The Opiate Effect

http://www.grpvt.com/opiateeffect

loss

found this on Facebook from someone i don't know in response to the horrible accident yesterday morning:

I've been thinking about the tragic car accident that claimed the life of a Shelburne boy yesterday, wanted to share what I've learned about supporting people who've experienced a loss. I've always felt hopelessly inadequate at expressing sympathy. But when my sister died, many of you taught me how to support someone through a sudden loss. (thank you)
1) Call. If the person can't talk, he or she won't answer. Leave a message.
2) Provide concrete help--"I'd like to walk your dogs, clean your house, sit with you, drive you to the funeral home, make any calls to people who need to know."
3) Let them talk about the person who died. You aren't making it worse by bringing it up. They are already thinking about it and having friends gloss it over is painful and uncomfortable.
4) If you didn't know the person who died, ask questions about what he/she liked, ask to see photos, find out who they were. If you knew the person who died, share stories of him/her that your friend may not know or talk about shared experiences.
5) Repeat all of the above.

None of this is easy but the most meaningful things rarely are.

follow your passions!

empty nesters - day 12

we've been empty nesters for 12 days.

and it's just hitting me. really.

the house is empty. empty of that je ne sais quoi commotion, noise, phone calls, conversation, extra laundry, car pools, driving, female conversation, advice, excitement, ideas and lots more.

don't get me wrong, DH and I are having a great time - spending a lot more time together - chatting - having great meals together, sledding, skiing, walking, talking etc. but the hubbub of having a 12 year old in the house is gone - and i miss it. and the phone does ring, but not as much.

i miss her a lot.

but i know she's having the most amazing time and is so happy. so, on the one hand i miss her - and on the other hand my heart swells with pride. i am so proud of her. i am so proud that she decided to apply for this amazing program on her own. Filled out application, wrote her essay, emailed her teachers for recommendations on her own. She wanted this experience to be on her own. She wanted to go and not know anyone.

as it turns out, she knew quite a few of the students, from friends, acquaintances and even a cousin :-).

having this taster of being an empty nester has been a real eye opener. as crazy as seems, you need to savour every moment your children are at home. love every minute = the good the bad the ugly.

they grow up so fast.

eel as though i did do that, but it still doesn't change the fact that i miss her. and she's fun, and full of spunk and ideas and creativity.

love that girl. xo

joy of books

came across this on twitter today (perk of social media for xpat).

no way a kindle can do this :-)