Step by Step

I experienced a “letdown” a couple of days ago. It wasn’t exactly unexpected, but it crushed me. In trying to sort things out and figure out the reason for the deep ache, I arrived at grief. It becomes entangled with everything: the loss of my sisters mingles with other [unrelated] losses; the wound reopens, the healing process begins again, and I have to remind myself to breathe.

When we were little girls, my three younger sisters and I loved singing together. One of my sister Karlette’s favorite songs was “Step by Step,” a traditional gospel song. My sister Angie and I sang it to her in the hospital two days before her passing, and again at her funeral. I don’t think I’ve sung the song since, but today a poem my friend Chella shared put the song in my head. Both the song and the poem are what I need right now–when I feel immobilized by disappointment and loss.

We are all experiencing loss right now, trying to find our way and a new rhythm. Maybe, you need these words too.

Midwives of the Soul
Elena Mikhalkova

My grandmother once gave me a tip:
In difficult times, you move forward in small steps.
Do what you have to do, but little by little.
Don’t think about the future, or what may happen tomorrow.
Wash the dishes.
Remove the dust.
Write a letter.
Make a soup.
You see?
You are advancing step by step.
Take a step and stop.
Rest a little.
Praise yourself.
Take another step.
Then another.
You won’t notice, but your steps will grow more and more.
And the time will come when you can think about the future without crying.

About the image: The lovely purple and yellow flowers were created and sent to me by Love Noter Rae L. She sent the postcard for International Women’s Day 2020.

10 thoughts on “Step by Step”

  2. revruss1220 says:
    Reply

    I love it! It reminds me of something I once heard about God’s will. The person said, “Don’t worry about what God’s will for your whole life is. Just worry about God’s will for you in this next moment… because that’s all you have.”
    Thanks for sharing that!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. boomiebol says:
    Reply

    I am so sorry about your sister. Sending you hugs for today and days when you need them most.

    That is such a beautiful poem. How fortunate we are to have poetry, arts and such to help us along our life’s journey

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Pingback: Dans les moments difficiles, tu avances par petites étapes. | Destination Soleil

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