Sunday, May 19, 2013

Memories

 
She'd been unable to sing 'Amazing Grace' during the wedding service for the words had formed hands that choked her while a heady mix of emotion ensured they remained lodged in her throat.
 
Just a day later as she walked towards the ocean they came freely now.  The wind ripping them from her lips the moment they formed, sprinkling them out at sea like confetti.  She sang for herself, for her family, for loved ones gone too soon, for the release of emotion that bubbled up and threatened to engulf her.
 
The ebb and flow of the waves grounded her emotional unsteadiness and its ability to do so always surprised her.  Memories formed a blanket around her shoulders.  Not the irritating, itchy kind but warm, soft and snugly.  She breathed deep and relaxed into them holding them tight. 
 
Tears threatened to form but she wasn't ready to let them go.  Now wasn't the time to dwell on loss, it was a time for celebration.
 
She wanted to stay but knew it was time to go.  Taking in the sounds and smells she found herself taking mental pictures as she sighed wistfully.  This place had a hold on her, interwoven with her soul.  No matter the distance she would always return.

9 comments:

  1. memories as blankets....nice....may "the place" be interwoven into a blanket she can find whenever she needs it.

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  2. beautiful! I find that the ebb & flow of the ocean is grounding, beautifully written

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  3. What a moving passage here. And I agree with Honey. The image of memories as a blanket is very strong.

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  4. Sometimes I forget to appreciate the ocean-other times I remember. Always I find it healing whether or not I am aware of it at the moment. As for singing in church-I don't usually-but not sure if it's for the reasons you write or me just being a curmudgeon on the whole hearing loss...loss.
    thanks for sharing this-I love the writing.

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  5. So beautiful and emotionally powerful.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Brenda, this place has such a special tie for me and my family.

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  6. The ocean has such a powerful pull over us both. A mixture of nostalgia, longing and deep emotional connection to the force of nature...these seem to play important roles. Such a beautifully written post, Kathryn. I'm so glad you were able to find your voice. I'm so glad you were able to reunite in such a meaningful way with that magical place. Welcome home!

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