Thank you for sharing this moving story, Julie. Iām so struck by the way the tenderness of a turtle can bring out the tenderness of humans. ā¤ļøš¢ This is one of the many reasons why nature is so essential for our wellbeing.
What an important anchor in the lives of those in your community. Art and beauty as a reminder that we are all swimming in the same ocean of life. I love that people leave the notes to lift other up, especially yours, and that they place offerings at the base.
We had a gorgeous Russian Olive tree in the center of our community that generations of children climbed on and all of our ceremonies centered around it. Sadly, a few years ago it was deemed unsafe and too old and had to be removed. A new tree has been planted yet it doesn't seem the same, yet.
Yes, I was swept up by appreciation of spontaneous community. I usually take such special anchors for granted. But our environment does affect us profoundly. That tree sounds like a dear companion. Very sorry for your loss.
Beautiful and poignantly written. It made me feel sad that people don't know who to turn to when they need help. But I was comforted that there was a familiar figure that the community had to lean on.
Turtles often symbolize patience and protection, how appropriate that it is the anchor for campus community. That it provides a safe place to share notes and reminders of post-it notes and folded pieces of notebook paper. Lovely writing.
Oh, Julie! Iām sitting in my living room, crying for a person I never met. Thank you for your reminder that we all need to tell our fellow human beings āYou are not alone. You are so loved. We are proud of you.ā
So, as your sister who loves you and appreciates you, I want you to know: You are not alone. You are so loved. I am proud of you.
Oh, Julie, what a day for your campus. I love where your instinct brought you with the shock of a studentās loss. Iām glad to know about Testudo, and sorry for the torn fabric of your campus community.
Thank you, Tara. Wish I could claim some deep intuition but, really, I was on my way to the cafe inside the library for a post-class coffee. š That said, I'm happy to acknowledge larger forces at play.
Thank you for sharing this moving story, Julie. Iām so struck by the way the tenderness of a turtle can bring out the tenderness of humans. ā¤ļøš¢ This is one of the many reasons why nature is so essential for our wellbeing.
Thanks, Andrea. Though Testudo may be a strange choice as school mascots go, I prefer a turtle to just about anything else.
Absolutely! There is a sweetness to it, but also so much strength.
. . . and generosity. I keep thinking about Robin Wall Kimmerer's story of Skywoman Falling from "Braiding Sweetgrass."
And this gem, found by following a link from Chris La Tray's post today: https://unitingthreefiresagainstviolence.org/the-7-grandfathers-teachin/ Turtle gets a nice mention, e.g. to understand the importance of both the journey and the destination and to know yourself.
What an important anchor in the lives of those in your community. Art and beauty as a reminder that we are all swimming in the same ocean of life. I love that people leave the notes to lift other up, especially yours, and that they place offerings at the base.
We had a gorgeous Russian Olive tree in the center of our community that generations of children climbed on and all of our ceremonies centered around it. Sadly, a few years ago it was deemed unsafe and too old and had to be removed. A new tree has been planted yet it doesn't seem the same, yet.
Yes, I was swept up by appreciation of spontaneous community. I usually take such special anchors for granted. But our environment does affect us profoundly. That tree sounds like a dear companion. Very sorry for your loss.
Beautiful and poignantly written. It made me feel sad that people don't know who to turn to when they need help. But I was comforted that there was a familiar figure that the community had to lean on.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment. Writing this reflection showed me the value of community as an antidote to loneliness and isolation.
This is quite lovely. Thank you for sharing. š
Thanks for reading, Sue.
Turtles often symbolize patience and protection, how appropriate that it is the anchor for campus community. That it provides a safe place to share notes and reminders of post-it notes and folded pieces of notebook paper. Lovely writing.
Thanks for reading, Stacy. I think it was through writing this that my appreciation for Testudo and all turtles deepened. š
Oh, Julie! Iām sitting in my living room, crying for a person I never met. Thank you for your reminder that we all need to tell our fellow human beings āYou are not alone. You are so loved. We are proud of you.ā
So, as your sister who loves you and appreciates you, I want you to know: You are not alone. You are so loved. I am proud of you.
Awwww!! Thank you! Right back atcha!! ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø
It was very moving. I was glad to be wearing sunglasses as I walked around the sculpture. š¢
Oh, Julie, what a day for your campus. I love where your instinct brought you with the shock of a studentās loss. Iām glad to know about Testudo, and sorry for the torn fabric of your campus community.
Thank you, Tara. Wish I could claim some deep intuition but, really, I was on my way to the cafe inside the library for a post-class coffee. š That said, I'm happy to acknowledge larger forces at play.