What a wise and wonderful question! Every person will have an entirely different answer, based on their own unique POV. Mine is rather unorthodox, maybe even unsettling. That’s the “beauty” of it, and not limited to eye of the beholder as with museum art or an attractive body. I’m exploring the other senses, feelings, emotions, within a natural healing process than can turn our perception of “ugly” into something beautiful…
I begin my answer with another question: Why should we be afraid to show grief when we’ve suffered a loss? Maybe “afraid” is too strong a word. More like self-conscious and unwilling to look messy or ugly, as with a face scrunched up with tears. We women know that means mascara running down our cheeks — “Oh-my-gosh, can’t allow anyone to see me like this!” It’s embarrassing, and more so for men due to society’s double standard. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Having a “good cry” is therapeutic, shows our sensitivity and we feel so much better afterwards, don’t we? After a rainstorm, the air is so fresh and clean and everything looks beautiful. Whenever we have a drought (as now in California) the raindrops become our Heavenly Father’s merciful tears nourishing the parched earth below. Likewise, when we give free reign to our grief, there is a catharsis taking place which is very healing. Those who hear someone crying, have a natural urge to help that person out of sympathy and kindness. We have a causal relationship here that is “beauty” in action, not just a superficial perception of what we consider attractive, and THAT is the essence of compassion. The tear-stained face is beautiful and the offered shoulder to cry on provides blessed relief. Who knew that you could be at your most “attractive” when grieving the death of a loved one? This emotion is an inherent part of our human experience; an absoulute expression of the Soul. Think of it as the ultimate gift to yourself — the freedom to breathe in the grief and embrace tears you shed as a testament to the one you loved. One of my favorite quotes is from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, “The quality of mercy is not strained. It droppeth as a gentle rain from Heaven above to the earth below. It is twice blessed; it blesseth him that gives and him that receives.”
A compassionate heart, humbly baring its soul. Ahh, I can’t think of anything more beautiful than that.
ramblinproseblog 
Wonderful, beautiful piece. Thank you so much.
Dusty
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I am so touched by your words, and thanks for your vote of confidence!
Jacqueline
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Your writing is a guiding, inspiring light. Thank you.
Dusty
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It is an honor to serve you in such a way. I hope I can be a beacon of light to many people with my writings. Thanks, and I will visit your blog too!
Jacqueline
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You write from my soul. Only with so much more polish and sophistication. I’m going to love every word you write as I follow you in anticipation of learning and expanding and refining. Thank you and bless you. Ali
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I was thrilled by your generous comment, and it really made my day! Guess I’m going to have to be on my “absoulute” best behavior, as you follow me in your learning quest. 😉 You have such a natural, easy-going, conversational style with your writing — I wouldn’t change a thing. I love what you said in your introduction about family travels (from archives), and your whimsical “purple pajama” references. It’s utterly delightful, and you make me smile! You say that you write “with no training or objective other than the fun of putting everyday things into words…” Keep it up, and I will be learning much from you too!
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