My farewell…

Dear 2021,

If ever there was a year that has left it’s unforgettable mark, it would be you. I am walking away from you collecting all the moments of love, joy, adventure, discovery and laughter. Trying to fill my basket with these feelings and memories. But I cannot neglect or even forget the moments of fear, anger, sadness and grief you have also brought me this year. I am limping away from you battered & bruised, tired & confused. I’m exiting with wounds, which will turn to scars of events never to be forgotten and with a basket of life affirming memories to call on in future moments of grief.

I have fought valiantly and sacrificed much for myself, my friends, my family, my community. I shed burning tears and cried out in pain over the loss of my only sibling. Then I fell into the arms of those I love, seeking the sweet silence of peace and the confirmation of rest & reprieve. In doing so I found strength I didn’t know I had, I found community when I needed it the most, I found camaraderie with strangers and I found something else deep within myself. I found the abundance of love.

You have revealed it all. You have brought me all the feels, all the things, all of the experiences meant for a lifetime in one year. You have opened my eyes and shown me that we are all woven together by this shared experience called life. We are all the scaffolding holding up each other’s hearts with love & support. We are all one.

This year was filled with experiences I would have never chosen, but I move forward with gratitude for what you were. Thank you for showing me that my will is determined when it wants to be. Thank you for bringing me together with so many incredible others. Thank you for changing me. Thank you for being part of me. Thank you for reminding me of love. Thank you for reconnecting me to ‘what lies within.’ Thank you for showing me what is possible as I meet 2022.

with love & reverence,

Lauren