Last week, my short story, “Meeting Death,” won the fiction prize at The Story Magazine published by the Heroine Society. I felt like a stunned Sally Field accepting an Oscar she feared she didn’t deserve.
I really love the fearless way you approach the topic of death! Once I got past my fear of the unknown and the inevitable, I felt like a different woman. I spent time a few years ago in the Sedlec Ossuary in Czechia, and was amazed at the humor and reverence shown in the artistically arranged bones of monks and plague victims. It was a strangely peaceful place, not at all macabre or gruesome. I suspect that the Ossuarys popularity among tourists reflects our deep need to understand what death is all about and to loosen its grip on our fears. Thanks so much for delving into the mystery!
Congratulations, Susan! I’m thrilled for you and can’t wait to read it. Your work’s time has been squashed a zillion times over—let us hope it’s time has finally come. We need your voice and wisdom. 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻
Thanks Kelly. You know how I wonder what might have been if I hadn’t spent all those years doing…. If I’d been more single minded. If I’d known then what I know now. If I hadn’t been a trauma girl, then a party girl, then all those other girls.
This may sound strange... and then... maybe it won't! But this post was a joy to read. I get excited around death. Not in a morbid way, but knowing its the threshold to everything. Don't we all die small deaths every time we enter the crossroads? Death is a transformational experience. And joy doesn't negate the grief that accompanies death. It needs to be met and felt too. Both joy and grief, side by side.
I could talk or write about death forever. Great post Susan. And congratulations on your short story winning and being published. That's awesome. 🖤
Thanks Julie! Doesn’t seem strange to me at all. I live in Joy. Without grief, no joy. Turns out, that when we avoid death, joy is the casualty. After a while, I just became so willing, because I know what’s on the other side ot the threshold. It has never failed. Grief is concentrated love. Liquid love. Painful and joyful. Sometimes at the same tme.
I really love the fearless way you approach the topic of death! Once I got past my fear of the unknown and the inevitable, I felt like a different woman. I spent time a few years ago in the Sedlec Ossuary in Czechia, and was amazed at the humor and reverence shown in the artistically arranged bones of monks and plague victims. It was a strangely peaceful place, not at all macabre or gruesome. I suspect that the Ossuarys popularity among tourists reflects our deep need to understand what death is all about and to loosen its grip on our fears. Thanks so much for delving into the mystery!
Thank you for writing 100% human
Thanks for that response. The lizard brain still wants to pretend we’re safe if no one sees us.
Congratulations, Susan! I’m thrilled for you and can’t wait to read it. Your work’s time has been squashed a zillion times over—let us hope it’s time has finally come. We need your voice and wisdom. 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻
Thanks Kelly. You know how I wonder what might have been if I hadn’t spent all those years doing…. If I’d been more single minded. If I’d known then what I know now. If I hadn’t been a trauma girl, then a party girl, then all those other girls.
Oh you know I’m right there with you. ❤️
I do. I love that about you. Honesty.
I am pleased you took my suggestion. You've let so many others see your process and the esteem in which others view you! Well done!
I usually end up taking your suggestions… eventually. Thanks for everything.
This may sound strange... and then... maybe it won't! But this post was a joy to read. I get excited around death. Not in a morbid way, but knowing its the threshold to everything. Don't we all die small deaths every time we enter the crossroads? Death is a transformational experience. And joy doesn't negate the grief that accompanies death. It needs to be met and felt too. Both joy and grief, side by side.
I could talk or write about death forever. Great post Susan. And congratulations on your short story winning and being published. That's awesome. 🖤
Thanks Julie! Doesn’t seem strange to me at all. I live in Joy. Without grief, no joy. Turns out, that when we avoid death, joy is the casualty. After a while, I just became so willing, because I know what’s on the other side ot the threshold. It has never failed. Grief is concentrated love. Liquid love. Painful and joyful. Sometimes at the same tme.
Saving, Susan. Great title and featured image!
Thanks Robin. So much. For everything.