It has been one month since our honeybee Avery Li died. To us it still feels like yesterday. Time has no place as we exist in what feels like an endless nightmare with endless pain. We are still in shock. Nothing makes sense, except one thing; we know that we are held.
If it were not for the immense amount of support from you, our community, and our dearest loved ones, it is not certain we would be waking to try to live another day.
This loss is so inconceivable that our bodies cannot hold it alone. It seems perhaps even too big for the greater body that is our community. And yet, we feel you all tending to us, holding us, grieving with us, and feeling even a fraction of our pain.
With all the gratitude our shattered hearts can muster we thank you. Each of you that has given and continue to give in so many big and small ways. Your kindness and generosity has not gone unnoticed.
Avery was very much woven into this community in a very special way. You made his life beautiful here and for that we are forever grateful. Your ongoing love, holding, prayers and offerings since he has passed continues to be a salve, a gift, a kindness.
We have chosen not to name names because we know there are many of you we don’t even know personally. But if you are reading this and if you have supported us even through prayer, we thank you.
We hope that this unthinkable tragedy cements the conviction to choose kindness, and love, again and again. To take moments to breathe in what matters most to you, and as the days forge forward, we hope you can pause to feel how precious it is that you are living. How the generosity and kindness you have given to us can be received within your own hearts.
Avery’s spirit is bright, wonderful and in awe.
Perhaps the next time you see the moon or a bee, a butterfly or feel the wind on your face you can say hi to him. He would love that.
Lastly, we kindly ask that in time, when we are ready to integrate back into the world, that you can give us space as we find our footing again.
Thank you Nevada City, Grass Valley and our friends and family.
Melina Seeto & Nicholas Traugott