Like so many others, my heart went out earlier this week to the victims and families of the violence at Fort Hood. I’m reminded as I set out to write this blog entry that ‘adversity’ is a relative term.
We all have troubles. There is no getting around this most basic fact of life. I tell our children when they bicker not to waste their energy being jealous of each other. No one enters this life and gets a free pass. Each one of us, before our time is up, will know what it is to bear real pain.
I’m not talking about the rejection slip that arrives in the mail, confirming the writer’s fear that yet another work will go unrewarded. I’m not talking about the missed bus – the sale item that was out of stock – the casual thoughtless word spoken and hopefully forgiven just as casually.
No. Anyone who has lost a loved one, suffered with the sick or from their own sickness, or struggled to guide a relative who is lost to addiction – in short, anyone who has encountered any of the million real heartbreaks that lie in wait for all of us – will know exactly what I’m talking about.
Let me be clear. I am an artist. But I’m not ‘first’ an artist. I am first a wife, mother, sister, friend. I have been a daughter, a niece, a cousin. I have worked throughout these 49 years to build a life that was better than the one I was born into. And I have lost – much – often.
As have we all.
This week was a hard one for us personally. We try to keep it in perspective, remembering always the profound sorrow of others. We try to enrich our art through learning to understand and cope with human failings.
Sometimes we succeed.
Best in writing, everyone. And more importantly, best in living.
Donna Carrick November 8, 2009-11-08
Comments (6)
Such a tragedy at Fort Hood. So sad.
Putting it all in perspective is always so important. Thanks for the reminder.
Posted by Jemi Fraser | November 8, 2009 1:36 PM
Posted on November 8, 2009 13:36
Thanks, Jemi.
Here in the Carrick household, we often have to remind ourselves to keep things in perspective. All the best to you & yours.
Donna
Posted by Donna Carrick | November 8, 2009 2:50 PM
Posted on November 8, 2009 14:50
My heart and prayers go out to the families of the Fort Hood tragedy. Also to you and your family for the tragedies you've had to face.
We make light too often of the suffering others go through, just because it isn't happening to us. But that doesn't mean that it can't or won't.
Thank you for helping to put into perspective the turmoil we all can face at any given moment.
Warm Wishes,
Cynthia
Posted by Cynthia | November 9, 2009 7:06 AM
Posted on November 9, 2009 07:06
Thank you, Cynthia.
Best,
Donna
Posted by Donna Carrick | November 9, 2009 9:38 AM
Posted on November 9, 2009 09:38
Donna,
Thank you so much for taking the time to remind us that life is meant to be experienced and treasured.
My heartfelt prayers go out to you, your family and everyone else who currently faces obstacles in their lives.
Posted by Cat Woods | November 9, 2009 10:35 AM
Posted on November 9, 2009 10:35
Thank you for your kind thoughts, Cat. At the very least, when things are difficult, we know we are not alone.
Best,
Donna
Posted by Donna Carrick | November 9, 2009 10:43 AM
Posted on November 9, 2009 10:43