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.
ReplyDeleteCarol, 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
ReplyDeleteCarol, 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.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful and reflective post, Carol. May all your memories of your husband be a blessing. Walk with peace. Many are walking beside you.
ReplyDeleteCarol, 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.
ReplyDelete