Monday, October 20, 2008


IT TAKES ONE TO KNOW ONE?

Didn't shed a tear when I wrote any of the drafts/versions of the Family Voices pieces.

Not. A. Tear.

Even as I wrote about grief being like a Slinky, and each time coming around and being surprised again, I still thought to myself, I've really moved through a lot of this.

Friday I had my mother's support group meeting at my house. Kathleen had suggested I read one of the pieces I'd written to the group, as an opener.

I couldn't make it two words without a fresh Kleenex and a moment to gather myself.

A. Total. Wreck.

Something so powerful about being in a group of moms all in the same boat.

Something so cathartic about crying with others, especially after a week of fighting against others.

Something so wrong with the fact that I yelled all morning at Rojo to hurry up and get ready for school, so I could hurry up and support him.

Something so right about being with a group of people that get that.

Something so affirming by hearing a new reader tell me that although our circumstances are very different, mommy stress is mommy stress, and she could relate.

Something so heartening to hear from friends that don't have kids, and get it anyway.

Something so healing about sorrows dividing, and joys multiplied, when they are shared.

10 comments:

Joanne said...

Writing is one thing, but giving voice to those words aloud with others, takes you to a different place. Glad you shared this.

Ms. TK said...

Ah.

The yelling at him so that you can support him.

Story of my life.

Uh.

I spent the weekend volunteering at M's school - cushioned in fellow moms.

Exhausting. But for the first time, I liked volunteering.

It's nice to be understood.

Jerri said...

That sharing thing--isn't it amazing. It's one of your special gifts, Carrie. Sharing and giving others the courage to share in return.

Angie Ledbetter said...

So glad you have your live support moms. Like minded people who've been there, done that, and got a t-shirt and a mug. One of life's best gifts.

Michelle O'Neil said...

Love.

Robin said...

Ah, I knew there was some reason I liked to visit here. (smile)

Lori said...

Amen. Grief, like joy, needs to be shared. It's a valid emotion and it's a must-have on the way to healing.

Nancy said...

It has always amazed me that even though the words are written from the heart, it is when they come from our mouths that the heart opens fully. I have had that experience many times. Half the sorrow, double the joy...so glad you have this group!

Deb Shucka said...

Something so brilliant about your writing and your heart and your insights!

Unknown said...

I may not know the whol what is the grief thing for? Or am I confused and it's a support group for autism?