A Time of Renewal

These days, I prefer to walk at night with moonlit sky and scattered stars, the cool crisp spring air and the calming of the night. It reminds me of Scottish Gaelic phrase I learned from childhood: “it's a braw, bricht, moonlicht nicht, the nicht” translating to “It's a beautiful, bright moonlit night tonight."

It was on a braw, bricht, moonlicht nicht a few days before Good Friday when my husband and daughter discovered a small injured bunny on the side of the road. They decided to bring her home for they knew left alone, she would surely die. I immediately jumped into trauma nurse mode, stabilizing her wounded body. She was in shock, and after bundling her up, she settled into a warm, safe bunny bed. She survived the night, which fueled our hope. The following days, we tenderly nurtured and nourished Bunny’s fragile body.

Needless to say, we fell in love her. Her gentle but tenacious presence softened our silent edges of worry from the current COVID-19 season. We were grieving for the country and world. Taking care of this baby bunny distracted our uncertainty and the pain of hearing about the growing death toll of COVID-19.

On Good Friday morning my husband found the bunny lying on her side, now with God.

Which led me further to reflect on Good Friday …

I feel concerned for the earth’s well-being (and lack of it), and the breakdown of health care, which I firmly believe is a fundamental human right for all.

My 20-year-old daughter further reflected: “Mum I feel there is a parallel. Bunny is paralyzed and has no control over her body or life, and in the same way in this time of COVID-19, everyone doesn't have control over what is going on either…”

Yes, so many people feel helpless and paralyzed … I know this from listening to loved ones from around the world.

My own mum, 87-year-old widow, lives across the border in Canada and is feeling paralyzed, being isolated in her home, like so many vulnerable elders.

My son dug a grave for Bunny Good Friday and that evening we gathered around contemplating the larger divine narrative: suffering, death on a cross, resurrection.

Lamentation and grief has been unearthed now - a silent weight we carry collectively. The loss of lives connected to COVID-19 accumulate daily. New grief stands on the shoulders of older grief. More than ever, it is vital to be self-nurturing and tender with oneself -- like how how one would seek to hold an injured bunny.

The earth’s atmosphere is quietened and still. The soil of many hearts are being nudged to awaken and see in new ways. Especially through this time, I am sifting the ashes of my life to embrace Spring's resurrection's promise: to hold hope and rise again “on wings of an eagle.”

When this pandemic passes and surely it will, I believe that something greater beyond our human comprehension will be resurrected in our communities.

We will soar on mended wings, more alive than ever, with new strength and to new heights.

“Oh what a wonderful soul so bright inside you. Got power to heal the sun’s broken heart, power to restore the moon’s vision too.” ― Aberjhani, Songs from the Black Skylark zPed Music Player