Text & Image

How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting your life right now? Tell us about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts.

<strong>This week was Mom’s birthday. Though she’s no longer here</strong> I often feel her presence. <strong>I decided to celebrate</strong> with a quick round of “Happy Birthday to you...” and made a wish and blew out the candle as her proxy on the special day. I took this picture to share with my sister and to see how she might have marked the occasion. <strong>When I looked at the picture I was struck by the impermanence of our presence here on earth,</strong> and how many spirits may be with us, or not... <strong>the candle reflection is there, but not the shadow of the flame.</strong> Isn’t a shadow supposed to be one of life’s given? <strong>The constant threat of Covid, and the unknown seemed particularly poignant in that flame and missing shadow. It left me questioning all kinds of things</strong> like what’s real? Can you trust your eyes? Can you trust pictures? What else do we think should be a certain way and isn’t? How long will Covid last? When will I feel safe again! Will I ever feel safe again? <strong>And yet there’s an element of comfort here as well.</strong> That is that I can stand alone and burn brightly knowing she’s there, even though I can no longer “see” her. Maybe it’s the “shadow of doubt” that’s missing? Maybe it’s a sign she’s still with me? I hope all those who have lost loved ones may also see themselves burn bright without a shadow of doubt, and find comfort in the possibility they are still here and watching over us.