I can’t even begin to express my thanks for your outpouring of love and support. It’s been a comfort to read your emails, comments and messages and I’m so sorry to learn that many of you have also experienced the terrible effects of addiction in your own lives. I hope it’s something that we can talk more openly about without the negative stigma that seems to veil the issue. I can’t believe how many people this disease touches.
Last week I felt pretty numb. I think I was in mostly in shock. Arriving back in Charlotte and being back in my normal routine has been difficult. It’s tough to see that life is happening all around you the same as it always does but there’s a part of you that’s so changed. I’ve felt really sad this week.
I taught my first yoga class yesterday since receiving the news of my brother’s passing and while it was hard and emotional, I also felt so held in support by my students and yoga community.
I’m not sure how to resume here. So I’ll just share some things that have been a help or comfort to me over the last nine days.
Running. Running is always one of the first things I turn to when I don’t know what else to do with how I’m feeling. Zoey has been a welcome companion by my side.
Morning Glory muffin from Sunflour.
My sweet angels. Seriously, dogs are the greatest therapy. We’ve been doing a ton of walking and cuddling.
This sandwich combination of cashew butter, honey and banana on my dad’s sourdough is comfort in a sandwich for me. It’s familiar and easy to digest. On a related note, my dad sent me home with sourdough starter so I am going to play around with baking my own.
The ocean.
Family. My aunt and cousin happened to be visiting my grandmother when I was in Florida last weekend. We all went out to dinner on Saturday night and it was so amazing to reconnect and catch up with everyone.
More puppy cuddles. My parent’s goldens Sam and Missy were perfect stand ins for my girls while I was in Florida. They are so wonderful.
More running. 10 mile long run at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday morning in Florida. Doing my long run with the sunrise was all sorts of cathartic.
Baking. My mom and I baked this Pear and Apple Crisp from Ina Garten and it was so, so good.
Friends. I opened cards from friends in bed last night at 10 p.m. while eating this cupcake one of them brought to the studio for me.
Signs. Just as I finished writing the post about losing my brother and started reading it to Tanner, I looked up and saw a double rainbow over the Interstate. I have to believe it was a sign from my brother, God and the universe.
Thank you again for being amazing.
Love,
Jen
