when we find it.
You are so right, Carolyn. A big thank you to all those angels who helped you during your mom's episode! There IS good.
Me 2!
Thank you for this very thoughtful and heart felt piece.
Thank YOU for your kind comment, Pili.
Such touching writing. I honor your good heart, your approach to life as we experience this stage of it, your openess to making friends wherever you are. Today you encourage me to move from procrastination to exploration- a difficult thing for me but at least I can ponder it
Thank you so much dearest Julie. I hope very much to come your way for a visit this year. No time like the present, eh?
Kate, you are an amazing woman! Sounds like you have filled your years with many adventures, learning, giving and love. And you keep on… I am in awe.
Every day, every step...we ALL keep going, doing the best we can. Thanks for checking in today, Joyce.
Aww, Kate, this is beautiful. 🥹
Thank you so much, Jolene. ❤️
Kate, my heart - I'm so sorry for these devastating losses, but so grateful that you've continued to share beauty with the world. We're all the better for it. Losing my mom & sister shaped me, and I'm still trying to figure out the path forward. Thank you for being such an inspiration!
One of the things that has gotten through loss is baking and cooking, Kristen. It's therapy for me. Writing is another way and I'm grateful for this platform which allows me to share with others thoughts inside of me.
At our age memories are both bittersweet and precious and oh, how wonderful you are here, walking the earth
And you, too, my dear friend. xo