earthly power."
~ Abraham Lincoln
I am just so sad.
It's been several years ago that I became interested in online journals. I was so touched by the vulnerability of folks that would put thier thoughts and fears and dreams online for anyone to stumble upon and read. My favorite site soon became this young woman's site - Dreaming Among the Jade Leaves. It was so honest, so heartfelt, and genuinely creative and innovative. The term "creative" is bandied about quite freely it seems, but Ginkgo's site is a gem. She and I became aquainted briefly through emails when I told her that I had used some of her graphics on my site, and asked for permission to use one of her personal journal sets that I had fallen in love with. She graciously gave that permission - along with generous help to get the pages to work correctly. Her compliment of my work meant so much to me, considering what a tiny baby I am creating computer graphics. She truly inspired me to create my site and to learn to do some of my own graphics.
One of the things that also inspired me about her was her generosity of spirit, and her wish that others could find joy in other's accomplishments and get past jealousy and competition. In Buddhism, we call this "Joyful Appreciation" and it is considered one of the four aspects of love.
I can not imagine what her husband Mark is going through. My feelings of sorrow can only be a shadow across my heart of what he must be experiencing. My heart also goes out to her parents - as soon as I read the news, I rushed to hug my son tight, tearfully telling him how much I love him.
Condolences to Ginkgo's friend who is suffering this loss, too.
Sorrow and grief are profound and important emotions to explore and learn from. Important windows to our ultimate understanding, yet such pain that must be surrendered into. Dealing with grief and loss is, afterall, the bottom line on our journey. Healing into wholeness is rough terrain when we do it with honesty.
We'll miss you, Ginkgo, and always remember.
