Long day...

A moment of silence for those affected by the Boston Marathon bombings. Seriously world... I don't understand why there are people out there that would do that. I can understand having issues with stuff and protesting and trying to get your say. I can understand strong emotions and feelings. I can't understand hurting other people for an as-yet-unexplained reason. 

TriniLikeSalt, who I met at my very first tweetup and who also took my photo for his Thousand Faces project, lives in Boston. He and his family are fine but I'm now stalking his tumblr and twitter feeds to make sure all is well in his world... or as well as it could be. I know people who have family in Boston. I've almost made it to Boston but just couldn't get the time. 

My heart hurts for you Massachusetts. Sending positive vibes your way.  

I know there's a lot of stuff that happens in different parts of the world but... it always impacts more when you have a personal connection. Sending positive vibes to our world.

Today we had the shaving ceremony for my mom. In Trinidad and Tobago it takes place on the 10th day after the funeral... I'm assuming it would be the same elsewhere. Males go to a source of flowing water (river/sea) and do rituals (offerings and shaving and etc.). Females stay at the house of mourning and cook the favourite foods of the deceased - which in itself is a bit of ritual. I did not sleep well and woke up with a headache. Rituals and such start *early* - people were at my house by 6 a.m. I'm glad we're doing all the rituals though... the mother wanted her final rites to be done according to Hinduism and I think it's only right that we do them to the best of our ability.  

I am missing her presence... especially, I suppose, as I'm not feeling so fabulous. Tomorrow I go back out to work - took extended sick leave to be able to stay home this long. I am concerned about my brother as both my dad and I will be out of the house. I think thus far we've been handling her passing well but we've also been on the go... always had something to do since she's passed. Now everything is slowing down and we're all going to have to adjust. 

I've always known that I have no problems facing my own death... it is the death of my family members that will shake me. It is indeed a test to put all that I know into practice.     

peace,

Ren