Today, my thoughts are with the grief we continue to witness in Minnesota.
I reflect on the recent story about Alex Pretti, the 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse at the Minneapolis VA Hospital, who was killed by a federal border patrol agent near his home in Minneapolis last month. My prayers and thoughts immediately went to both this country and the people of Minneapolis.
Health care community mourns Alex Pretti, the VA nurse killed Saturday by federal agent | MPR News
Minneapolis has been through so much in the past five years, starting with the murder of George Floyd.
Sometimes I try to understand what lesson we can learn from all of this.
Minneapolis Five Years Later – City of Minneapolis
Grief has become infrastructure in Minneapolis, a city mobilized by trauma | CNN
Maybe the real question is “What is the lesson that we can learn from all of this as it relates to watershed moments that we continue to relive?”
Watershed Moment – Meaning, Origin and Usage – English-Grammar-Lessons.com
There is a quote that says, “Grief is like glitter. You can throw a handful of it in the air, but when you try to clean it up, you will never get it all. Even long after the event, you will still find glitter tucked in the corners. It will always be there…. somewhere.”
I’m aware that grief in all its stages is a process, according to Dr. Kübler-Ross, who spent her career studying the dying process and the impact of death on survivors.
5 Stages of Grief: The Kübler-Ross Model
This past Wednesday evening, at one of my Toastmasters meetings, I told a story about several people in my life who, to me, have died within the last five years.
What I didn’t realize then, during the speech, was that my grief was like glitter. When you try to clean it up, you will never get it all.
Although I have peace in my heart, I continue to carry that legacy of their love. I have learned that telling stories in both positive and negative forms is a reminder of the glitter.
We all have those moments years after someone we loved has left this physical world.
I also thought about all the recipes that have been passed on to me by several people in my life, who have been a blessing to me.
Then, on this past Saturday, while attending Mass, my mind went to each time we attend Mass, when we pray for those who are no longer with us. It was at that moment when I heard the person’s name being called and remembered seeing him at Mass the two weeks before he died.
There is so much that I could write about grief.
My final thought is remembering Ms. Shirley Raines. I’m sure there is plenty of glitter she has left based on her role.
“Ms. Shirley dedicated her life to serving others and made an immeasurable impact on homeless communities throughout Los Angeles and Nevada. Through her tireless advocacy, deep compassion, and unwavering commitment, she used her powerful media platform to amplify the voices of those in need and to bring dignity, resources, and hope to some of the most underserved populations.”
How did Shirley Raines die? Updates on Ms. Shirley’s cause of death
I’ll leave you with this final thought about the “Beatitudes.”
The 8 Beatitudes: List and Meaning Explained | Bible Study Tools
For all those we have lost in life, their lives have been blessed by blessing others. The world’s culture is rapidly changing; however, it’s up to us to keep blessing others.
May the repose of souls that have deeply departed rest in peace. Grant us the peace that surpasses all understanding and let Your gentle spirit refresh our hearts.
“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” ~ Helen Keller
Therefore, this week continues to be a blessing to others. You should know that “Grief is like glitter.” “You can throw a handful of it in the air, but when you try to clean it up, you will never get it all.”
This segment is insightful and appreciated because we as a country need healing. This country has shifted its stance from protecting itself and lending a helping hand to the world to using violence and terroristic tactics to kill its citizens. Their is a line of grief that we have not seen before and we need to heal, change and improve for the future.
Jerome,
Good morning,
I appreciate the support to my blog this morning and yes “we as a country need healing.” You and I know there are things we can and can’t control. I continue to pray for healing. You open my mind up with the words “There is a line of grief that we have not seen before and we need to heal, change and improve for the future.” To that response, only time will tell. All I know is God will never give us more than we can handle.
McKinley
Good morning CM, I have never heard that quote before. Nonetheless, if definitely makes sense and resonates with me. Like many of us, I too reflect on individuals that are no longer with me, and there are times I feel like the stages of grief come and go depending on how I am processing my feelings. To that point, I do ensure I take time to embrace the memories, love, perspective, and life lessons learned from those individuals that I dearly miss.
As it relates to the state of our country and in some cases the world, it’s disheartening! It appears that the suppressed hatred is resurfacing in different ways, and there are new systems, processes, and laws being put in place that give you the impression that this is the new normal. Additionally, our judicial system amongst other things is being tested so it makes it even more challenging to digest the news (i.e., ICE raids, Renee Good, Alex Pretti, suppressing of freedom of speech/journalists).
Terrance,
Good morning,
Thank you so much for sharing your comments. I found the quote a year ago and it came back to me after my thoughts sync up with above. The state of our country disturbs me especially when I have seen how far we have come to taking several steps backwards. Our Politicians are using it with the recent Government Shutdown with Homeland Security. Freedom is something I believe we both can agree upon for not taking it for granted, especially both of us with service in the military. Enjoy your week ahead.
CM
3.Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land. 5 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 6 Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill
Dave,
The Beatitudes are a powerful reminder. Sometimes they escape us in everyday life. Thanks for the acknowledgment by sending them back to me. I’m also humbled by the words you sent me via email. I’m proud to call you my friend as well! It was great seeing you in Vancouver last month.
McKinley
McKinley,
Thanks for the insight of the tragic killing of a beloved VA nurse. We lost a Soul that was doing so much for those of us that served the same government that caused his death. However you are correct in saying that we must remember the blessing that he left us with. I am sure he saved a few lives before his untimely
passing.
Scott,
Regards,
Seeing the news and reading about Alex Pretti is tragic.
We must always be cognizant of our surroundings and our actions.
Only time will tell how people will react in the future.
McKinley
Hi McKinley,
As challenging as it is to grieve the loss of a loved one, there is a deeper ache in grieving the loss of love itself — the love of humanity.
Gloria,
I’ve always said that your wisdom is powerful. Your comments to my blog are worthy of letting all know that I appreciate your insight and perspective. Thank you!
McKinley
Good morning McKinley,
Thank you so much for sharing.
I believe Love heals all…Grief Too…in time…
I also believe Love is…Speaking in favor of love, freedom, unity and peace!
I will continue to pray for all those who continue to Speak out!!!
Have a blessed day,
Diane at hello@creatingoptionsshop.com
Diane,
Thank you for reading my thoughts.
Time is one thing that Love and Grief have in come.
It’s unknown until the healing is in place.
We need all the prayers that will help this world be better.
McKinley