Oh my! I am sorry to hear of this scary escapade, and happy to hear that you’re ok. I am sending reiki to you and all those around you. It’s Sunday, a no-work day in my household, so my wish for you is to have a similar quiet and cozy day.
At a Tibetan Buddhist temple in NY I heard the Dalai Lama quietly and simply say, "My religion is kindness." Evidently, he doesn't believe religion is about land or oil or power over others. Evidently, in the end there is only kindness towards all sentient beings. A heart-warming piece this morning, Beth. A reminder.
Holy cow – what a terrific essay. I’m really sorry you hit your head so badly and I hope you don’t have a concussion. The accident certainly did not affect your ability to write. I love how you wove the theme of kindness— from strangers and friends—into the the piece.
Your writing is luminous, despite the bonk to the head. And the kindness which noticed, the caring, the compassion, then the beautiful husband. Bless, I really hope you’re taking it gently and recovering. 🙏🏻
Julie, thank you. The winds howled here today, the colors outside were gray, and no sunshine beckoned. And so it was easy to just sit, something I rarely do. Sometimes with my eyes closed. Sometimes reading a book I can't wait to report on here. Thank you for your beautiful words.
Beth! Please take good care of you! And also…how can you still write so brilliantly in the aftermath of such trauma?!? Kindness is everywhere. Quiet. Insistent. Calm. Rest gentle in its arms today.
Cathy, thank you. Writing this was my companion through the night. I often think of it that way — the writing as a friend who is there when you need her. I plan to rest today.
Oh my. Love your telling the sureness that you were okay despite a head wound. This also happened to me. Walking with my town grandchildren downtown, hurrying to get to the pizza place where I’d ordered them a pizza and remembering we forgot the parking pay machine fee due. When I dropped my credit card and bent to get it, the metal box must have scooted closer, and my head bonked into it hard. Numb and embarrassed I told my 8 year old granddaughter I was fine. When we got to the pizza place, she told me I was bloody. Then I saw myself in the window and gasped. Bloody as a car wreck, a mass of sticky hair drips, stains and drools down my neck, arm, shirtfront, and even my sandaled feet were sticky. How can I have any blood left? The pizza maker handed me some clean white towels and insisted on calling an ambulance which frightened the kids. I ordered a cup of ice and said I’d be fine. Later, after dropping the kids back home and not getting out of the car I got some staples and a shot f antibiotics at the walk in clinic. I feel the ache. Imagine messy hair for days, washing the ends over the sink. I just adopted your story as mine, too. Thank you.
These damned metal boxes, Dooner! I'm going to write ourselves a new law. They are not allowed! Ever. Again. Anywhere. I am so sorry this happened to you. And yes — that mat of hair. "Looks like you got highlights," a friend said.
If I'd been there, you would have gone for a CT scan. I come from a long line of head bonkers who have seen the kindness of strangers. Gorgeously written. I love that you carried on, bloody, but unbowed. Jax Peters Lowell
Oh my goodness, how frightening! I’m so glad you’re okay, and even more glad you felt enfolded in such kindness and care. It is out there. Bless all those helpers. May we see them, May we be them.
So sorry for your injury, but grateful for this lovely piece. Hope you heal quickly! And, btw, if it's not too late, did you know that saliva is great for removing blood stains? Apparently has enzymes that dissolve it! 😊
Oh, darn, Beth! I wish I had known! I put baking soda and water on the coat and will take it to the dry cleaner tmw and PRAY! An old coat but a favorite. And thank you so much!
Oh my! I am sorry to hear of this scary escapade, and happy to hear that you’re ok. I am sending reiki to you and all those around you. It’s Sunday, a no-work day in my household, so my wish for you is to have a similar quiet and cozy day.
I plan to have just that day, Martha. Thank you.
At a Tibetan Buddhist temple in NY I heard the Dalai Lama quietly and simply say, "My religion is kindness." Evidently, he doesn't believe religion is about land or oil or power over others. Evidently, in the end there is only kindness towards all sentient beings. A heart-warming piece this morning, Beth. A reminder.
Holy cow – what a terrific essay. I’m really sorry you hit your head so badly and I hope you don’t have a concussion. The accident certainly did not affect your ability to write. I love how you wove the theme of kindness— from strangers and friends—into the the piece.
Thank you, my very dear friend. The strangers and friends were the all of yesterday. Without them, I would not have written this piece.
Someday the earth smiles and lets you know that all the work has not gone unmarked
That goodness is a witch
That love lives
in the corners and the pockets and sidewalk cracks
Get better, Bumpy!
Goodness is a witch! I love that. And I shall!
She bonked her head, bled,
kindness’ brightness bolt she met.
Brain, being still brilliant.
I am very sorry for the bonk on your head, but I am very grateful for this beautifully written reminder that kindness exists. Always. Among us.
It is so very near, Amanda. Always. And I am always so humbled by it.
Your writing is luminous, despite the bonk to the head. And the kindness which noticed, the caring, the compassion, then the beautiful husband. Bless, I really hope you’re taking it gently and recovering. 🙏🏻
Julie, thank you. The winds howled here today, the colors outside were gray, and no sunshine beckoned. And so it was easy to just sit, something I rarely do. Sometimes with my eyes closed. Sometimes reading a book I can't wait to report on here. Thank you for your beautiful words.
This is gorgeous writing. I’m so sorry for the mishap. And so happy to know of all the kindnesses you encountered as a result.
Thank you so much, Francesca. How grateful I was, and am.
❤️🩹
Beth! Please take good care of you! And also…how can you still write so brilliantly in the aftermath of such trauma?!? Kindness is everywhere. Quiet. Insistent. Calm. Rest gentle in its arms today.
Cathy, thank you. Writing this was my companion through the night. I often think of it that way — the writing as a friend who is there when you need her. I plan to rest today.
Oh my. Love your telling the sureness that you were okay despite a head wound. This also happened to me. Walking with my town grandchildren downtown, hurrying to get to the pizza place where I’d ordered them a pizza and remembering we forgot the parking pay machine fee due. When I dropped my credit card and bent to get it, the metal box must have scooted closer, and my head bonked into it hard. Numb and embarrassed I told my 8 year old granddaughter I was fine. When we got to the pizza place, she told me I was bloody. Then I saw myself in the window and gasped. Bloody as a car wreck, a mass of sticky hair drips, stains and drools down my neck, arm, shirtfront, and even my sandaled feet were sticky. How can I have any blood left? The pizza maker handed me some clean white towels and insisted on calling an ambulance which frightened the kids. I ordered a cup of ice and said I’d be fine. Later, after dropping the kids back home and not getting out of the car I got some staples and a shot f antibiotics at the walk in clinic. I feel the ache. Imagine messy hair for days, washing the ends over the sink. I just adopted your story as mine, too. Thank you.
These damned metal boxes, Dooner! I'm going to write ourselves a new law. They are not allowed! Ever. Again. Anywhere. I am so sorry this happened to you. And yes — that mat of hair. "Looks like you got highlights," a friend said.
Hope you are feeling better now!
Thank you so much, Jenn.
Rest, read, write and feel better soon x
Thank you, Mountain Mama!
If I'd been there, you would have gone for a CT scan. I come from a long line of head bonkers who have seen the kindness of strangers. Gorgeously written. I love that you carried on, bloody, but unbowed. Jax Peters Lowell
We would have eaten delicious cookies together, sat in a quiet urban garden, talked. I can see it. Feel it. xo
I love the kindness you found.
Oh my goodness, how frightening! I’m so glad you’re okay, and even more glad you felt enfolded in such kindness and care. It is out there. Bless all those helpers. May we see them, May we be them.
You are among the world's kindest, Becca. And you are very seen. xo
So sorry for your injury, but grateful for this lovely piece. Hope you heal quickly! And, btw, if it's not too late, did you know that saliva is great for removing blood stains? Apparently has enzymes that dissolve it! 😊
Oh, darn, Beth! I wish I had known! I put baking soda and water on the coat and will take it to the dry cleaner tmw and PRAY! An old coat but a favorite. And thank you so much!