My Tuesday thoughts are little heavy this week. A friend of mine had a death in her family, and the ensuing conversations have left me pondering life. I have to say, I’m just amazing and so thankful for the wonderful people I have in my life: there has been an outpouring of the very best of human nature this week. Gratitude.

So, some thoughts…on loss, grief, strength…

“I will not say, do not weep, for not all tears are an evil.” ~ J.R.R. Tolkien

“Don’t grieve. Anything you lose comes round in another form.” ~ Rumi

“In this sad world of ours sorrow comes to all and it often comes with bitter agony. Perfect relief is not possible except with time. You cannot now believe that you will ever feel better. But this is not true. You are sure to be happy again. Knowing this, truly believing it will make you less miserable now. I have had enough experience to make this statement.” ~ Abraham Lincoln

“Ah. I smiled. I’m not really here to keep you from freaking out. I’m here to be with you while you freak out, or grieve or laugh or suffer or sing. It is a ministry of presence. It is showing up with a loving heart.” ~ Kate Braestrup

“Tears are the silent language of grief.” ~ Voltaire

Goodnight, and blessings to you all…