It’s been a tough few days, hasn’t it?
For our country, I mean.
If you’re already grieving, seeing the ugliness that seems to suddenly be everywhere…even if you refuse to watch the news…it can easily exacerbate what is already in your heart.
It makes me miss my beloved husband even more. I used to feel safe with him next to me. Now? Not so much.
For the first time since I began traveling 4 years ago, I feel not so safe on the road. Chaos can erupt at any time, anywhere and I’m more aware of that than ever before.
It is so tempting to consider going to where one of our kids live, and settling down near them.
But I won’t. I won’t let the fear be bigger than the Love any more than I’ll allow the grief to be bigger than the Love.
Because what I can most definitely tell you is that there is more Love out here than there is hate or anger.
I’ve seen it every day as I travel in every state where I travel.
It’s what keeps me going.
My mom used to tell me that when the world is overwhelming, narrow your world to your immediate circle and do what you can, where you can.
Chuck used to say look down to where your feet are, and be there.
He also used to say, when things got tough, you just suit up and show up, and let the day unfold.
So, where does this bring me?
All the grief of missing my husband, all the sadness of seeing new families now grieving their loved ones, all of the feelings of being overwhelmed…
…is taking me to downtown Concord NH, near where I am now. I’m putting on everything pink that I can (suiting up). And I’m driving my pink car down to the plaza in front of the Capitol building and setting out my pink sign that says on one side I’m the Love Warrior and on the other Free hugs.
The great thing about hugs is that they work both ways. Both parties engaged in a hug get the full benefits of connection. So this will be golden for me.
This is what I can do at a time when I feel powerless to effect much of anything. I can hug. And hug. And hug.
And somewhere, maybe, if he is anywhere…my most beloved husband, Chuck D….well, he’ll just smile from ear to ear and his eyes will glint with pride….
Find someone to hug. It can be a stranger or someone you know. Just hug them. You’ll be glad you did.
And consider yourself hugged from me.
Nothin’ but Love, sister and brother widows~