I grew up with “either-or” and for most of my life didn’t know any other way…then my dad relocated from earth and every.thing unraveled. I began learning to live with “both-and”.
Heartache and hope can coexist. Depression and delight can coexist.
Guilt and gratitude can coexist. Lament and laughter can coexist. Sugar and spice can coexist. Fear and faith can coexist. Trust and terror can coexist.
I miss my dad more than I can express and some days, so badly wish he was here coexists with I am happy he is whole and free now.
Suffering inexplicable physical pain seems my daily fate coexists with I believe in the miraculous and healing power of The Divine.
Our family has had a shitty day/month/year coexists with the comfort of knowing that The Sovereign One has us.
I have been paralyzed by fear at the thought of tragedy touching the lives of my children coexists with I am moving forward (in and by faith) to open my heart and fully enjoy motherhood.
The time has come for my mother to no longer be the primary caretaker of my sister (who has autism) coexists with I haven’t seen anyone keep my sister as physically clean as my mother kept her…sigh.
This year has been hell in my marriage coexists with I believe heaven is still for and with me through all of this.
A male cat can coexist with a female dog – yes, we are that family…apologies neighbors. We are a unique blend of breeds and personalities co-existing amicably despite the opinions and perceptions of others!
In recent years, I began embracing “both-and”…a space where the seemingly opposite and sometimes contradictory coexists in a way that our minds may never understand but our hearts see/know…or we may never be able to reconcile; it simply is.
Common Day Hero: I couldn’t begin to understand the depth of your love for your husband and family when I was a kid. I couldn’t reconcile your voice (like thunder when upset, but many other times, comforting and sweet). I wasn’t able to see you when you transitioned into the next life and all these years later, it hurts more. Only years after I was married, did I begin to see how fierce, loyal, brave and kind you were. I see you in me and I am grateful for the imprint of your life on mine. I dedicate this post to you, my Ammachi (Grandma), Janamma, mother of my dad.
