While most of us like to avoid being sad, I find crying very comforting and liberating. Our tears are an expression of a deep rooted wound, often left unexplored. We're part of a society that puts such value on happiness, while discouraging sadness. The past few days have been sad and I want to share the reason for my tears with you.
When my girlfriend shared Matteo's story with me, it had a great impact on me as a mother, and an aunt. Two young sisters, married to brothers, each couple blessed with 2 boys. On a grim Sunday afternoon their lives would be changed dramatically, as the 6 year old boy's life would be accidentally robbed. I can't imagine a heartbreaking story greater than this one. All I keep wondering is how this family will ever recover.
When tragedy strikes, with such unexpected force, how can the wound ever heal? Clearly, I don't know the answer to that. All I can offer is prayer and loving energy. But since I have a blog, I can also offer suggestions on how we can move forward through this sharp sorrow. Let's make it a point (especially today) to give an extra kiss, a tighter hug, use a sweeter tone, lend a compassionate ear, forgive any nonsense weighing you down. If you're a mom, who spends most of her time feeling consumed by responsibility, make a pledge today. Make a solemn promise, in honor of Matteo, to refrain from any acts of impatience. It's a no yelling, no punishing, no bitching day. Instead, be inspired by your inner child: be immature, playful, funny, and silly with your kids. Whenever I hear a tragic event, it's a reminder to be grateful that I got a chance to start over again today. Matteo's family doesn't get that opportunity today or tomorrow. Their days will never be the same again.
For his funeral today, he is being honored with his favorite color, green. In the spiritual world, green is the color representing the 4th chakra, which ironically, is the heart. Wear green, eat green, see green, connect to your heart on this grief-stricken day, that no human being should ever have to endure. During this deeply dark time for the Palumbi family, may we send light collectively, in hope that some day they will see it.
Love&Light
