"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike." -John Muir
When I read this quote in one of Carol Labuzzetta's blogs, I quicky recorded it in my digital journal. I knew that the family would feel the restorative power of nature in another week. We will travel to Cape May and the South Shore of Long Island, NY to celebrate the life of my husband, as per his request. Click here to read my recent Slice of Life.
Being in nature for nine days brings a smile. There will be time to pause and relax, remembering the summers of our lives basking in sunkissed sands and my husband's stories of his early life when he romped in the surf with his friends. I also remember our summer days when our children were young. We enjoyed the warming sun's rays, the coolness of the ocean's waters spraying our bodies, and the many walks on the boardwalk. Little did we know back then that our family's life would change radically as my husband's days on earth quickly faded.
I think back on John Muir's quote, knowing that soon nature will provide peace to my soul and healing to my emotions and body. The warmth of the sand, the beauty of the sea, and the calling of the gulls will bring me home to Richard's sacred place.
He provided an intinerary for our celebration of life so we will honor his wishes. While he did not include Cape May in his plan, we will travel there first and remember our time together. Then, we will drive to Long Beach, Long Island to return to Jones Beach, Field 6. There we will send our fondest memories from the ocean waves to Richard's new home above.
Join me as I let nature bring its restorative powers of healing to each member of my family.
Oh, what a wonderful way to celebrate your husband's life, and the lives you created and shared together. Being in nature, in a place that holds so many memories and moments, will be such a balm for the soul. <3
ReplyDeleteJane, I am getting ready for my soul to be filled with memories and the beach. Thank you for sharing our family celebration. I read your delightful bouncy poem based on your conversation with your son. It is full of energy. I did write a response at your blog but it did not appear after I sent it.
DeleteTime spent appreciating nature is necessary for our emotional wellbeing, Carol. Celebrating your husband life in ways that honour his memory, as per his wishes is such a restorative and loving thing to do with your family. As you write 'gifts of solace comfort life.'
ReplyDeleteAlan, thank you for your cheerful response. I am grateful for your support through your thoughts.
DeleteMay you time in nature help you to continue to heal the pain of your loss.
ReplyDeleteMary Lee, today is a beautiful summer day so thank you for opening it with a response that brings hope.
DeleteCarol, may you find your time at the Cape truly a pathway to peace. There will be many gifts in this celebration for your husband; how lovely that he offered a guide for you all --truly a gift of love forethought. Blessings to you and your family as you make this trek.
ReplyDeletePatricia, I am happy to take this trip with my family. Thank you for the blessings you send my way. I am eager to see old friends and the ocean. Have a wonderful week. It is really hot here. Today was the first day not experiencing torrential rains.
DeleteEnjoy your nature awaiting respite–What a keen sense of care and family your husband had to share this nature retreat with you, soak it all in.
ReplyDeleteMichelle, since the beach was our favorite family outing - a built-in locale vacation, a trip to the Atlantic Ocean shores always brought the joy of summertime. I look forward to our return. Thank you for sharing my thoughts on my upcoming respite retreat. Enjoy your summer days.
DeleteOh I hope this time by the water will be a time for healing and celebrating his life.
ReplyDeleteMarcie, thank you for taking your time to join me. I believe what you wrote. The time I spend by the sea will be a healing journey. It is a place I've loved for 48 years of marriage and 2 years before that. It holds many memories and much love.
DeleteOh, Carol, what a beautiful way to honor and celebrate your husband's rich, full life. Nature is indeed so healing and restorative (I'm reminded of Wendell Berry's "The Peace of Wild Things"). I hope your time away with family brings you smiles, laughter, and warmth, as well as the cleansing tears that are also a way to honor your beloved.
ReplyDeleteKaren, cleansing tears - what a beautiful thought@ Thank you for stopping by and sending me a new poem that I never read, The Peace of Wild Things. I am ready to be healed and restored. I hope my husband knows this. Enjoy your summer with your family!
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