There’s something you need to know
To understand
From someone who’s been there
And will be again…
In a place of overwhelming sadness
Of grief
Fear, worry
…and anxiety
Stuck
In this moment that can last a short time
Or go on for days
Or weeks
Months
Even years
In these moments
These times
This — this is where I’m at
All cylinders firing
Trying as best I can
Just to get by
Moment by moment
Day by day
And when I’m here
I’m not going to reach out
I’m just not
At least not yet
I’m not ready
I’m too busy
Too overwhelmed in the process of being and trying to find my way
To begin healing and searching out that speck of light in the dark that will hopefully begin guiding me out
So, no
I’m not going to reach out
But you
You… can reach in
And meet me where I’m at
Meet me with a gentle presence
With patience
No pressure
With empathy and care
And no expectations
Reach in
And don’t be upset when I don’t reach back
But
Do keep reaching in
Saying “hello”
“I’m thinking of you”
That’s enough
I know you’re there
And I love you for it
Even if I don’t say the words out loud
One day I will
When the weight of my world feels less heavy
After the sun has found its way in through the cracks
One day
You’ll reach in
And
I’ll reach back
~Tara Shannon
~ Art by Hayk Shalunts

