Tag: empathy

  • A painful reminder

    A painful reminder

    So I’ve become conversant with what an ear infection feels like, again. I mean, I was pretty sure I remembered it hurting a lot, but I was good without repeating the memory of bones breaking in my head. Looking back, it’s been almost 25 years since the last time my ear drum ruptured. I was…

  • Perspective

    Perspective

    Oh this was a long day! Encrusted with germs, donated by my generous children, I struggled to drink my coffeee and keep it down while working and sanitizing my hands and all surfaces with alcohol I made it, somehow, but the nausea rolled all day- like the good times, but less enjoyable. And somehow, my…

  • Everyday valour

    Everyday valour

    Walking into a place you’ve never been Being the only one in the group to say no Knowing when to say yes Knowing when to let go Standing up when you see something that’s wrong or unkind Leveling the playing field so that everyone had a chance to play The courage in every day choices…

  • Endless love

    Endless love

    I know what love is. I’ve touched it’s hand, seen it’s smile, watched the soft eyes crinkle. I’ve seen it cradle a newborn, caress a cheek, stroke hair off a fevered brow But I’ve never felt it break my heart Until today Angels waiting for space to be made, Heaven a certainty. The world will…

  • Goodnight

    Goodnight

    She said her goodbyes today Her “I’ve had a great life, and oh, the times I’ve had” I smiled and tried to brush the implications aside, said “I’ll see you next week.” She smiled, closed her eyes, but didn’t respond. Suddenly, just when I thought she’d fallen asleep, her eyes opened, sharpened, “Look after him…

  • Warmth and silence

    Warmth and silence

    It was a grey and silent day where I am. A quiet work environment, with clouds that seemed to touch the ground. I felt the weight of silence on my soul today. The other shoe so close to dropping for one, two, several people. Beyond my reach and out of my control. I know enough…

  • The dance

    The dance

    A faded corner in a crowd A silhouette without a face I look around for clarity But return empty from the chase The winter is cold and brutal My faith lacks for strength Each day drags with exhaustion No shortage in its length Some days last forever An eternity in a glance I close my…

  • Burn the witch!

    Burn the witch!

    I’ve walked through today feeling guilty for some reason, like I forgot to do something. Like maybe I was tardy for an event, or stood someone up. It’s the feeling I’ve gotten in the past when I know that I’ve let someone down, but for the life of me, I can’t think of a single…

  • Ten months

    Ten months

    I just got a notification from bluehost, the company that owns my domain for thoughtsalad, reminding me that it was due for renewal in less than 60 days. When I first signed up to write my blog, it was as a personal challenge. I wanted to unload from the sometimes emotionally exhausting work that I…

  • Horizon

    Horizon

    The clouds obscure the edge, world dropping off unannounced The horizon stretches out, the distance pronounced We travel this world naked and alone wrapped in illusions that feel like home Unique to our experiences, no two the same, we struggle and learn, solitaire our game At the end of our journey, Our own judgement we…