My stance is really the final sentences. None of us “deserves” anything that happens to us. The good or the bad. Yet this paradigm is one that pops up almost instinctively? My husband says maybe there’s a longer essay here. But I’m no good with philosophical argument. 🙃
Marika, this touched me. The way you wove together grief, parenting, and quiet moments of growth was beautiful. Your reflection on “deserve” stayed with me: it’s a tender, honest meditation on what it means to live and love. Thank you for sharing this! RIP, Snickerdoodle. You were so loved.
Oh my goodness, sweet Snickerdoodle. Thank you so much for this piece and the picture especially. Our pets can be the most tender relationships and so today I remember a beloved and patient guinea pig named Bevo. Congratulations to your 8th grader!
"Deserve" IS a problematic word isn't it? I know there have been some developments in my life I don't understand. I'm wondering whether it isn't so much about what I deserve as it is what I need to fulfill my destiny/purpose on Earth. I'm not even sure there is any intention behind these situations other than the idea that I can use them to feel victimized or I can use them to expand my capacity for what I want to create. I'm leaning into becoming wiser and more compassionate.
Appreciating it is as good as deserving it. Maybe even better!
This is a lovely reflection. I have a just-finished-8th-grader too, and I've been experiencing similar thoughts of "how did we get here".
Also, "deserve" is such a strange concept when you pay attention to it. I want to think more about it.
You’re telling me! I brought this piece to my writing group and wow was it controversial. 😂
My stance is really the final sentences. None of us “deserves” anything that happens to us. The good or the bad. Yet this paradigm is one that pops up almost instinctively? My husband says maybe there’s a longer essay here. But I’m no good with philosophical argument. 🙃
Aw, so sweet! What a darling pet. I'm so sorry about her last few days.
Thank you. We’re blessed by her memory, which will live long in family lore!
Love the way you navigated the refinement of this piece!
Marika, this touched me. The way you wove together grief, parenting, and quiet moments of growth was beautiful. Your reflection on “deserve” stayed with me: it’s a tender, honest meditation on what it means to live and love. Thank you for sharing this! RIP, Snickerdoodle. You were so loved.
Oh my goodness, sweet Snickerdoodle. Thank you so much for this piece and the picture especially. Our pets can be the most tender relationships and so today I remember a beloved and patient guinea pig named Bevo. Congratulations to your 8th grader!
"Deserve" IS a problematic word isn't it? I know there have been some developments in my life I don't understand. I'm wondering whether it isn't so much about what I deserve as it is what I need to fulfill my destiny/purpose on Earth. I'm not even sure there is any intention behind these situations other than the idea that I can use them to feel victimized or I can use them to expand my capacity for what I want to create. I'm leaning into becoming wiser and more compassionate.