Thank you for the Temple

[jcliff]

I've never been a big Temple person. I find it so sad to go in and read people's pain. Last year I didn't go in at all (even though I was a donor,) and the year before I went in and read someone's devotion to their dead dog, broke down in tears and left. I've never stayed for a Temple Burn. My Dad died last Thursday, and all of a sudden I get it. In this time of terrible pain, it's been a comfort to me to think about what I can do for my Dad in next year's Temple. I've started pulling out photographs and thinking about what I want to tell him. My Dad was absolutely a Burner at heart. He loved that part of me and was happy to hear about my Burn stories. I think he was proud to have his youngest daughter be involved with something so wild and good.

So, thank you to the Burning Man community for providing this sacred space for us that are grieving. I'm so sorry it took so long for me to really understand it. My Dad will love to know that a devotion to him went up in those beautiful flames.

[BoyScoutGirl]

(((jcliff)))

[Savannah]

I'm so very sorry about your Dad, jcliff.

[danibel]

Sorry about your dad jcliff.

I have always loved the temple. Two years ago I took a message to the temple for a friend, and I created a memorial photo collage for my sister-in-law that passed a few years before. My boyfriend had lost his father earlier that year and also created a photo memorial. I found it extremely hard to be at the temple for any length of time. I was just so overcome with grief.

This year I went to the temple only once while it was open, during the day, by myself. I walked around and read the messages and had tears streaking my cheeks the entire visit. I still could only handle a short amount of time. It's just so emotional and it doesn't seem to get easier for me to be there.

I watched the temple burn Sunday night and it was beautiful. I have not ever missed a temple burn, and I don't intend too. We always watch the sunrise from the temple (in front or somewhere on the playa nearby) on Sunday morning after the man burn. It's just a tradition.

I too have contributed to the temple fund. I probably will every year I can. And yes, thank you for the temple. For all that it represents and the healing it offers to those that need it.

[tamarakay]

Jcliff i am so sorry.

[trilobyte]

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, jcliff. Don't worry about whether you've connected with it or 'gotten it' in the past, meanings often change over time.

Truth be told I don't spend a lot of time there, either. It's not that I don't like it, or appreciate the effort, it's just that it didn't feel like something I needed or wanted to make a focal part of my experience. I like to think I was making way for those who felt they needed or wanted more time there.

I do like staying for the temple burn. Even if I don't go out to the burn (I've watched it from camp a few times), it's been the burn I've enjoyed the most each year. Aside from being a send-off for loved ones, that one more than the burning of the man signifies (to me anyways) the ending/beginning of the cycle.

[tummler]

(( jcliff)) Sorry about yor father. Grief and all that goes with death is hard work.

You have a new and deeper connection to the temple. No apologies for that! Lost my father unexpectedly two years ago, and I learned so much about the depth of love through his loss. Wasn't able or willing to go so deep before, I think. And it's beautiful that you plan to honor him at the temple next year. There's no "late to the party" for grief--it comes at its own good time.

[msj2u]

jcliff,

Sorry about your dad. Your words of him show how much you care. I hope the temple brings you what you need.

Hugggs

MSJ

[jcliff]

Thank you for the support. Burning Man Community does a really good job with that. I'm feeling very sad but really grateful.