It has been a heavy summer. I have several friends who have gone or are going through some really rough
times this summer. I’ve been hesitant to
talk about them here because it isn’t my
place to tell their stories, to share their personal business with the
world. Although those stories are worth
telling, if only to be heard and embraced.
for this site, there are moments when I can’t quite get to it. Too tired at the end of the day, too troubled
by other troubles, too weighted down. And I think the older you get the more you feel the heartsick of others’
as your own, because at a certain point we all have been heartsick. It is these shared experiences that make us
connect, help us grow, inspire us… and make us sorrow even when it is not our
own.
A few days ago I was awarded the Nice
Matters award by Katie, who I had the privilege to meet at Blogher and is a very nice person, not to mention
funny. And then she shared on her blog
that she’s also going through a rough time. It makes you feel like those little fun things, though sweet and
heartfelt, are also a little too inconsequential. However, I do want to pass this on and I want
to expand my list just a little (sort of like Prayers of the People, if any of
you are familiar with the term) because sometimes, in the day to day slogging
of life, keeping each other in our hearts and thoughts is the most important
thing we can do.
For Chag, Jason, Liz, Kristen, Betsy, KC, Fuzz, Riley, Sarah and Tony, (and so many others I could name). You are all great people and I wish I
could meet you all in person. Lisa, Summer, Smarmy Mama, and of course, Katie, I have been thinking of you.
For Monica, April, Darcy and Harold, Gary, and Winnie. Jeanne, Val, and Christy. Really, I don’t know what I would do without
you guys. Please know you are in my
thoughts (and on my speed dial and IM and the million other ways we talk).
For my family (both Keen’s and mine) you’re all a little
insane and sometimes you even cause your own misery but I still love you.
I think there were rules to this award but this is just a
good one for anyone to use. If you know
people who you consider truly nice, reward them. And if you have people you just want to send
a prayer out to, a happy shout out, or just let them know you’re thinking of
them please join me.
This summer could use a little more light. – wg
That’s so nice! We’re all lucky to have you around, WG, and I’m honored to make your list. My best wishes to all the friends and family who are struggling right now.
I love you weirdgirl. I’m so glad you wouldn’t know what to do without me. This was such a great post. It has been a hard summer…..but we will get though all of it together!!
And thank you weirdgirl, for taking me in and making me part of such a wonderful group of people. I have the best friends because of you!
A post like this shows you are truly deserving of such an award. Happy day!
Thank you for thinking of me….While I have been so touched by other people here in the blogosphere it always amazes me that I may have touched another person similarly. So, thanks. We all need some positive energy and believe we are sending it back to you.
Thanks, WG. Right back atcha, baby.
Awww, thanks WG! I can certainly use all the positive thoughts I can get right now. You’ve made my day. 🙂
Thanks, Darlin’. I appreciate it.
I’m sorry I missed this post when you first put it up! I was out of town and without internet access, so I was unable to keep up with blogs.
I wish I could meet you in person, too!