So much to tell, so much emotion to try to capture in an economy of syllables that never seem to amount to much.
The reshaping of a family is a painful process; as our loved ones pass on or otherwise depart, new lives are created and linked together in sometimes strange, but always profound, ways. I think that so much of the difficulty comes from the fact that, as children, we are taught that our family is a static and stable concept - something to comfort you in an ever-changing world. Our faith beautifully supports our grief through the passing of elders and the slow and steady progression of the aging process. But the death of a peer - now that's an entirely different order of business.
September was full of anger, sadness and loss. The holidays are upon us, and it is during these times of togetherness that we most deeply feel the void of those we've lost. I always look forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas, but know that this year they will be melancholy, but that in time the aching in our hearts will be filled with new memories and traditions. I'd like to think that October began the healing, but truthfully I think that it brought us a series of desperately needed distractions.
The reshaping of a family is a painful process; as our loved ones pass on or otherwise depart, new lives are created and linked together in sometimes strange, but always profound, ways. I think that so much of the difficulty comes from the fact that, as children, we are taught that our family is a static and stable concept - something to comfort you in an ever-changing world. Our faith beautifully supports our grief through the passing of elders and the slow and steady progression of the aging process. But the death of a peer - now that's an entirely different order of business.
September was full of anger, sadness and loss. The holidays are upon us, and it is during these times of togetherness that we most deeply feel the void of those we've lost. I always look forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas, but know that this year they will be melancholy, but that in time the aching in our hearts will be filled with new memories and traditions. I'd like to think that October began the healing, but truthfully I think that it brought us a series of desperately needed distractions.
One of those distractions was applying to my graduate program. I am a professional procrastinator and let the GREs loom larger than life for quite a while. After tackling them, a personal statement, & 3 letters of recommendation from amazing people that I feel honored to know...I'm wondering why I waited so long. The bravery of friends and family climbing the same mountain made it so much easier to start the journey. So thank you to all of my Sherpas: Julie, Becky, Anne, Tim, Ed and Kadri, etc. Finding comfort in good company (and good wine!) is a priceless gift. Now, the dreadful waiting.
The other distraction(s) were much more pleasant and exciting! Mom and Dad Stanzione came to NJ for a visit and we got to spend lots of time with them and our extended family. It was a great visit, blessed with warm weather and exciting adventures. There's nothing in the world like being with your mom and dad - and my heart swelled with joy to see my husband with his parents. As we made the rounds with family, I was reminded of how much I love to be a member of the Wright/Brune/Stanzione family. How truly unique and beautiful we are, but how we make more sense when viewed in the greater context of our family.
We turn with the seasons and age to our own distinct colors, but we are always part of a larger palate...
(You can watch in high-quality here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9xS370qTkE)
