Historical Setting: Monkwearmouth, 794 C.E. It is the dark hour before dawn. We are five people waiting for the tide to turn in a shelter shed. The three who just arrived are arguing. The nuns are midwives advising the man on the needs of his brother’s family as they prepare for a new baby. TheContinue reading “#77.1 Tuesday, February 3, 2026”
Tag Archives: #grief
#76.13 Thursday, January 29, 2026
Historical Setting: Monkwearmouth, 794 C.E. It’s been nearly all night that we’ve sat here in the quiet darkness, except for the gentle sounds of a horse waiting for his master to return and our few words. I asked her to imagine a wishful story. She has an imagination and she has words that could tellContinue reading “#76.13 Thursday, January 29, 2026”
#76.11 Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Historical Setting: Monkwearmouth, 794 C.E. The young woman has a dress and an apron and a cowl, all the things she needs to appear presentable to other people who could meet her with either judgment or compassion. Only heaven knows her nakedness, though earth is still touched by her unshod feet. She recognized my selfishContinue reading “#76.11 Tuesday, January 27, 2026”
#76.8 Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Historical Setting: Monkwearmouth, 794 C.E. The young woman who was rescued from intentional drowning on Christmas, then chained in the tower as demon possessed, then escaped, and found by me on this river bank contemplating grief, is talking with me about perspective. The tiny specs of human existence on the opposite bank of the DonContinue reading “#76.8 Tuesday, January 20, 2026”
#76.6 Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Historical Setting: Monkwearmouth, 794 C.E. What to do with this grieving mother is the issue. I could take her back to the nuns if they could listen without judging. Maybe they would receive her with pity, unless their own fear of a writhing demon overrules their holy compassion. Obligations to care for strangers are alwaysContinue reading “#76.6 Wednesday, January 14, 2026”
#76.4 Thursday, January 8, 2026
Historical Setting: Monkwearmouth, 794 C.E. The grieving girl tells her story. “The Christmas bells rang just then, same as when he was born that night when them nuns called me “Mary.” That baby were then, warm and wide-eyed, wiggling and wriggling alive; such a sweet babe he were. But then, the bells ring andContinue reading “#76.4 Thursday, January 8, 2026”
#76.3 Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Historical Setting: Monkwearmouth, 794 C.E. The young woman slipped out of the chains and she could have leapt from the tower to her certain death, but apparently, she chose to run toward the river. I’m following the tracks in the snow. The rising sun flushes the sky behind me in the fresh light of aContinue reading “#76.3 Wednesday, January 7, 2026”
#76.1 Thursday, January 1, 2026
Historical Setting: Monkwearmouth, 794 C.E. Is this a magical time of year because of the particular songs and stories? I don’t think the season that Christians call the Christ Mass is sacred simply by edict or calendar. Now is when the sun begins a new light overtaking old darkness. There is no papal edict toContinue reading “#76.1 Thursday, January 1, 2026”
#75.14 Weds., December 31, 2025
Historical Setting: Monkwearmouth, 793 C.E. The Reverend Mother, asks me how I know this woman I brought here to them. “The guards rescued her from the sea and I went down to help them but I don’t know her.” “We know her here. Last winter she came to us in labor and theContinue reading “#75.14 Weds., December 31, 2025”
#71.2, Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Historical Setting: 793 C.E. Visiting Tours This journey, visiting the bones of my loved ones along my way, is really about finding the spiritual life and life again of those I once shared bread with. It is the joyful side of life — the weedy overgrown vines of remembrance. Dear God, thank you for thisContinue reading “#71.2, Wednesday, August 6, 2025”
Lazarus Ink 