Yesterday I received a note informing of the death of the wife of a colleague who I know via a group which has met twice yearly for now 27 years. I was stilled for 24 hours, only able to allow the welling of sadness which had accumulated over the several years of the wife’s failing health. But then I felt impelled to write two notes, one to the group and one to the bereaved colleague. I am enclosing the note to the group of colleagues here as it conveys the image of the bond of friendship which binds us and has done so increasingly, As I wrote the note I thought of the web of roots which support the mammoth redwoods of northern California, webs from the intertwining roots of many trees which allow them to stand for perhaps 1000 years. It felt to me as I wrote this note that this web of friendship might last that long.
“Dear all, Upon reading B’s message, yesterday, I seemed to need to just allow the welling of sadness, in silence for awhile, before I could even write this note. Each of us of course has our own experience, our own emotions to embrace for J and for the loss of S (his wife). I will convey some thoughts to J, but here I wanted to share my deep appreciation for the bonds within our group, both amongst our group as a whole and with each of its members over time. How special it is to have this web of relationship, which may become more apparent at these times of grief. Thanks to everyone for this. “
The web of friendship which allows deepening personal emotion and experience for everyone.
May 10, 2008 at 12:54 am
Thank you very much for sharing your personal situation and reactions with us. I was touched by your image of a web of intertwining roots supporting enormous trees. It strengthened my belief in the vision that we are collectively developing in our Play as Being group, of creating a forest as a community project. On one level, our forest will be purely virtual. But on another level, the emotions and interactions between all of us there are real. And I envision our forest to be able to play many roles, including offering places to grieve as well as to rejoice. And the image of intertwining roots will apply on many levels.
June 17, 2008 at 11:37 am
I reach out a filament of a tiny branch of a deep root, and somewhere I feel it touches yours in a network of roots. There is deep and lasting contact, and yet I miss the many leaves and blossoms that are your postings to this blog. May cool rains fall and sun shine in your life so that once again we benefit from the scented air of your wider perspective.