Sandy died two years ago today.
I would just like to mark this time with a poem that has recently found its way through our circle of friends.
In honor of Sandy, Bob, Jennifer, Tom and all of our loved ones lost to us too young…
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting -
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
–by Mary Oliver
August 7th, 2008 at 6:47 pm Dan—I’ve thought of you constantly today hoping, and knowing somehow,that you would make it a beautiful time to celebrate Sandy’s life once again…as you do every day with your caring nature, your creative mind and your athletic energy. Reading the above poem reassures those who love and admire you.
September 19th, 2008 at 8:22 pm Hey Dan…thought of you on this day. I love the poem. Tried to call when I was out there..on August 9, but we missed each other again. Can’t go through Leavenworth without saying hey. Hope you’re well. xoKellee