Hi friends. I usually publish my monthly Journal episode on the first of the month, but in the wake of a devastating loss in our family, I’m instead putting up a short (and, warning, hastily edited!) episode in the public feed.

My sister-in-law, Jen, died on Tuesday, leaving behind her husband Adam (my stepbrother) and my niece and nephew Elia and Judah, just three and five.

As family and friends mourn this loss and rally around the grieving father and children, I’ve been reflecting on what it looks like to care during times of loss and grief, and how the traditions around mourning (plus natural limitations around our perceived ability to act) used to create the structure and “what to do next” for us.

Now, in a world where we are confronted with so many tragic stories and so many things we could potentially act on or advocate for, it can be hard to know where to focus our energy and what is truly “ours” to do. A death in the family is really driving home how important and impactful those small, localized, personal efforts can be.

I’ll be back later this month with my Journal episode (for paying subscribers) and am sure I will have more to say about this loss as I process. In the meanwhile, if you feel so moved, you can make a donation to this GoFundMe set up to help Adam, Judah, and Elia navigate this terrible loss and rebuild their lives.

Thank you, friends, and keep caring.

Warmly,

Meagan

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit meaganfrancis.substack.com/subscribe