An open letter to those who love me

You know who you are. Unless you love me and just don't know it yet...Anyway, let me just tell you that I understand you just want me to be happy because (see title of this post). But, the thing is, no one can be happy ALL the time. And sometimes sad things happen. It just wouldn't be appropriate for me to be happy about things like the untimely death of a kitten or an idiot being in charge of the free world or infertility. I feel sad about these things. And no matter how hard you try and no matter how much it pains you, I need to feel that sadness. Please understand that if your best efforts to help me see the bright side or think about something happy seem to fail, it is not because you didn't love me the right way. I'm just supposed to be sad for a while about sad things. Knowing you care makes it much more bearable. Thats all I need. And maybe a good listening ear and a shoulder to lean on. But please, allow me to feel sad. How could happy exist if there were no sad to compare it to?

Comments

[Josie]

"One cannot be deeply responsive to the world without being saddened very often."
- Erich Fromm

[Rob]

This is a tremendous post.

I wonder if I might be able to quote it in a sermon some time when the occasion fits?

[Joie]

Rob, wow! Um, sure! I would be honored....I never in a million years thought I would be quoted in a sermon!

[Rob Merola]

Thanks! When I do, I'll let you know.