As I mentioned at the beginning of yesterday’s post, I was going to be unplugging from everything for a day or so to find my peace with what happened earlier that morning. No social media, websurfing, instant messaging — nothing. I needed to be completely in the moment. To embrace the sadness willingly rather than be enveloped by it. As I’ve said before, sadness is the flipside of humor. And as much as I’d like to think I’m pretty good at the humor part, I’m also pretty good at the sadness part when the situation warrents it.
Yesterday definitely warrented it.
Today, I returned to the blogosphere and just wanted to say thank you; for respecting my need to shut down for a bit; the kindness you shared in the comments left on yesterday’s post; and the incredible number of shares my tribute to Shiloh received. Writing it was as close as I could get to sharing his warm handshake with as many of you as I could, in a moment when I needed to share it most — so that his warmth and goodness could in some way touch your life as it did mine. Thank you for understanding that, and for returning the handshake with the same kind of warmth. It made me smile for the first time since yesterday.
It was a fitting reminder that, though gone from this world, Shiloh’s handshake is still making me and others smile.
Tomorrow, I’ll back back in full swing (my apologies in advance) with a Thanksgiving Day post kicking off a holiday series called:
Ned’s Low-Cal Holiday Treats That Won’t Cause Vomiting
As some of you know, before I succumbed to was fortunate enough to become a journalist, I was a chef for 15 years. In this new seasonal series, I’ll use my culinary expertise to offer tips on how to turn yucky, tasteless low-calorie holiday treats (fruitcake anyone?) into something delicious and healthy! And by “healthy” I mean not choking on sugar-free fig dip.
Again, you are among the many things I will be giving thanks for tomorrow…
_____________________________________________________________________________
Ned's Blog 
We all need to unplug every now and then and absorb the emotion we cannot put into words.
So true, Susan 😉
I am so sorry for your sadness. You gave a great moment of unplugged silence in honor of the loss of this young man, and that example is much appreciated.
Thanks for the warning about coming back tomorrow with some cooking tips. Of course you are a chef! A chef and a fireman…that vacuums.Your wife sure did win the hubby lottery 😉
Thank you for the thoughtful words — you are much appreciated. And as for the lottery, I definitely feel like I got the winning “wife” ticket 😉
When you’re looking for someone to help you stuff your bird, call Ned.
Ned’s motto: Massage the oysters, pound the sausage and go easy on the giblets!
Hahahaha! Yes, exactly in that order. The last thinng I want is for the oysters to get pounded…
I’m sorry for your sadness but I’m also glad you’ll be back in full force Ned😉 Have a Happy Thanksgiving❤️ Give Alicia a hug and kiss from us💋
Thanks, Lisa! And the same to you and your family 😉
I’m so sorry for your loss, Ned. I did not know you were a chef. …..my condolences for that. I’ve grown up in this business and can not seem to escape it no matter how hard I try. Looking forward to your holiday tips. Heh heh….
Once it’s in your blood it never truly goes away, does it 😉
I am sorry for your loss.
Thank you, John.It’s a loss the community will feel for some time.
Reblogged this on Kate McClelland.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you, and a Happy Thanksgiving to you, Donna 😉
I’m thankful for your friendship as well, Ned.
(Just keep this between us, okay?)
*whispers* Deal!
Love you, Ned, you’re the real deal. All respect.
Thank you, Judy
Sometimes we just need some down time to regroup. Glad your back… sorry I missed everything going on. I was unplugged during Thanksgiving week to be with family. It was a much needed break for me. You are in my thoughts and prayers…. 🙂
Thanks, Courtney. And I can’t think of a better reason to unplug than to be with family. Well done and happy holidays 😉
Dear Ned,
I can’t believe that I’m an entire week late to send you this note. You have been in my thoughts and prayers all week, and I’m so sorry for your loss. Hoping that coming back so late with these words won’t throw you back into sad times that always surround a tragedy like this. I do hope that you and the family enjoyed your Thanksgiving holiday. As for blogless days…I get it. I’m heading into a mostly unplugged time near Christmas, and I’m looking forward to it!
All the best! xo
Thanks so much, Michelle. And there’s never a bad time for thoughtfulness. I appreciate them very much. A day of letting things soak in, withhout distraction, was what I needed to get perspective and pay my respects. Shiloh lived his life with joy and optimism, and I know he would want me to continue spreading that in any way I can — not sitting in mourning.
Again, thanks so much for your continued kindness, my friend 😉