Donna's wake
Just got back from Donna's wake. It was very nice. The pub was a perfect location and the fellowship and Donna stories were wonderful. An amazing woman, it seems that everyone knew a different side to Donna. The more we put together, the more we appreciated the whole. We brought a picture of her with us that was taken about 8 years ago. It's one of my favorites because she looks so happy. There was laughter mixed with poignant silences. While rounds have been offered to Donna previously, we brought something to collect items that people want to send up to Donna and that'll be done next weekend at lore night. Boy, do I miss her. I miss her encouragement, her ideas, and her drive. When we first did something for Donna, we went outside to offer the contents of the bowl and found a young bird nestled in the bush that was gone the next day, having taken flight. I've spent a lot of the week helping another who is about to have her baby and both are such a reminder of not only the continuity of community but the importance of relishing the presence and the moments we have when they are so good.
Donna was special to me for many reasons. I feel like I have many acquaintances, many people that I enjoy talking to and working with on many and various things. Friends, though, are different. To a friend I can unburden my heart, speak those dreams that live so deep inside me that I'm almost afraid to give a breath to them for fear of sounding ridiculous or idealistic, rely on with confidence and trust, and give and receive support for all, even if the idea doesn't seem so good. We shared all of those things, Donna and I. I have very, very few of those kind of friends and the loss of one is something I am not quite over yet. In a world that is so mobile and fast-paced so many things seem fleeting and I don't know if I am the Wanderer or quoting Aragorn quoting something heard long ago (likely both) and wishing for more simplicity. The things that I saw are unfolding and that can be as uncomfortable as not knowing, at times, at times even more. And there is more. I hope as it all shapes, the people I consider friends will stay on the journey as I will for them, and possibly some acquaintances can become friends. Life is too short to have to be so suspect and there is just too much to be done.
Donna was special to me for many reasons. I feel like I have many acquaintances, many people that I enjoy talking to and working with on many and various things. Friends, though, are different. To a friend I can unburden my heart, speak those dreams that live so deep inside me that I'm almost afraid to give a breath to them for fear of sounding ridiculous or idealistic, rely on with confidence and trust, and give and receive support for all, even if the idea doesn't seem so good. We shared all of those things, Donna and I. I have very, very few of those kind of friends and the loss of one is something I am not quite over yet. In a world that is so mobile and fast-paced so many things seem fleeting and I don't know if I am the Wanderer or quoting Aragorn quoting something heard long ago (likely both) and wishing for more simplicity. The things that I saw are unfolding and that can be as uncomfortable as not knowing, at times, at times even more. And there is more. I hope as it all shapes, the people I consider friends will stay on the journey as I will for them, and possibly some acquaintances can become friends. Life is too short to have to be so suspect and there is just too much to be done.