Four years ago, I wrote this about the loss of my parrot, Savannah. She was a beautiful Scarlet Macaw, and I was the only human she tolerated. While grief subsides over time, it still can rise up at a moment’s notice. The mind is triggered by a memory, a smell, or a situation that can’t be predicted.
#ParrotSunday – Savannah Grooming The FutureLawyer.
Grieving is hard. But, as Stoics, we recognize that we must by indifferent to the loss of our most valued others. Not indifferent in the sense that modern grammar indicates; but, being able to recognize that life, as short as it is, and fate, as uncontrollable as it is, must give way to the existential imperative – to live and to live well. The Stoics call those closest to us “preferred indifferents”. Our loved ones grow ill and die, as do we, sooner or later. Grieve; but, temper your grief with a daily thanks for your own survival, and resolve to live the best life you can, for as long as you can. I hope that everyone for whom I am a “preferred indifferent” lives joyously, happily, and with reason and purpose. Otherwise, what’s life for? So, RIP Savannah. You were a beautiful, and wonderful companion. When I think of you, I think happy thoughts.
