Loss

Loss wraps around us like tentacles of an octopus, the vines of ivy.

Loss inhabits physical space. It resides in the house, in the water, in the seasons, in a smell.

Loss is unexplained. We may know exactly what happened, but we do not understand.

We deal with loss by distraction. Sharks must keep swimming to breathe, and so do we.

All loss is irreplaceable. Whatever it was is gone, completely.

All loss is symmetrical with love.

Potential replacements are new, unfamiliar. They are like a new pair of shoes – does this really fit?

There is no best, there only what is.

You can love what was, and love what is.

You can love what is lost, and love what is found.

Feelings haunt places. New feelings bloom in places.

Search, because loss feels imprisoning. Love is the key.

Act, because even imprisoned you must do something.

There is no timeline for loss. But there are regular opportunities for love.

Take the time it takes, but not longer. Opportunities await.

Be bold. Do not be a coward.

A coward hides.

Be bold. Look around.

You will not find what you had, but you will find enough.

This is a book review for Remarkably Bright Creatures, one of my favorite books of the year.