Christian Lanciai
I am afraid the only way out is the very one you are trying to follow – a constant hard work to struggle out of the dark. Have courage! Nothing is impossible.
2008-06-24

Peter J. Kautsky
I had the same sentiments about myself driving through downtown Columbus Ohio. All these places to have a beer, have a coffee, have a pizza, so who am I but someone who drinks coffee, beer, eats pizza. I was despairing over a lack of purpose in my life -- something to live for. Later that night I went to a poetry reading. We came to the conclusion that our poetry was what we lived for. I read an article recently by this Harvard graduate bemoaning the lack of meaning in his life. He came to the conclusion that his most fulfilling experience is the pursuit of the truth. Ok. I'm still going to write a poem entitle "Main Street." pete
2008-06-24

M Heathcote
A truly powerful write hear Kathy in exploring the dark sides of our nature we hurting good folk find only more goodness worth cling onto in hope! You I'd say are an angel and I'd send love and prayers your way... But god I'm sure god will be with you always.

Mark xx
2008-06-24

Ah you are suffering the tripple edged knife of being in grief, especially a woman, or so I found. firstly, we put everyone on edge. Secondly we put on ridiculous faces to meet society. Smile too much, rush around as if not a care in the world to them, but that is how we get by each days tasks, which we have to keep doing or life as we knew it, materially wise, falls apart. Inside we want to fall apart, rot away as you so vividly describe here Kathy, we have to force ourselves to do the basics, eat, brush teeth, coomb hair, get kids to school, in my case. Just those basics are hard enough when your life is in shock and you feel darkness is everywhere, I found people tiptoed around me at first, some even crossed the road rather than have to say hello. Depressing it is too, that black shroud that grief envelopes us with, no matter the colourful outer layers. Yes it is a dark vortex feeling like it is sucking your life force away. You need company, we all do at times, but it is when at night and our thought fly free, that is when the grief really envelopes us. I cried myself to sleep for at least 18 months after Howard, exhaustion put me to sleep and every new day there were challenges that had to be met. I slept downstairs in front of an open fire, fully clothed for the first 3 months....it gets better. If all else fails, get very drunk. Quick fixes do work, but just don't make a habit of relying on them.

Love ya

Tai x
2008-06-24