“Resting is so needed when in grief.
You may remember that grief tiredness is like no other.

I invite you to check in with yourself a few times a day,
whenever you think about it. This can help
us stay current with ourselves.
Still there will be tsunamis of grief.
This is normal. 

My prayers and love surround you.“

Written to Susan by Andrea
December 30, 2021
On the Passing of her Father

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On September 21, 2020, Andrea shared the following with us as part of her “Peace is Every Step” Reflection. As we mourn the passing of our dear friend, we remember her words:

I have been thinking about peace lately…But I have not felt very peaceful lately. Not surprising. Covid-19 protocols (one type of mask). People dying of the virus, losing jobs, homes, and health insurance. Dangerous air quality from the fires in Northern California (another type of mask). Racism. Murders of black and brown people. Economic downturn. People suffering everywhere from policies that favor the 1%. I will stop there!

And then I once again saw, really saw, a magnet on the inside of my front door from someone Unknown.

peace. 

it does not mean to be in a place         
where there is no noise, trouble         
or hard work. it means to be in         
the midst of those things and still
be calm in your heart.

This message reminds me of the ocean. It can be very turbulent on the surface, but down below, it can be serene. It can be like when someone asks me how I am despite my broken heartedness. I can sometimes say, “I’m okay.” The part of me that is okay is the part of me that I cultivate with self-care, prayer and meditation, reading, pulling weeds in my garden, being grateful.  

May her memory be for a blessing.