Standing up to Death

Oct/Poem/Ber Challenge

I’m trying to write

a poem on

third spaces.

Third spaces are defined as

a place

that isn’t home or work,

that doesn’t cost too much to enter

It’s where you feel a sense

of safety and belonging

You.

You are my

third space. -Katie Rizzo

My cousin was dying of cancer, and I’d come to say my good-byes. He was in his forties, in hospice, and the world felt very unfair.

One night we snuggled on his bed and watched Hidden Figures. The next morning the hospice nurse told me it was his time. She said, “Go get his girls to say good-bye.”

I can’t remember how old his two little girls were that day; it feels like they were 7 and 9. All of this was too much for an adult, and I’d have done almost anything to remove this from their childhoods.

One of the girls held his hand and began to yell, “Daddy! WAKE UP! You promised me the summer!”

I saw myself in her: a mad little girl demanding her person to stay.

This past month I’ve been that wispy-haired girl as I watched my own dad struggle from a stroke, pneumonia, and an accidental puncture of the stomach.

I’ve been her ever since my son died.

***

This week I got the gift of a book release in my hometown and was interviewed by Allison Daily of Pathfinders. It was a gathering of humans all willing to share a bit of their grief. I left humbled by how much we love one another. Here’s a video of the first part of the talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=X9JBPN_Yx6AfVNpR&v=HSW2NKDxVzE&feature=youtu.be

***

The Sober Method interviewed Nick. I loved his willingness to be open in the hopes that others will find some truth.