The poet Mary Oliver wrote, “Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this too, was a gift.”
My reflection: The words ‘love’ and ‘darkness’ are usually contradictory. Most often love is associated with words of light, but shadows take over our world when addiction enters our family.
Today’s Promise to consider: My son, a recovering heroin addict, once gave me a box full of darkness. The poet Mary Oliver was correct that it took me years to understand that this, too, was a gift. The suffering taught me compassion; the sleepless nights taught me to appreciate the sunlight; the near deaths taught me to cherish every breath; and the loneliness taught me to reach out my hand to another. No one wants an addiction, no one wants darkness, but with love we can learn to open our hearts to receive the gifts it offers.
Libby, I am always astounded and grateful for the beauty of your words.
Thank you, Pamela, for your compassion and support. My love to you. xo
What a wonderful reminder for us all – there is so much truth in Mary Oliver’s words. And what a marvelous tribute to her since today is her birthday. Thanks for sharing, Libby and Jeff! ❤️
Thanks, Leigh. I didn’t know that today was Mary Oliver’s b’day. This makes the post even more special to me. Yes, so much truth in her words. Thanks, too, for sharing your beautiful art. You inspire me.
Having walked through the darkness, I can honestly say that I am a better person because of it.
Thanks, Tom. I’m grateful for your comment.
Thank you Libby. Very provocative.
Thanks, Susan. Nothing easy with addiction. xo
That was priceless!
Thanks, Pat. Your help over the years has always been priceless.
Libby, I came upon Mary Oliver’s poem while I was confronting a long-lasting childhood of trauma. The person I loved once was my father. The gift was my will, even as a child, to bask in the sun vs. the dark. I was determined to become a happy person in my life. The gift was myself for making my decision and living every day by that promise. I’m now 75, am living my next chapter as a writer and am still married to my first love for fifty-two years. Box full of darkness comes from many places in life. How we chose to use the darkness determines how we live and breathe.