Finding Peace Amidst Fragments: Exploring 'Normal Broken' with Hope and Healing
In the heart melting pages of 'Normal Broken,' author Kelly Cervantes weaves a tapestry of love, loss, and a luminescent (as well as honest!) path of healing after the profound loss of her daughter, Adelaide.
In 'Normal Broken,' Kelly Cervantes, much like a skilled artist, crafts a narrative that is as heartrending as it is hopeful. Her words resonate deeply with the mission of the Together at Peace Foundation, offering peace, love, honesty and a sense of connection. As we reflect on her journey and the poignant experiences she shares, we are reminded of the beauty in our human experience—the strength found in vulnerability, the healing power of connection, and the endless capacity for love to rebuild the most shattered of hearts.
This spirit of shared human experience that 'Normal Broken' aligns with the core values of the Together at Peace Foundation—uplifting, comfort, community, connection, healing, hopeful bereavement, and spiritual resilience. As we delve into the themes of this profound narrative, we explore how Kelly's reflections and insights echo the essence of what we hold dear, illuminating the path to peace and healing through the power of love.
Healing through Helping
Cervantes illuminates the profound truth that in giving, we find one of the deepest wellsprings of peace. The act of sharing, be it time, goods, or funds, lights up the pleasure centers in our brains—a testament to the joy found in helping others. This principle mirrors our foundation's commitment to fostering healing by extending a hand to those walking the path of grief.
Purpose from Pain
Kelly’s narrative beautifully encapsulates how pain, while a formidable foe, can be the catalyst for discovering purpose. It is a potent reminder that within the heart of every struggle, there is the potential to forge a path that not only leads us out of darkness but also shines a light for others.
To Heal, We Must Remember
The journey of healing, as 'Normal Broken' tenderly suggests, is paved with the stones of memory. Remembering is not a passive act but a courageous step towards healing. This resonates deeply with our belief in the power of cherishing memories as a source of perpetual comfort and connection.
The Concept of 'Inch-Stones'
Kelly introduces us to the beauty of 'inch-stones'—a concept that aligns with the idea that healing is measured in moments, not milestones. This perspective encourages us to acknowledge and celebrate the small, yet significant, steps we take on our path to healing.
The Significance of the Little Things
In 'Normal Broken,' Cervantes poignantly highlights how the essence of our loved ones is kept alive in “the little things” that live on. This notion is a cornerstone of our foundation's philosophy, where we believe that in the small moments, when reminders are the signs, we find the grandest gestures of their enduring love and presence.
The Continuation of Relationships
Kelly’s reflection on the ongoing nature of relationships, even beyond death, offers a comforting affirmation of our belief in the unbreakable bonds of love. It underscores the importance of nurturing these connections as a source of healing and peace that love transcends life.
Beauty from Scars
The metaphor of transforming a scar into something beautiful, like a tattoo, speaks volumes about the transformative power of grief. It's a vivid illustration of how our scars, much like art, tell stories of resilience and beauty.
It All Counts
'Normal Broken' sends a powerful message that all forms of loss are valid and that the need for recognition and to be seen in our grief is universal. This message echoes our foundation's aim to provide a sanctuary for all, regardless of the nature or timeline of their loss, reinforcing the importance of community healing.
The Fear of Reactions
Cervantes touches on the often overlooked aspect of grief—the fear of how our pain is received by others. Sometimes the fear of how someone will respond to your loss can be stressful.
The Art of Kintsugi
The reference to the Japanese art of Kintsugi, where broken pieces are made whole again with gold, serves as a powerful metaphor for the beauty and uniqueness of healing from grief. It reminds us that our brokenness, much like the cracks in pottery, makes us uniquely beautiful.
In the realm of healing and hope, where words often fall short, Kelly Cervantes' 'Normal Broken' emerges as a light. Through her candid storytelling, Kelly does more than share her journey; she extends an invitation to all who find themselves walking the shadowed and non chronological path of grief, offering a map inked in the hues of understanding, resilience, pain, humor and love.
Thank you, Kelly, for sharing your pain and your purpose as well as your candid sense of humor and unwavering realness. Let us carry these themes into our daily lives, embracing every inch-stone on our path to healing, and remember, in the mosaic of life, every piece counts, and every fragment of our brokenness is a testament to our resilience and capacity for love.
-Brittany Jelinek
