I used to write all the time... (Originally published on May 21, 2009)

...but that was a long time ago. The printed or ethereal page was a sounding board. Then something happened. Frank discovered people. The world is full of sounding boards. If you continue to to simply take your own counsel, you will learn a great deal about yourself but very little about other subjects.

But sometimes you are on the train and there are no sounding boards.

I have been surrounded by empathy recently. In some cases, I thought it contrived... but regardless of the connection I might share with someone, there are connections that always exist between people. They don't have to know you. They don't have to know someone that has died. What they do know to varying degrees is loss.

I have a habit of thinking that loss was direct and almost quantifiable. I was so much older than, I'm younger than that now.

I've often spoke of funeral services. I have own opinions about ritualized burial practices and always will. But I'm learning. I'm learning that the connections a person makes are not often known to their family or friends and although a holy man may not have known the person they are speaking about, they do know grief. They do know loss. They are the amazing combination of characteristics that make us human.

I thank everyone for their regards and their reactions whatever they may be. I have so much to learn. The fact that my boss might actually be human is just one of those things. The fact that Catholic priests can cry is another. The fact that some people may choose to have someone officiate a memorial service precisely because he or she will maintain composure is another.

I have recently seen a support structure appear out of nowhere. I am lucky in that I knew it was their but I don't think I've ever paid attention as it manifested. We humans are amazing creatures. We even spread loss. A person deeply wounded will have a ring of loved ones. Each member of that ring will have their own support staff. The result being that everyone has someone to lean on.

I love you all. I am prepared to give strength because of you. I thank all those that will never read... all those that are supporting myself and others either directly or indirectly.

I am regularly amazed by what humans can accomplish when they get together. I wasn't expecting another reminder.