Seize life! Eat bread with gusto! 1

2020 wasn’t all bad.

(Am I allowed to say that out loud?)

Our family walked our own journey of grief, that was outside of the corporate pain, that the world endured. My father was diagnosed in the middle of lockdown, with a terminal illness and by the time the cinema’s were open again in Perth, Western Australia, he was no longer with us.

This tragedy, just like 2020, and the memes we all read daily, wasn’t all bad. There were many parts of this journey of sickness that starkly changed our lives.

We learnt that every moment is important, especially the ones spent with those most dear. We quickly learnt to savour every little breath and story.

Ecclesiastes says it this way-

Seize life! Eat bread with gusto, Drink wine with a robust heart. Oh yes – God takes pleasure in your pleasure! Dress festively every morning. Don’t skimp on colours and scarves. Relish life with the spouse you love Each and every day of your precarious life. Each day is God’s gift. It’s all you get in exchange For the hard work of staying alive. Make the most of each one! Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily!

Ecclesiastes 9: 1-10 (the message)

Although we can’t just pick up the phone and chat with Dad and grief finds us unexpectedly, one thing we will honour him with, is celebrating life with gusto.

Kin, love the ones you are with, 2020 wasn’t all bad. Search out the nuggets amidst the rubble.

Amanda Viviers