Sometimes, just a glimpse of an all-but-forgotten memory can suddenly morph into the present without warning, ambushing your mind’s eye and propelling the distant past forward into the immediate now.
Thank you for sharing this. I also lost my daughter Eve in 2018, and you write so well about the cracks and crevices in our hearts. I also paused when you spoke about the Elliot Tree, and how it was a fig tree! I wrote this piece called burying the fig tree - about the cycles and waves of grief and wanted to share this with you. And I love Mary Oliver. That's all. 💜
I am so moved by your post. Thank you for sharing this. Gorgeous.The "drowning and resurfacing" captures the tumultuous cycles perfectly. As Mary Oliver expresses with such profundity, there is something sacred about trees -- their silent, rooted majesty is our comfort. The Elliot tree went to live with his younger brother in Austin. Another cycle indeed. Filled me with surprising peace.💔
Elaine, I loved your post…those moments when we are told fresh stories about our child that we hadn’t known when they were alive, they are special and incredibly soothing. And having an Elliot tree, growing right in front of you, speaks to his living on, as I know he is doing in you too 🤗
You always touch our hearts with your words, Elaine, feelings we could only perceive at their edges, then you take us deeper. What a marvelous metaphor and gift of the Elliot Tree!
Heart-achingly beautiful, Elaine ❤️🩹 How wonderful that he reached out in such a wonderful way and let you know how very well Elliot is being remembered by so many.
It amazed me to hear from him. It's been more than six years. So overwhelming and precious at the same time. Thank you for your beautiful words. Hope you are doing well. 💕
Elaine, our sons Must be together and I’m certain they brought us together. There are so many intersections with Ryan here. Following his own process while ignoring the “it won’t work” messages…to being referred to as “brilliant” by a coworker…to feeling his soul so strongly among the trees. And more. This entry assures me they are with us. El and RJ winking at and loving their Moms from the other side of the veil. Thank you, Elaine! I appreciate and love you dear friend!
Dear Janet, yes, I feel it, too -- Elliot and Ryan, together in another unknowable connection in another unfathomable dimension of time and space. Holding you in my heart, dear friend. I am grateful for our connection and sharing their winks.
“The Elliott Tree” is a brave, fresh, and raw cutting of your Elliott and you - forever intertwined as son and mom - such beauty, such grace, and such love. Startling; unknowing and unknown. THE Elliot tree. A glimpse of miracle.
Dearest Nan, I so appreciate your kind, heartfelt comment. Thank you for the comfort and strength of your rare and compassionate presence on this bittersweet journey.
My son, Emile, died by suicide, in a weeping willow tree. Your words touched my soul. Sending peace and love, Elaine. 🤍🤍
Rea, my heart aches for you and Emile. Thank you for your kind words and support. Wrapping you in comfort and grace.💔
Thank you for sharing this. I also lost my daughter Eve in 2018, and you write so well about the cracks and crevices in our hearts. I also paused when you spoke about the Elliot Tree, and how it was a fig tree! I wrote this piece called burying the fig tree - about the cycles and waves of grief and wanted to share this with you. And I love Mary Oliver. That's all. 💜
https://friendsforsurvival.org/blog%3A-read-articles-1/f/burying-the-fig-tree?blogcategory=Inspirations
I am so moved by your post. Thank you for sharing this. Gorgeous.The "drowning and resurfacing" captures the tumultuous cycles perfectly. As Mary Oliver expresses with such profundity, there is something sacred about trees -- their silent, rooted majesty is our comfort. The Elliot tree went to live with his younger brother in Austin. Another cycle indeed. Filled me with surprising peace.💔
Elaine, I loved your post…those moments when we are told fresh stories about our child that we hadn’t known when they were alive, they are special and incredibly soothing. And having an Elliot tree, growing right in front of you, speaks to his living on, as I know he is doing in you too 🤗
Jumping in here Molly, to say how much I love your Fig Tree piece ♥️
You always touch our hearts with your words, Elaine, feelings we could only perceive at their edges, then you take us deeper. What a marvelous metaphor and gift of the Elliot Tree!
Oh, Wicked Tomi, thank you, thank you. Your words always touch and inspire me. So beautiful. Hope you are still celebrating your birthday. I am.
Heart-achingly beautiful, Elaine ❤️🩹 How wonderful that he reached out in such a wonderful way and let you know how very well Elliot is being remembered by so many.
It amazed me to hear from him. It's been more than six years. So overwhelming and precious at the same time. Thank you for your beautiful words. Hope you are doing well. 💕
Elaine, our sons Must be together and I’m certain they brought us together. There are so many intersections with Ryan here. Following his own process while ignoring the “it won’t work” messages…to being referred to as “brilliant” by a coworker…to feeling his soul so strongly among the trees. And more. This entry assures me they are with us. El and RJ winking at and loving their Moms from the other side of the veil. Thank you, Elaine! I appreciate and love you dear friend!
Dear Janet, yes, I feel it, too -- Elliot and Ryan, together in another unknowable connection in another unfathomable dimension of time and space. Holding you in my heart, dear friend. I am grateful for our connection and sharing their winks.
“The Elliott Tree” is a brave, fresh, and raw cutting of your Elliott and you - forever intertwined as son and mom - such beauty, such grace, and such love. Startling; unknowing and unknown. THE Elliot tree. A glimpse of miracle.
Dearest Nan, I so appreciate your kind, heartfelt comment. Thank you for the comfort and strength of your rare and compassionate presence on this bittersweet journey.