A Secret Sign for Bloggers

Hi everyone,
Today I want to share with you an idea from a blog I follow, Not Even A Wren. Megan is a fabulous writer, and I cannot hope to tell her idea any better than she. So please read on, and join in helping start this new thing of leaving an * on the comment line of blogs so the writer will know you have been there and you've been touched. Megan based this idea on a Jewish tradition of leaving a stone on a gravesite when you visit. I'd never heard of that, but I'd love to find a little pile of stones on my Bruce's grave.
I'm sure other bloggers would love to find a little * in their comment lines--because then they'll know they're not alone; they'll know you care, they'll know they've touched you. And that's really important.

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I think I will start a new thing: when I read your words, and feel them, and have nothing to say, I am going to leave you a *. Like the Jewish tradition of leaving a stone on a gravestone, to tell someone you've been there, that you love them and you're there.

A description of that stone-leaving practice:

1) It is a sign to others who come to the grave when I am not there that they and I are not the only ones who remember. The stones I see on the grave when I come are a reminder to me that others have come to visit the grave. My loved one is remembered by many others and his/her life continues to have an impact on others, even if I do not see them.

2) When I pick up the stone it sends a message to me. I can still feel my loved one. I can still touch and be touched by him/her. I can still feel the impact that has been made on my life. Their life, love, teachings, values, and morals still make an impression on me. When I put the stone down, it is a reminder to me that I can no longer take this person with me physically. I can only take him/her with me in my heart and my mind and the actions I do because he/she taught me to do them. Their values, morals, ideals live on and continue to impress me - just as the stone has made an impression on my hands - so too their life has made an impression on me that continues.

So, no, you're not dead. I don't mean to imply I'm leaving asterix on your metaphorical grave. But when I read your words, I feel my love for matt in what your words bring out in me. I know I am not the only one who remembers. Through what you've written, I feel my kinship with you though we probably haven't physically met, and I can feel the love you have for your own love. If you have odd * show up in your comments, that is me ~ nothing to say, but you have made an impression, and I'm here. I put my stone down: your words have an impact on me. The impression continues, even though I do not see you.

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Why not start leaving your own * today? Visit some of the blogs in the blogroll in the righthand sidebar. When they've touched you and reminded you of the love and goodness you've been blessed with, pass it on with a little *.  To borrow from an old proverb---Sometimes an * is worth a thousand words. *

Today I'm reminded of the many people outside of my family who have touched my life over the years: writers, teachers, friends, artists, musicians . . . my life has been greatly enriched by each, and I'm grateful for all who have crossed my path!    

♥ ferree