Gratitude Day 18: Loss

This is... a difficult subject, especially in the context of gratitude. What I wanted to write about is some of the people I've lost along the way. One thing you begin collecting as you age (without warning) is departed loved ones and friends. It's not a fun process. And honestly, I can't stand it when people say things like, "Well, death is just a part of life." That's some serious carrion comfort to me. But I found I couldn't start writing about departed friends without it geting extremely heavy, and I felt odd sharing things about people who are not around to have any say in it (even though they would be very good things). So, what I will do instead, and what I would like to invite you to do with me, is to just stop for a minute and give thanks to all of the people in our lives that helped propel us forward, helped safeguard ourseves from harm or self-harm, encouraged, nurtured and loved us selflessly. Because we've all had people in our lives like that. If you don't believe me,…