Dan and I started watching it several months ago, and then we never got past the second episode. It didn't "hook" us like we were hoping. All of the reviews and hype just didn't click.
Until....
Some time recently I decided to give it another shot.
Something was different.
It clicked.
And it was because I knew it was something my Mom would have enjoyed.
Maybe it was because of 2/3 of "9 to 5" actresses were showing the world that their heyday wasn't over. Maybe it was because I knew she would cringe and laugh with every moment that they were bashing their exes. Or maybe the time was just right.
I've recently entered a new phase of looking for- longing for- connection. Finding something that would bring my Mom... or my Daddy... or Michael, joy. I enjoyed the BNL concert even more than usual... because of the company, the beer, the music- all because I knew Michael loved each of those things. I enjoyed buying a new grill because I knew Daddy would want to buy it for us- he actually bought our previous one. I enjoy wearing earrings of my Mom's because- while she would still be frustrated that I had been in her jewelry box- I long for the connection they bring.
I think this is a normal part of grief. I think I'm actually in a healthier spot these days- trying to connect with those I've lost. I feel more like "myself" than I've been in the last 5 years. It feels good.
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I haven't updated my blog since September. A lot of that is because of lack of connection. I attempted to update it in October, but the words were half-assed, the sentiment wasn't genuine. I wrote out of a sense of obligation, not out of the love of writing.
And this has mimicked itself throughout my life- not just in writing.
A friend said to me last week "I've missed you recently"... Funny, I've missed myself.
In September, right as I was writing my last post, I spiraled. An off-handed comment from a friend pushed my tentative self right off the ledge of grief. It has taken me months to claw my way out of that hole. It's not been a straight up journey- I've fallen back down a time or two. Hurtful words from people, feeling left out, not having a "place"... those tend to trip me up.
But thanks to the wonders of modern medicine, good therapy, a purpose, a strong church community, and some helpful friends who won't let me fall off the ledge alone... I feel like I'm back.
I've missed connection.
I've wept over friendships that have slowly faded away- ones that I thought would last a lifetime.
We've hosted fewer events in the last 9 months than we ever had... partially because I've started a new job, partially because we have a new dog, and partially because I've been too weary to be social some days.
But that job? That dog? They have given me connection.
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I share all of this with you not to make you feel uncomfortable. It's not to put grief upon you if we have faded apart recently. But I share this to you to let you know that sometimes when people fade away, they need you to continue to reach out. They may not respond, they may blow you off, or they may legitimately be too busy/ tired/ whatever to hang out.
But sometimes, as was the case with my buddy Michael, they are on that edge of the hole and just need to know that they are not alone.
That's the whole premise of Grace and Frankie- finding connection when the connection you thought you had is no longer there. I'm still making amends with my heart and it's broken connections... but even in this bizarre social media connected world, I'm thankful for what connections we have.
Here's hoping you find your Grace (and Frankie), too.
