I'm assuming that all DS Gatherings have their own distinct "flavor," and the recent Ohio Gathering was no exception. I met people who were formally a "username" on a screen with whom I occasionally chatted. With fear and trembling, they took that huge leap of faith to attend. Then, there were others with whom I was acquainted by attending former Gatherings. Overall, each Gathering is a new experience no matter how many I have attended.

I'm always taken aback at the obvious individual strength revealed at the Gatherings. The devastation of loss can range from emotional, personal, to financial with anything possible in between; yet, what a blessing to see glimmers of hope, flickers shining from that dark tunnel that express "I'm going to make it." A comment from Eleanor Roosevelt comes to mind: "....to do the thing I thought I could not do." That seems to sum up what we DSers have done from the very beginning of this unscheduled journey of loss.

The comfort we glean daily or sometimes even hourly from one another on DSespecially at the beginning of our journeyis multiplied many times over as we have the opportunity to meet in person. We delicately begin our own "Seasons of Change," knowing that each change is an important step into our new world of "unknowns."

Oh my goodness, in our anguish we sometimes forget that we are human. We forget that we can laugh, even be ridiculously silly if the occasion warrants it. We need to remember to introduce more "yeses" into our lives because we have already accumulated a huge pile of "noes." Our hearts are still broken, but the misery that encased us those first days and months slip into another gear until finally it becomes a gentle acceptance of who we are becoming without our loved one in our lives. In due course, we learn how healthy it is to do those things that make our eyes sparkle, that make our hearts beat with hopeful thoughts.

Complacencykeeping a stiff upper lip in front of othersis not an answer. Although acceptance is very important, and for many that eventually occurs, it is quite a discovery to see that we are capable of moving past the ho-hum of our shattered existence. It is worth that extra push that sometimes strains every emotional muscle we possess. Life was not meant to regret! We need to know that it is possible to look toward the future with full expectations that we will experience joy once again, and that is something that is shared between the DSers by virtue of encouraging conversations.

As we became comfortable with one another, the conversations often went in the direction of becoming a whole person again. What that would entail was up for grabs, but the meaning was clearlearning to live again. The laughter that echoed throughout the weekend certainly laid claim to the fact that we all want to learn to live again, enjoying life's delights, and understanding the significance of each moment we're given.

Blessings to all and thank you for a beautiful weekend of friendship and insightful conversationand let's not forget our hilarious laughter at life's lighter side. You all were truly a treat for this farm gal!!! My house was alive again with the vitality of anticipation of the best the future has to offer to us. I hope to post pics very soon. I smile even now as I think about our time together. What unbelievably kind, considerate, and compassionate people are the DS members. You're the best! TJ