Growing up in Canada, the red poppies on people’s coats leading up to November 11, Remembrance Day, were a visual reminder of lives lost. Long before I understood the concept of war, I felt connected to the poetry and significance of the day.

My American grandfather, born in 1900, was too young to fight in the first world war. Two of his older brothers were not. The story as I remember it, is that the war was unofficially over but fighting was to continue until the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

Pretty and symbolic.

Like those poppies. One brother was on his way to get the other, to tell him the war was done and they were going home. The second brother, my great-uncle Nolan, was killed before he got there. He died November 10, the day before that pretty, symbolic, senseless hour.

Today, on Veteran’s Day here in the US, I remember and honor all those who know the grief of war and I hope, with all my heart, that one day our world will live in peace.

Also today I’m over at WomenHeal.org – a new space for community and connection founded by my friend Christa Gallopoulos – talking about women, trust and the need for love.

And the super-talented and very awesome Christie Halmick of Jewels Branch Creative interviewed me for her Women Branching Out series. Check it out here.

Finally, the  Picking Up the Pieces Tele-Retreat starts a week from Tuesday on November 20th. This will be the last tele-retreat until mid-2013.

The holidays are loaded with expectations and when you add grief to the mix, this time of year can be unbearable or beautiful. You get to choose. Find community, find comfort, find yourself. Join us.