2023 Trouble Reflections
(Sketch from Shores of the Polar Sea by Edward L. Moss, found at The Public Domain Review)
Every year comes with new loss, and reminders of losses past. One interesting thing about the holiday season is the idea that it’s an opportunity for adults to temporarily return to the lightness of childhood. Once you’ve experienced loss and disillusionment, though, you can’t return to a full state of innocence.
As we reflect on the previous year, it’s important to remind ourselves that it’s natural to mourn. It also helps to take stock of the ways we can help each other. Many of the people who make the biggest differences in people’s lives do so without having any money. They show up and listen, whether in person or online.
The world is full of suffering, but it’s good to know we aren’t entirely helpless or alone in it.
Images of death and destruction in places like Gaza and Sudan have been overwhelming. Thousands dead, millions displaced. We all wish we could help, though there isn’t enough we can do. It is possible to make small contributions, such as contacting our representatives and donating to causes like UNICEF and Doctors Without Borders. Any other ideas are welcome.
Social media can be quite ugly and cruel, but it is heartening to see the ways that people encourage and support each other, including in the writing community. R.S.A. Garcia, still needs help raising money for devastating cancer expenses. Antony Frost, who also hosts the podcast Terrify Me!, needs help with expenses following a serious motorcycle accident and resulting childcare expenses.
Feel free to add other needs/fundraisers in the comments.
I was so sad to see that David Burr Gerrard passed away recently, as memorialized by his brother in this sweet eulogy. I loved The Epiphany Machine, his Kafka-inspired sci-fi book, and I recommend it.
We all suffer, but we don’t suffer alone. Don’t forget to ask for help! You know where to find me!
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