Betty Draper – Wise Hearted commented on Why I Rewrite III that:

“When life goes through the grid of loss values become clear.”

— Betty Draper

What is a Grid?

grid

1. A grating [a fixed frame of bars or the like covering an opening to exclude persons, animals, coarse material, or objects while admitting light, air, or fine material] of crossed bars…
2. a network [an association of individuals having a common interest, formed to provide mutual assistance, helpful information, or the like] of horizontal and perpendicular lines, uniformly spaced, for locating points on a map, chart, or aerial photograph by means of a system of coordinates.
3. Architecture. a rectangular system of coordinates used in locating the principal elements of a plan.

What an interesting word to choose to describe loss, death, and its subsequent grief.

In my experiences with the death of those whom I love,

I wanted to be alone.

I put a fixed frame of crossed bars

a shield

around my

self

soul

and heart.

In the beginning, I didn’t want light to shine

and sometimes even air to breathe was too much

many times I did not want to live.

Through it all, my network

of family and friends

kept rattling my grid.

At first I was royally pissed off.

I wanted to be alone,

cry,

wail,

disappear.

My network wanted to

include me,

force me out of the grid,

and keep me moving,

They were my GPS,

my compass,

and my guide.

Finally, and unknowingly

I formed a plan.

Stumbled upon is probably more accurate.

It was so simple that I almost missed it:

Expressing Gratitude

Being Grateful.

Living in a state of gratitude

caused a paradigm shift in my mind

as if the shutters were opened

and the light was able to shine brightly.

It’s hard to be sad while at the same time expressing gratitude.

“…values become clear.”

After my mind became clearer

I began to see what was in front of me always:

G-d

family

friends

and my unyielding faith.

Thank you, Betty, for the astute observation

and the marvelous thought-provoking quote.

XO Lisa ❤️ living a gratitude filled life!