Companions

These are not monsters.

They are not villains.

They are not things to defeat.

Yes, I have been told and counseled that they are all 3.

Books, articles and speakers, insist they are

– monsters, villains, things to defeat.

But in these years alone, as Rick’s widow

– I have learned one truth about these Companions.

They walk with me.

They talk to me.

Yes, they are Real.

But they don’t get to control me.

At times they are loud.

At times they are quiet.

At times only 1 walks with me,

while the rest lurk around in the shadows of living.

Other times, well, they all seem to vie for my immediate attention.

I have become painfully aware that they have no intention whatsoever of moving out - 😊

– therefore, I accept them as Companions.

For a long time, I allowed them to have control of my days,

my nights, my life.

And then,

enough was enough.

These days – lines have been drawn,

and while they don’t always like those lines,

nor even obey them . . .

They come, and they go

– with permission neither asked, nor given.

They say their words

– it’s my call whether I listen or not.

They poke and prod

– until I raise my finger and tell them to “Wait your turn!”

They are here, part of my life and my story, part of me.

They no longer scare the beejeebies out of me 😉

I am learning to walk with these Companions

– forward.

These Companions are those that walk with us,

talk with us, sit with us, when life changes.

Sometimes that change is death – or life.

Sometimes it is loss & grief.

Sometimes it is a dream that turned to ashes.

Sometimes it is child who no longer runs into your arms.

Sometimes it is a parent who can’t be reached by phone.

Sometimes it is the version of ourselves, or our life, that

– well, just didn’t.

And sometimes there isn’t even a name for what hurts.

It’s just . . .

Life.

Here I would like to introduce you to these Companions –

Each of these little treasures opens up a window into my mind and creativity.

This is where I share a sprinkle of imagination as I learn to deal with each one.

I feel like some of them you will recognize ((( soft hugs 💕))) . . .