Oh, Susannah…

On coping & strength. From the Secret Life of Bees

Help them carry the weight

Ever wondered how gentle souls live this life? to feel everything, yes every single thing; so intensely…to face every hardship like standing directly in front of a bulldozer…to carry the weight of the world on ones shoulders?

Dear August and June,

I’m sorry to leave you like this. I hate you being sad, but think how happy I’ll be with April, Mama, Papa and Big Mama. Picture us up there together, and that will help some. I’m tired of carrying around the weight of the world. I’m just going to lay it down now. It’s my time to die, and it’s your time to live. Don’t mess it up.

Love May

— Sue Monk Kidd, The Secret Life of Bees

Don’t push them to do what May did. Don’t send them to the wall to grieve…go with them and sit still. Don’t push them to fight right after a blow…give them time to heal & just be there. Because they may choose to get up and fight on your prompting but they will bleed while carrying that humongous weight.

Careful with the gentle ones.