I do this meme from time to time and I thought it might be fun to revisit it again. This is what is happening in my world, right now:
What I Am Listening To: I am listening to Kanye West’s song, Only One, featuring Paul McCartney. There is something sweet and sentimental about the melody and I love the piano playing in the background. Typically, I am not a Kanye West fan, but his collaborations with Rihanna and Paul McCartney definitely captured my attention. Sia’s piano version of Chandelier is also playing on my headphones, as well as her ballad, Elastic Heart.
What I Am Thinking About: The tragedy in Nepal and the collective unrest in Baltimore pushed me to contemplate how humanity stretches itself in good and bad ways. The passing of David Goldberg and Sheryl Sandberg’s reaction to her husband’s untimely death brought me to tears, her words simultaneously heartbreaking and wise. And worth repeating:
“I want to thank all of our friends and family for the outpouring of love over the past few days. It has been extraordinary – and each story you have shared will help keep Dave alive in our hearts and memories.
I met Dave nearly 20 years ago when I first moved to LA. He became my best friend. He showed me the internet for the first time, planned fun outings, took me to temple for the Jewish holidays, introduced me to much cooler music than I had ever heard.
We had 11 truly joyful years of the deepest love, happiest marriage, and truest partnership that I could imagine… He gave me the experience of being deeply understood, truly supported and completely and utterly loved – and I will carry that with me always. Most importantly, he gave me the two most amazing children in the world.
Dave was my rock. When I got upset, he stayed calm. When I was worried, he said it would be ok. When I wasn’t sure what to do, he figured it out. He was completely dedicated to his children in every way – and their strength these past few days is the best sign I could have that Dave is still here with us in spirit.
Dave and I did not get nearly enough time together. But as heartbroken as I am today, I am equally grateful. Even in these last few days of completely unexpected hell – the darkest and saddest moments of my life – I know how lucky I have been. If the day I walked down that aisle with Dave someone had told me that this would happen – that he would be taken from us all in just 11 years – I would still have walked down that aisle. Because 11 years of being Dave Goldberg’s wife, and 10 years of being a parent with him is perhaps more luck and more happiness than I could have ever imagined. I am grateful for every minute we had.
As we put the love of my life to rest today, we buried only his body. His spirit, his soul, his amazing ability to give is still with it. It lives on in the stories people are sharing of how he touched their lives, in the love that is visible in the eyes of our family and friends, in the spirit and resilience of our children. Things will never be the same – but the world is better for the years my beloved husband lived.”
What I Am Watching: My husband is a basketball fan. The NBA Playoffs are on in the evening every night. Although I call Arizona home, I will always remain a Texas girl at heart. This year, all three Texas basketball teams, the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets made it to the playoffs – it made watching interesting. I haven’t had time to start a new series, but am thinking of adding The Good Wife to my binge watching madness.
What I Am Bummed Out On: March brought unwelcome news of loss. My Dad’s good friend of many, many years passed on in March and just this week I learned that he lost another longtime friend. My Facebook feed notified me of my middle school choir teacher’s passing, Mr. Garvin, adored by many students, including me. Another source of discontent: my daughter is hurling toward double-digits and it is causing a tilt in our relationship, one that is definitely igniting some bouts of adjustment, on her part and mine.
What I Am Loving: The photograph that I caught this week (above) capturing how light and dark are indeed, companions. The new honeysuckle body spray that lightens my mood instantly. Talenti Sea Salt Caramel Gelato. Watching my daughter play tennis. Staying home, writing and filling my nights with solitude. Honored that I am featured on Role Reboot with my piece, “Why Just One Child is Enough for Me,” and Beyond Your Blog, 5 Lessons About Life and Writing from Elizabeth Gilbert.
What is a part of your world right now? Would love to hear from you.
I know there were plenty of recent tragedies, especially the ones you mentioned here, but Sheryl Sandberg’s words of her husband was the only one that made me cry. Maybe it’s because that seemed like the most likely thing to happen in my life as well, and I just couldn’t imagine what she’s going through. And I desperately wish I never have to.
I love your observation in the end. Light and dark are indeed companions. It’s scary to think of loss of a loved one, but it’s only because life is so much more beautiful while we still have them…
Thanks for your insight, Justine. This post and the comments helped to renew my commitment to hold those that I love close and tight. As you said we must cherish our loved ones while we still have them. xo
I love this post and this way to capture a moment. I was likewise struck by the generosity and wisdom of Sheryl’s words – they reduced me to tears. Sobs. And I’m not a Kanye fan either but love the Four Five Seconds song so need to find Only One. I’m sorry for your multiple losses. May things move peacefully and gently forward. xox
Thanks for your condolences, Lindsey. March/April passed with sadness, but I hope that the summer offers some cheer. xo
Love this piece, Rudri. Love the photograph, Sheryl Sandberg’s words (amazing and sad), hearing the music you are hearing and the TV you are watching (NBA on here too). If you haven’t watched BBC America’s ‘Broadchurch’, it’s outstanding and I highly recommend. Thanks as always for writing.
Thanks, Beth. I will definitely check out your recommendation. I am always looking for quality shows to watch.
Talenti Sea Salt Caramel – yes. I had some just last night and I might have it again tonight. I can’t help myself – it’s those little chocolate caramel pieces.
Sheryl’s words brought me to tears too. I read that over lunch and it was so sad.
I love her tribute to her husband.
She exhibited so much grace with her sentiments and words.
Great job on those two pieces!