How do I address this post? Dear Anonymous? MaineWorks? Dear God What the Hell Is Going On? All the above, as the world knits itself in closer and closer rounds.
When someone I know and love as an employee from MaineWorks struggles and winds up on the street. And when we chat on the street a month or so ago I know the struggle is big. And perhaps his shame and remorse even bigger. Maybe. And then he dies. And we are left with a photograph of a man we loved.
And we are left with an empty space at the circle. With despair. With yet another young person dead. Recovery is going to include these griefs.
If you are struggling there are some ways out. There are people who care. Walk up to the fire line. You likely will find someone to meet you there...even though you may have convinced yourself you are totally alone.
Meanwhile, I take my hatchet to kindling to start this fire. And we add dry pine cones thinking of you, Bruce. Many of us lack ritual to deal with our pain and grief. So, at 6 AM in the cold, hatchet and kindling in hand this becomes a rudimentary one. Something. Some place to externalize the pain. of. one. more. dead.
This substance abuse disorder, the pc label for a devastating disease. Another spirit rises like this smoke. RIP, Bruce.