Andrea Gibson: “I Fucking Loved My Life”

Andrea Gibson, the poet and activist died yesterday. They were were 49. There’s a reason they were so widely loved: they wrote about things that matter, what’s left when everyday distractions are stripped away. They showed us how to live. How to love. And how to die.

There’s no time to waste. And, take all the time you need. “We all have different reasons for forgetting to breathe.” They were kind and deeply generous.

When I die, I won't have a headstone but if I did, I would want Andrea’s words on it: “I fucking loved my life.” I do. All of it. Even the parts that are cracked, because, to echo Andrea’s words, it’s there I can plant seeds, while praying for rain.

"Why did no one tell us that to die is to be reincarnated in those we love while they are still alive? Ask me the altitude of heaven, and I will answer, “How tall are you?”

Thank you, Andrea. Travel well. Deep bow.

*****

NEW Women’s Writing Circles begin Tuesday, September 16th on Zoom (4 to 5:30 PM) and Friday, September 19th, 10 am to noon (in person in my Berkeley home). $315 early registration by August 19th, $360 after. 

Here’s more information on this wild writing practice*, how it works, and why your story matters.

And if we haven’t written together before, please email: dayna@daynamacy.com. If you are experiencing financial challenges, please reach out.

*Deep bow to my beloved friend and teacher Laurie Wagner for all she is and does.