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"Magic happens when you make every word count."
So says the motto of the beloved #50PreciousWords kidlit competition.
I wholeheartedly agree. But what happens when the words won't come?
My year kicked off with waves of grief. I lost a friend and coworker to depression in January. It took me completely by surprise. I wanted to stop time and reverse it. But I couldn't. There's not a day goes by that I don't think of him. Three weeks later, I lost one of my favorite humans to glioblastoma. I knew it was coming, but I didn't think it would come so soon. Again, I wanted to stop time. Reverse it. But I couldn't. It just wasn't fair. It's still not fair. Today is his funeral.
With all this loss, I found myself at a loss for words. There are no words that are comforting enough to give to grieving family members. No words that will bring a loved one back. My own writing stalled as tears took over. I'm still grieving.
Then I heard this quote.
"What is grief, after all, if not leftover love?"
I heard it at a funeral. And I read a version of it in a story. And I saw a version of it on a television show. All the various versions were worded differently, but they all made the same point. And something inside me sparked.
I still don't have a lot to say. I don't have all the right words. I am still fumbling through my own grief. But #50PreciousWords provided the perfect outlet for me to find some words. I know Devin and Peter would have appreciated the #50PreciousWords Literacy Initiative that has donated over 700 brand-new children's books to schools in need. Devin and I worked together in an independent bookstore and though children's books weren't his favorite, books in general were his favorite thing. Peter was the most giving person I knew with the quickest wit and sharpest style. He read countless children's books to his own kids and was the best dad. This weekend, if you are able, go visit your local independent bookstore. Maybe buy a children's book! And tell someone close to you that you love them. Because we never know just how much time we will get.
Learn more about #50PreciousWords here https://viviankirkfield.com/2024/03/02/the-50preciouswords-2024-international-writing-contest-is-open/
This is for Devin and Peter.
