Even Hurricanes Get Dull If You Suffer Through Enough Of Them.

I have come to the conclusion, that suffering is not needed. I don't need another lesson, on how to be thankful, I get it!! ( I have had many talks with God and the Universe about this problem)
    The loss of a child, took me to my knees and I am done!! I remain on my knees, to this day. Same person, just baffled by this need for people to suffer.
    The blog title came to me, while looking at a book review, this book, The Recovering Intoxication and It's Aftermath by Leslie Jamison. People and self suffering, makes my head swirl. I have so many friends that are recovering addicts, and I could not be more proud. Many relatives and friends, that are still in the 'death grip' of hangovers, and combination of bad drugs. ( Are there good drugs?? Sure, I think??) Addiction is horrible, numbing and so wicked. What does that kind of suffering teach you. I think you can learn, that life is so grand without these monkeys on your back. Damn Monkeys !!
   I have had my share of toilet hugging hangovers, and pill popping of my youth. You do remember what the years of my growing up were!! The 60's and 70's, I regret very little, and am so beyond blessed to come out on the other side. I love a good drink, and can enjoy it, I stopped smoking cigs thirty years ago, and I still miss the comfort that came from lighting a match!!! No drugs pass my mouth, not even pain pills after surgery. Tylenol is all I swallow, and you know it doesn't work worth a damn. So maybe the suffering of my youth taught me, that I was happy with out the numbness of alcohol, I don't know.?? I saw many a black lung before I stopped smoking, having babies stopped that habit.
   My addictions are reading, my family, too much on line shopping!! ( OK, I am working on that ) ( it may be the hardest to break!) You can be addicted to good things, color, paints, flowers, music, hearing from people, education. I want to be present.
   As Ram Dass says, In Loving Awareness. I need that, and a good glass of wine.  I want to look at a clock that all the numbers say 'NOW' that is what time it is. Dass says suffering is GRACE, and I pause to think. I know he is probably right. I know Jesus did not want us to suffer, but....do we learn GRACE in the process.
    While getting ready to bathe this Sunday morning, I was talking to my cat, Diana. " D, do you think love is the answer?" I waited for her reply. OK a look, me nodding my head, " I know, me either, Love is a bonus, but you have to do the work!!"
     Every single second in each day, help others who are suffering, help those who are strong.
    Just be aware, of your breath!! and don't get stuck in the land of addiction. There is so much help available and love to aid you in your search. Maybe this blog finds no one who has any problems, and that would make me feel great. You know I don't think you need to suffer, it can get Dull!! like a hurricane that is just a tropical storm in your life.
    Art washes away from the soul the dust of life-Picasso
   ( watched a documentary on this crazed man this week, and have been watching the National Geographic series on him)( plus doing my research for Barcelona in the fall) ( addicted to research and knowledge!!)( and there are no calories!!)
   Let us dust off our problems, address them, and walk each other home. ( Dass gave me the home part!!)
      Oh and Diana, the cat, ( who is mental) just gave me the look of love, I think it is the answer!
   Love, Love, Love, Love comes to you through my words, and out into the world.
     Thank you to all the men and women who helped protect our country, and did not come home. We honor your life, and speak of you today and always.