Thank you for this reminder, Julia. There is so much sadness all around us, and often inside of us. The temptation looms large to try to fix and advise (because it makes us feel better) when instead what is needed is The Sacrament of Piglet. Listen. Let it be. Love and accept them. Allow yourself to feel your feelings but more importantly, allow those in pain to feel theirs. Sometimes we have to allow our hearts to be broken when we're loving others well through the darkest times of their lives. Someday that will be us who need the Sacrament of Piglet.
I love how you put this. It’s hard, I feel the urge to save and be All That and a Bag of Chips when doing so makes things worse. In doing this I get to learn how to do this for myself as well, hard as it can be.
I'm sorry you encountered so much sadness, seemingly all at once. But I'm glad for those women who had the good luck to have you as their Piglet — the best and most useful being you can be at such times. And thank goodness for Mika.
Last night she INSISTED on burrowing under the covers. That of course means masses of doggy hair to clean up, but who gives up a big puddle of warm puppy right next to your belly after a hard day, especially when she searches for your hand to nestle her head into for the night? Dear god, I am so lucky. @Kristi Keller
"Holy listening, to "listen" another's soul into life, into a condition of disclosure and discovery, may be almost the greatest service that any human being ever performs for another (or oneself)."
My best friend is going through hell with dementia-afflicted parents right now less than a month after losing her dog. I’m going to try hard to be more Piglet and less Kanga - she needs the listening more than food. Thank you Julia for the timely reminder.
I find as I get older, very few of these people exist in my life. I take comfort in my best friend and her dog...we do a LOT of walking and talking together. Our dogs never fail to make us smile tough times.
Totally unrelated - what's that bar going across the roof inside your car?
A friend of mine asked the same thing, then she saw a heavy down jacket, Goretex jacket and pants, and a light down jacket. "Oh," she said., "You do adventure travel." All of those items getting regular use up here on trips out.
Love this! My Piglet, Tinder, refused to let my hubs give her the after dinner treat I usually give her and ran to the room I was in to lay at my feet. Only YOU give me that treat she seemed to be saying. I’ve been unwell this week. Tonight she came into the sunroom where I was setting up a zoom and gave me a long soulful look and nuzzle before returning to her usual routine. THEY KNOW.
One of my favorite things you’ve written, thank you. Everyone needs a Piglet, now and always. Be a Piglet for an other and we might all find more kindness in the world.
Your three friends are blessed to have you as a dear friend! It was wise that your friend Melissa decided to stay at the GAO. Neither Felon 47 nor Musk are trustworthy men. Sending Threatening, coercive emails with a flimsy "promise" for leaving employment early is no way to run any business or organization - government or non-profit.
Thank you for this reminder, Julia. There is so much sadness all around us, and often inside of us. The temptation looms large to try to fix and advise (because it makes us feel better) when instead what is needed is The Sacrament of Piglet. Listen. Let it be. Love and accept them. Allow yourself to feel your feelings but more importantly, allow those in pain to feel theirs. Sometimes we have to allow our hearts to be broken when we're loving others well through the darkest times of their lives. Someday that will be us who need the Sacrament of Piglet.
I love how you put this. It’s hard, I feel the urge to save and be All That and a Bag of Chips when doing so makes things worse. In doing this I get to learn how to do this for myself as well, hard as it can be.
I'm sorry you encountered so much sadness, seemingly all at once. But I'm glad for those women who had the good luck to have you as their Piglet — the best and most useful being you can be at such times. And thank goodness for Mika.
Last night she INSISTED on burrowing under the covers. That of course means masses of doggy hair to clean up, but who gives up a big puddle of warm puppy right next to your belly after a hard day, especially when she searches for your hand to nestle her head into for the night? Dear god, I am so lucky. @Kristi Keller
Awwww . . . totally worth the doggy glitter in your sheets.
Haha I call it glitter, too ✨️
So sad, Julia..take care of yourself and Piglet.
We're good. Honestly I'm honored that this level of trust is offered. I'm fine. But I so hurt for those I love.
"Holy listening, to "listen" another's soul into life, into a condition of disclosure and discovery, may be almost the greatest service that any human being ever performs for another (or oneself)."
~ Douglas Steere
This has been my true north for many years.....
Beautifully put, Lisa.
Julia, this is wonderful. May we all be Piglet to those we love. And if we can, be Piglet to anyone who needs us to be.
Thanks Penny. Taking a breather today.
This is beautiful, Julia. I woke up needing a Piglet or a damp shoulder and I felt better after reading this. Thank you.
I've been watching your pieces. Honestly right now I think we all need a Piglet or three. I still hope you rescue a pupper.
Great and sad yet , loving and caring . We all need a Friend like you Julia .Hugs and peace to you . Healing thoughts to those not doing well
thanks so much, Mitch.
Simply beautiful - thank you for the Note and for being such a wonderful friend to these strong women in their dark hours ((hugs))
Thank you for the kind words, Tracy. May we all have such lovely people who stand with us.
My best friend is going through hell with dementia-afflicted parents right now less than a month after losing her dog. I’m going to try hard to be more Piglet and less Kanga - she needs the listening more than food. Thank you Julia for the timely reminder.
Sometimes a casserole is a stand in for a damp shoulder. I'll take the shoulder. Every time .
Rough on us all, NancyL. No doubt.
I find as I get older, very few of these people exist in my life. I take comfort in my best friend and her dog...we do a LOT of walking and talking together. Our dogs never fail to make us smile tough times.
Totally unrelated - what's that bar going across the roof inside your car?
A friend of mine asked the same thing, then she saw a heavy down jacket, Goretex jacket and pants, and a light down jacket. "Oh," she said., "You do adventure travel." All of those items getting regular use up here on trips out.
See comment from Jan, my reply. You'll relate.
Beautifully told!
You wiped some of my tears for me.
Thank you Wendy.
Love this! My Piglet, Tinder, refused to let my hubs give her the after dinner treat I usually give her and ran to the room I was in to lay at my feet. Only YOU give me that treat she seemed to be saying. I’ve been unwell this week. Tonight she came into the sunroom where I was setting up a zoom and gave me a long soulful look and nuzzle before returning to her usual routine. THEY KNOW.
One of my favorite things you’ve written, thank you. Everyone needs a Piglet, now and always. Be a Piglet for an other and we might all find more kindness in the world.
Yes, just listen & love.
Your three friends are blessed to have you as a dear friend! It was wise that your friend Melissa decided to stay at the GAO. Neither Felon 47 nor Musk are trustworthy men. Sending Threatening, coercive emails with a flimsy "promise" for leaving employment early is no way to run any business or organization - government or non-profit.