Yarrow, I am holding your family in Love. I have just come from listening to your beautiful podcast with Narinder. As it happens, I discovered it and listened in the 34th anniversary of my mother’s passing. I was 21 and couldn’t imagine what was ahead. It feels like your podcast is a gem in a string of meaningful synchronicities I’ve had today.
My father still lives in my childhood home. I went to visit him this morning and remembered the anniversary. He was listening to music in the other room and I could see them dancing in the living room just like some window through time opened up. Not long after that, a song came on that I performed at her memorial. .. The Rose. It shook me a bit in both joyful and tender ways. I cried in the living room, sensing our whole lives swirling around me. And feeling her close by.
Not long after, I drove to the bay and went to listen to your newest episode. My mother must want me to know she is close. I was diagnosed with cancer recently and feel these gems are her way of loving me through spirit.
That’s a lot about me, but I share so you can know the impact of your own story. Thank you for that gift.
May your mother be blessed in body, spirit, and memory. 🌿
Thank you so much, Rachel. People sharing like you do makes me feel less alone! I hope there will be many more beautiful synchronicities in your future <3
Yarrow, I just finished listening to your episode with Narinder. It’s one of the best conversations I’ve heard that explores loss and grief in the spectrum of everything we feel: the shock, numbness, but also a deeper presence to life and joy. I laughed with you and cried with you and hurt with you. I wish I could wrap my arms around you and give you a giant hug! I wouldn’t wish this for anybody but I do feel you’ve stepped into the space with me, a space where a beloved mother no longer is in body. I wish I could mail you a copy of my memoir! It would’ve been easy to do from Düsseldorf. I have so much to share with you and so much to ask you. Whenever you feel ready I’m available for whatever you need. In the meantime I’m sending you so much love ❤️
Yarrow, I am sending you a big (consensual) hug. Ever since you sent this out I have been thinking of you, and just finished listening to your podcast with Narinder. It was so beautiful and I definitely cried listening to you talk about your mom and your grief process. She sounds like a wonderful person and treasured parent. I felt like I could feel her vivaciousness through the way you shared about her.
I agree with Narinder, you are doing this your way and its such a gift to witness. I lost my dad suddenly under some similar circumstances about 9 months ago, and hearing you share about your experience is so relatable and in that way, very healing.
Madeleine, thank you so much for your message! I am really sorry to hear about your dad and am sending love and solidarity. It really is super tough. Thank you for listening and for your kind words!
I’m so sorry for your loss. Grief is one of those liminal spaces that requires surrender and I’m glad you’re taking the space to do so while still coming up for air with podcasts and things that fill your cup. May you continue to feel your mother’s love through time and space 🖤🕊️
Oh Yarrow… my heart is with yours. Thank you for opening this sacred part of your world to us. May your mum land with ease of the other side. May you always have the connection you need with her. I’m looking forward to listening to this episode in her honor.
Thank you for letting us in and allowing us to help hold this journey with you — and learning to hold it for ourselves and others. Thank you too for the timely reminder that we don’t need to “know what to say.” That our presence can be felt. Narinder’s gentle questioning of “Does she feel supported? Do you felt supported?” was so affirming for a sudden death and grief journey that is currently happening for a cousin. This conversation is such a deeply meaningful and important one for a larger archive on death and grief. Sending rest, care and kindness.
Thank you so much for saying that, Arria. I am glad the episode was helpful and am grateful for your kind words! Sorry to hear about your cousin, sending love and care to your family too.
Yarrow, I am saddened to hear this news and the pain of the grief that comes with it. Thank you for always sharing so vulnerably so we may connect with our humanness together. As you cherish the memories and celebrate the legacy of your mother, I'm sending you thoughts of peace and stillness. May you find gentle comfort in the love that surrounds you and the beautiful recollections that remain.
Dear Yarrow, no words will ever fill the space her departure has left but, wow, has she left you with such beautiful wisdom. To see you honour that and her through it is beautiful. Sending you a deep, slow and expansive breath.
Yarrow…thank you for welcoming us into your deeply painful journey of loss & grief. I have been so impressed with the way you hold experience and love the gentle way you see life (even in the midst of profound pain). I was so sad to hear about your mom’s sudden death and am send you love and these words I jotted down from an essay by Debra Gwartney on the death of her husband:
“I would have to swim in bewilderment and confusion before I could emerge on some distant shore. Solutions would roll out in front of me, in their own time, and at their own pace, and their own shape. In the meantime, I would have to learn to drift.” https://granta.com/fire-and-ice-debra-gwartney/
Tracey, thank you so much for your kindness and the quote, its stunning. I read the whole piece and really loved this bit too: "Be prepared to find your way back to center through the densest of fog." Very wise words. Sending love
Thank you for your brave and gentle sharing, Yarrow. Honouring your loss and all that you are processing. Sharing this poem which your words reminded me of. Thinking of you as you journey this loving of life, and this losing of life.
I’m so sorry Yarrow 💜 you probably feel a jumble of emotions, and will continue to feel them. Remember, there’s no wrong way to grieve, and no ‘five stages of grief’. Sending you love, Sara
Yarrow, I am holding your family in Love. I have just come from listening to your beautiful podcast with Narinder. As it happens, I discovered it and listened in the 34th anniversary of my mother’s passing. I was 21 and couldn’t imagine what was ahead. It feels like your podcast is a gem in a string of meaningful synchronicities I’ve had today.
My father still lives in my childhood home. I went to visit him this morning and remembered the anniversary. He was listening to music in the other room and I could see them dancing in the living room just like some window through time opened up. Not long after that, a song came on that I performed at her memorial. .. The Rose. It shook me a bit in both joyful and tender ways. I cried in the living room, sensing our whole lives swirling around me. And feeling her close by.
Not long after, I drove to the bay and went to listen to your newest episode. My mother must want me to know she is close. I was diagnosed with cancer recently and feel these gems are her way of loving me through spirit.
That’s a lot about me, but I share so you can know the impact of your own story. Thank you for that gift.
May your mother be blessed in body, spirit, and memory. 🌿
Thank you so much, Rachel. People sharing like you do makes me feel less alone! I hope there will be many more beautiful synchronicities in your future <3
Sending warmth your way dear Yarrow. I hope you can grieve as you need to <3
Thank you so much, Camille! Excited to read your book this winter.
Yarrow, I just finished listening to your episode with Narinder. It’s one of the best conversations I’ve heard that explores loss and grief in the spectrum of everything we feel: the shock, numbness, but also a deeper presence to life and joy. I laughed with you and cried with you and hurt with you. I wish I could wrap my arms around you and give you a giant hug! I wouldn’t wish this for anybody but I do feel you’ve stepped into the space with me, a space where a beloved mother no longer is in body. I wish I could mail you a copy of my memoir! It would’ve been easy to do from Düsseldorf. I have so much to share with you and so much to ask you. Whenever you feel ready I’m available for whatever you need. In the meantime I’m sending you so much love ❤️
Thank you so much, Uma, I really appreciate it! Will definitely read your book this winter and am sending love to you! <3
Yarrow, I am sending you a big (consensual) hug. Ever since you sent this out I have been thinking of you, and just finished listening to your podcast with Narinder. It was so beautiful and I definitely cried listening to you talk about your mom and your grief process. She sounds like a wonderful person and treasured parent. I felt like I could feel her vivaciousness through the way you shared about her.
I agree with Narinder, you are doing this your way and its such a gift to witness. I lost my dad suddenly under some similar circumstances about 9 months ago, and hearing you share about your experience is so relatable and in that way, very healing.
Madeleine, thank you so much for your message! I am really sorry to hear about your dad and am sending love and solidarity. It really is super tough. Thank you for listening and for your kind words!
I’m so sorry for your loss. Grief is one of those liminal spaces that requires surrender and I’m glad you’re taking the space to do so while still coming up for air with podcasts and things that fill your cup. May you continue to feel your mother’s love through time and space 🖤🕊️
Thank you so much for your kind words and for reading, Starbie <3
Oh Yarrow… my heart is with yours. Thank you for opening this sacred part of your world to us. May your mum land with ease of the other side. May you always have the connection you need with her. I’m looking forward to listening to this episode in her honor.
Thank you so much for reaching out and for your kind wishes, Jess. I miss your face and hope you are well!
Thank you for letting us in and allowing us to help hold this journey with you — and learning to hold it for ourselves and others. Thank you too for the timely reminder that we don’t need to “know what to say.” That our presence can be felt. Narinder’s gentle questioning of “Does she feel supported? Do you felt supported?” was so affirming for a sudden death and grief journey that is currently happening for a cousin. This conversation is such a deeply meaningful and important one for a larger archive on death and grief. Sending rest, care and kindness.
Thank you so much for saying that, Arria. I am glad the episode was helpful and am grateful for your kind words! Sorry to hear about your cousin, sending love and care to your family too.
Yarrow, I am saddened to hear this news and the pain of the grief that comes with it. Thank you for always sharing so vulnerably so we may connect with our humanness together. As you cherish the memories and celebrate the legacy of your mother, I'm sending you thoughts of peace and stillness. May you find gentle comfort in the love that surrounds you and the beautiful recollections that remain.
Thank you so much, Meghan! For your kind words and for thinking of me!
Dear Yarrow, no words will ever fill the space her departure has left but, wow, has she left you with such beautiful wisdom. To see you honour that and her through it is beautiful. Sending you a deep, slow and expansive breath.
Thank you so much, Silvia. I really appreciate it! Sharing a slow and expansive breath with you <3
Yarrow…thank you for welcoming us into your deeply painful journey of loss & grief. I have been so impressed with the way you hold experience and love the gentle way you see life (even in the midst of profound pain). I was so sad to hear about your mom’s sudden death and am send you love and these words I jotted down from an essay by Debra Gwartney on the death of her husband:
“I would have to swim in bewilderment and confusion before I could emerge on some distant shore. Solutions would roll out in front of me, in their own time, and at their own pace, and their own shape. In the meantime, I would have to learn to drift.” https://granta.com/fire-and-ice-debra-gwartney/
Tracey, thank you so much for your kindness and the quote, its stunning. I read the whole piece and really loved this bit too: "Be prepared to find your way back to center through the densest of fog." Very wise words. Sending love
I'm so sorry to hear this Yarrow. thanks for your beautiful sharing. I wish you all good things in this new journey of grief and loss. Cassandra
Thank you so much, Cassandra <3
Thank you for your brave and gentle sharing, Yarrow. Honouring your loss and all that you are processing. Sharing this poem which your words reminded me of. Thinking of you as you journey this loving of life, and this losing of life.
The Thing Is
BY ELLEN BASS
to love life, to love it even
when you have no stomach for it
and everything you’ve held dear
crumbles like burnt paper in your hands,
your throat filled with the silt of it.
When grief sits with you, its tropical heat
thickening the air, heavy as water
more fit for gills than lungs;
when grief weights you down like your own flesh
only more of it, an obesity of grief,
you think, How can a body withstand this?
Then you hold life like a face
between your palms, a plain face,
no charming smile, no violet eyes,
and you say, yes, I will take you
I will love you, again.
This poem is incredibly beautiful and just what I needed. Thank you so much, Iona!
Oh my heart goes out to you, dear one. This is a primal loss and bewildering season. If you need to howl at the moon, I'm here for you.
Thank you so much, Monique. Thinking of you and so appreciating your presence <3
Sending you a big hug, Yarrow, if this is something that supports you right now 💜
Thank you so much, Bettina!
I’m so sorry Yarrow 💜 you probably feel a jumble of emotions, and will continue to feel them. Remember, there’s no wrong way to grieve, and no ‘five stages of grief’. Sending you love, Sara
Thank you so much, Sara. This is so so true, I keep reminding myself. Sending love to you.
My heart is with you and your family at this time. 🙏🏼💙