Grief Exploration

Grieving an item - Gift Paper

My mother had lined my dresser drawers with wrapping paper from my baby shower.

My whole body warms with the fondness of this gesture. It is comforting to me to know that my mother’s energy inhabits the places that clothe me and keep me warm and covered. She did my laundry and takes care of me.

Someone close to me threw away the papers that lined my drawers.

Intimate space. My dresser. Where my clothes rest. The garments I place on my body. No longer able to be touched by the papers my mother set.

Another layer deeper - the energy of the women who wrapped the presents bestowed on to my mother and me. Fingers traveling along creases and folds - enveloping the contents inside. Blankets, booties.

It’s just paper.

Yet, I grieve.