“This is love. To fly toward a secret sky. To cause a hundred veils to fall each moment. First to let go of life. Finally to take a step without feet.” –Rumi
I’ve been away from my home in Perth for the past few days, spending time clear across Australia, in Melbourne and Hobart, over 4000 km away. It’s given me time to stop, get lost and perhaps to find myself just a wee bit more.
And what I’ve found is a profound feeling of gratitude for those who have been with me on this journey for the past few years – any or all the parts of it – as I’ve navigated my Greg’s illness, his passing, and the piecing together of the shattered bits of me afterward.
If you’re reading this, dear reader, you are one of those people.
After being in the world for half a century, I had gotten kinda used to myself 🙂 I got used to knowing how I was, who I was. But after he died, all that changed. I no longer recognised myself. I didn’t know how I would navigate the rest of my life.
And I certainly didn’t know that writing would become such a significant part of my journey home.
Or how important this space would be.
You have helped me because you read what I write. Because you take time out of your day to spend that time with me, probably someone you’ve never met in person.
So I want to say thank you … to you.
I’m grateful for the compassion and kindness you’ve showered me with. For the messages of love and support I receive after each and every post, for the grace and wisdom you’ve sent my way.
I had no idea how I would rebuild my life, but I never imagined that it would be this way – one word at a time, words held together by the kindness of others.
Thank you for reading them. Thank you for showing up.
With love,
PS Tomorrow is our 28th Wedding Anniversary. Mary said I should buy myself some flowers 🙂
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It’s been a privilege to share your journey Malini – and definitely buy yourself those flowers & celebrate those memories 🙂 K x
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Thank you Kerry, I’m going to 🙂 Mary was wise!
Yes buy yourself some flowers Malini but make sure they are really beautiful ones just like you.
….and you write so beautifully Mal, so honestly and with such great warmth and yes, buy those flowers for yourself and celebrate your many years together xxx
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You’re definitely one of the lovely readers I was thinking of, Maggie. xox
You are my hero xx
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Aww, Shanths, you know I would stand on my head naked in the snow for you 🙂
Sometimes we need to visit the ocean of tears. Let’s hope that your loss and grief helps others appreciate what they have. There is always a positive to every negative. The gift of giving the most precious of all. When you share you are giving that gift and I’m sure we all appreciate it and you in turn receive our gratitude.
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I have received FAR far more than I have ever given. So grateful.xox
Hi Malini
I feel your pain and walk each new step with you! As you celebrate every beautiful memory of the incredible years that you spent with Greg, may you sense that he is still there with you, inside your heart, permitting you to grieve and urging you to continue the walk into your future. I pray that a sense of peace falls upon you so that as the sunsets on this day that you will realise just how important you were to Greg and still are to your beautiful Mary. Each of us who read your writing have already or will take a similar journey and are learning so much from your words. It is not easy to share raw pain with others.
Thank you for helping me as I stumble forward too, Malini. I am a better person for knowing you. Kindest regards and prayerful support are yours from me in my part of the world!
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oh my gosh, Gilly, what kind words. Thank you. So honoured. Deepest gratitude. x
Mary is right! Thank you for your posts Mal, they are always uplifting and often move me to tears. Thanks for the genuine connection and love. I feel grateful for *you*. xo
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Mona dear, how lucky we are to share journeys. All these connections across time (and the interwebs!). much love xox
Beautiful lady… thanks for sharing your journey with us Malini! <3
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I’m so happy you’re here, Caroline.
Malini, your words, images, art, love, your everything helps make our world a much better and brighter place for each of us to be in. I hope that you will find a way to celebrate the love you had in your life with Greg, as this would have been your 28th Anniversary. Wishing you many happy memories of your time together. From around the other side of the planet, sending you love and peace for your heart. xo
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Hey sweetie, I feel your kind heart from the other side of the planet. Yes, I celebrated with flowers and friends, 4000 km away from home in beautiful Hobart. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful connections with each other, whether near or far. Thank you for sharing my journey with such warm friendship, Suzanne.
Malini, what a blessing you are and continue to be.
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oh Robin, that is so kind of you. I’m grateful for your support and friendship, even though we have never met.
Love you bunches!
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Thank you lovely, right back atcha!
Mal, your 28 anniversary! I didn’t know this, but I looked out at my garden, and the roses are just beginning to bloom in such prolifickness, that I couldn’t resist picking a huge bunch to send to your home through Shanthi. The most beautiful and fragrant of all this year is the Olive Mckenzie, the rose I bought in honour of you and Greg. So here’s wishing you Happy Anniversary with a huge bunch of gorgeous roses:).
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Thank you my wonderful sister! Shanthi told me all about it and I was so happy. I wish I had seen them… but Shirin bought me flowers here in Hobart and it was very special too.
Malini, it’s been a privilege to be able to share your journey of the last few years…truly! I have been, along with countless others, moved and inspired by your grace in recounting it all. Wishing you a very happy anniversary relishing the lovely memories made over 28 yrs….and definitely get those flowers!! xx
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Thank you so much Barbara, I am so grateful for your ‘company’ on this journey. It has made a world of difference. much love and gratitude from my heart x
I have to agree with Shanthi. I, (secretly), also think of you as my hero. Love and prayers… xx
and so you should, Mary is right. I hope you did buy your flowers.
I wept and I read .. love you dearly and you have no idea how i look forward to read your updates /newsletter.. you are one of the most awespiring people i know and it is a pleasure to be you reader.. thanks for sharing a piece of your generous heart with us ..
love you heaps .. you are one of a kind.. Bless
xx
Aaaaah….dearest Malini, you inspire me so much. I love reading your newsletter, it is like a box of chocolates full of richness, surprises, delights and love. Thank you with all my heart. I feel honoured that you share your journey so openly and generously, and I learn how to live a richer life myself because of it. Much love to you xx
You may be Shanty’s hero, but I love you more than my luggage. Send me flowers too. Love always Yvonne
I see you growing and finding yourself in this new place…a place you didn’t ask for but a place that will become a place of blessing as you find your voice and find your part. Girl, I am proud of you and how you take each step forward despite the fear and grief you must feel. Know there are some who pray for you you and cheer you on.