Grief is like Glitter

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.”

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/grief-is-like-glitter/