Yesterday I worked late. Yesterday I was joyful with the people I encountered, who encountered me. Yesterday I thought I would be OK today. Yesterday I was wrong. I awoke this morning, May 17, 2017 and was instantly hit with the flashbacks to this day four years prior. The day I lost my son. Being hit with flashbacks is not a new occurrence; they come often. The difference in today is that the mere fact of the date takes me down. If I use a fighter’s analogy, I am quick on my feet and able to dodge the hits, normally. And then today’s date comes around and I am laid flat–it is the one swift blow. Back to the drawing board of training, but first I must make it out of my bed.
Today I struggled to eat. The struggle is result of knowledge battling feeling. I know my body needs nourishment. I know if I don’t eat a migraine will be triggered. I know these things. And yet I feel only sorrow and somehow it tricks my body into believing it’s nourished. I feel the headache and yet the flowing tears beg more attention than the aching in the cranial region. I avowed all day long to get my self out of bed and take a shower, brush my teeth, get something done. In bed I remain, even as I type.
Flashbacks don’t always give fair warning; they sometimes hit out of nowhere and command the fierce attention of reverting back to the scene of the pain. So many moments to revert to. Too painful to even write them down, even just the slightest. It is the dodge of the hit that compels me forward. I cannot handle the pain (quasi nod to Carly Simon here), I cannot live in its presence. This just might be me; others might have a different method or capability. But mine is the inability to dwell in the place of remembrances—can’t do it and live. Hence my stay in bed today, my swollen eyes and my bad breath (courtesy the omission of tooth brushing in bed). *my apologies to those who sat with me in my bedchamber today, the odoriferous scene was not a pleasant one.
At least this date gives a fair warning of its coming, much like the signs I read as a kid in my Aunt’s Sacramento neighborhood, “Warning, Undulations Ahead” – the word undulation has since intrigued me, what a beautiful word. Did you ever consider the letter “u” could be so fancy? I just love it! That there, folks, is my best attempt at getting up. Dodge the hit and counter attack with a distracting nonsensical statement. You see the sun is setting and I am looking into the eyes of tomorrow, when I will again get up and resume the fight. So though at present it seems the referee will make the count to “three” alongside my repose, I am actually still in the game and so I must shakily forge ahead—undulations and all.
I hate today. I hate this story that is mine. But tomorrow I will love, and joy again I will find.
Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Hebrews 12:12-13
living in loss and gratitude 
As always, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Lots of love, Adrienne & Don
Looking forward to some Momma A time next weekend! xo
Ah Rivka, I would consider my journey on earth incomplete if I could not read the words you write, that give such meaning to love. Cole is not forgotten in our house, and let your mother’s heart rest a bit in the knowledge that his courage in the face of a tremendous battle and your beautiful words of love and longing keep him alive with us always and make us want to be worthy of the protection he offered us while in the Marine Corps. Love, The Ohlunds
Lisa is it really taking me nearly three months to read this beautiful comment?! …thank you, my heart is full.
Thank you for sharing and being so vulnerable. I wish I could help carry this weight with you. I would love to help you my friend. You are always in my prayers. ❤
Your love and continued prayers ARE carrying us. Never underestimate this truth!
So sorry Rivka. We love you and pray for you often. You are an amazing writer!Thank you for using your talent, for being honest and vulnerable, and for sharing your pain. You are an inspiration. God bless you!
Thank you Trent et al…it is the deep connection of loving friends such as you and your beautiful Jacque that keep the ship afloat and in action. Couldn’t do it without you. xoxo
Yes, stay in Bed and be with your feelings…that’s what you want. We love you a big ton Rivka. Rhonda & Gai but…. DRINK!!!
>
Yes mommas…I’ll have a glass of H20 for the two of you! Love you both – xoxo
Undulations will always be present. Caution is the key word. That indicates choice to prepare/notice or blindly careen forward.
amen
….I love you….. I miss you and I’m sorry Cole is not here to share LIFE with all of you. I can only imagine the need to retreat and just allow your feelings to live for the day in remembrance of your son. I’m not sure I could do it any other way if it were me, so your post weighs heavy on my heart this morning as I read it. Wishing you a better day today with happier thoughts and a smile. XO
Thank you Kim, your love is so appreciated and reciprocated! Hope to catch a Juniper sighting this summer. xo
Today the sun will rise, your pain will still be present, but you will march forward and those of us who love and adore you will stand beside you when you feel you can no longer hold the weight of your pain. Lean on me/us. (quasi nod to Bill Withers). I love you my friend.
I’m headed your way for a solid “lean!” Thank you my friend.