Climate Connection: Feeling Change: Part 4
By John Lewis
These are strange times. We saw an Earth Day pass where most people were stuck inside. Or at least away from the usual coming together to mark the occasion. Our youth, with their ingenuity were able to organize a virtual strike and help us understand what we can do. Even then, these are times attuned to a somber tone.
So far in Sitka we have been able to escape much of the devastation COVID-19 has brought other areas. But that doesn’t mean we have not experienced loss. Many here are away from loved ones in distress. Others face an uncertain financial present and an even more uncertain future. Almost everyone has lost some aspect of their daily life and the little things that brought them joy.
For some, there is a sorrow that seems out of place. Yes, we know about all the changes and the heartbreak and the worries. But there is something that feels even bigger. When we add up all the stressors and changes there lingers a despair that seems beyond what we can nail down.
We think of grief as something that happens after a loss. And many are feeling this form of grief now. But there is also grief we feel when we sense that loss is about to happen. An ache we can feel before something that looms on the horizon. This is anticipatory grief. It is felt by those with a loved one in hospice or even before a big move. Those who know different or even difficult times lie ahead.
A changing climate has been a growing source of anticipatory grief. For a long time, the signs have pointed to danger. And those signs are only becoming clearer and clearer. But right now, many may be feeling this looming pain with COVID-19. Many are living lives in suspension. Stuck between a life they no longer can fully live and one that appears to promise trouble.
Yes, it is important to maintain hope in times like these. If there is one thing human beings have done over and over is adapt. We find new ways of finding purpose and meaning, even in the midst of tragedy. Life always finds a way to move forward. And sometimes in ways we could not have imagined before things changed.
But right now, the weight that many are carrying feels like too much. At times like these it is important to mourn and to allow ourselves to feel. And even to fall apart a little. There is one benefit to feeling broken. We can do something different with the pieces of our lives. To see what we must take with us and what we can leave behind.
And what we can carry with others. In these times of big and fast change it is important to remember that all we carry is not ours alone. We may have our own piece when it comes to staying in for COVID-19 or making changes in how we live to better our future. But we don’t have to carry them all alone. We might then notice things feel a little, if ever so slightly, lighter.
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John Lewis is a behavioral health professional and a member of the Sitka Citizens’ Climate Lobby
Pen Pal Postcard
Summer Event Set
Sitka Public Library’s Pen Pal Postcard Summer Program begins May 15.
Children of all ages can write a postcard to a librarian to share favorite readings, high and lows of the week, or any other subject they would like. Librarians will send back a postcard.
The program will run through the summer. Children should send their postcards to Maite Lorente, Youth Services Librarian at Sitka Public Library, 320 Harbor Dr. Sitka, AK 99835. For more information call at 747-4022.
Home Energy
Assist Offered
The low-income home energy assistance program for Native American/Alaska Natives living in Sitka is being administered by Sitka Tribe of Alaska Social Services.
Low-income families in need of heating assistance can apply. Applications will be accepted until funds are expended, or until September, at 204 Siginaka. Call 747-7245 with questions.
SAFV Board Meets
The board of Sitkans Against Family Violence will meet online 4:30 p.m. May 4. The meeting is open to the public. Email director@safv.org to request a Zoom link to join.
