At the end of our nine days of celebrating my husband's life I found peace in the gentle waters of sunset. Golden layers of sky surroundied the harbor. It was time to pause and gaze at nature's reflections and remember past layered memories.
summer sweltered
gentle waters shared stillness
sunset celebrated
sunset spoke
of life's celebration
stilled waters agreed
©CV, August 2025
One of my writing friends, Bob Hamera (aka arjeha), offered a quieting thought to me. "Life should be celebrated not mourned." I brought that quote on my family's trips to various ocean spots. I step back now thinking that it was peaceful to shift my focus from mourning the loss of my husband to honoring the life lived and the impact it had on others. The celebration of life ceremonies during the nine days offered comfort and remembrance in a special way.
Thank you to Ralph Waldo Emerson for his beautiful quoteL
"Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn."
Now that I am home in Virginia, I shall remember to walk forward in peace.
nature's stilled waters
offers solace
A meeting place for a world of reflective writers.
Carol, your mourning turning to celebration is beautiful to see here in the sunset and memories of this special trip. "gentle waters shared stillness" is a beautiful line, and I see the stillness coming into your heart, as I have read the progression of your posts during the last couple of months. Continued peace, comfort, and joyful memories to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteDear Denise from Carol Varsalona-I am so grateful for your continued support. I am feeling so much better because I realize that I would not want Richard to suffer longer. Sunset photos bring peace to me.
DeleteWhat a lovely idea to celebrate a loved one in the places filled with personal memories. I'm so sorry for your loss. I too have walked the path of grief recently and I've know that Bob's statement is good advice: "Life should be celebrated not mourned." May your heart always find comfort in the celebration.
ReplyDeleteAlice, it is so nice to connect with you again. I have such wonderful memories of the family's journey to different places my husband walked in his life. The celebrations were carefully planned. Thank you for your lovely response. I am blessed to have writing friends.
DeleteCarol, honoring someone’s life and the impact they had on others is a wonderful way to celebrate that person. If there is sorrow, it is for those who did not have the privilege of knowing the person being celebrated. I am glad my words offered consolation during this time. Bob
ReplyDeleteBob, your words offered so much more than consolation. The words brought a new insight into my life. The entire 9-day trip was filled with wonderful memories and a rethinking of the future journey without Richard.
DeleteCarol, I agree with Bob that our lives should, in fact must, be celebrated as a way to honor that person who is missing physically from our circle, but not missing from the chain of memories and love that supports us as we begin that new chapter your describe. Over recent months you have hinted at a challenging chapter of life, and I do pray you will find peace and hope in the sunsets and in the sunrises as you move forward, step by step. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteI am touched that you and so many others have me in their thoughts and prayers. My chain of memories surround me so thank you for your touching response. I missed finishing my slice this week so I will add my thoughts to the Poetry Friday blog post I am writing.
DeleteSuch a beautiful and reflective post, Carol. May all your memories of your husband be a blessing. Walk with peace. Many are walking beside you.
ReplyDeleteJoanne, your response is so calming. I feel blessed by your words. It is so reassuring that I have many walking beside me.
DeleteCarol, Yes, we do celebrate live, but we mourn for the loss we feel. I hope these nine days have been cathartic and that you continue to feel the hug of friends and family as you grieve and navigate this profound loss. Peace.
ReplyDeleteGlenda, being home places another level of reality after time away. I feel the peace of bringing closure to my husband's life I also feel the pangs of multiple pieces on my to do list. I know there has to be a balance and I am fortunate to have friends. PS: I am presenting at the upcoming NCTE Conference with Matt Forrest Esenwine, Georgia Heard, and Allan Wolf. I am wondering if you are attending and if so would you like to room with me at the hotel? I would like to have a friend with me. Let me know via email.
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