amidst my busyness these past few days, my mind has focused on a simple fact - one that forever changed my life. eighteen years ago this month, my father passed. just like that. and i now have lived without him for as many years as i lived with him. in some ways - glimpses now -the hole his leaving left still feels fresh, raw, and deeply empty; but more so, it feels like an ache that happened a lifetime ago to a girl that i remember. it's not true what they say to you in moments of grief. time does not heal all wounds. but time does offer perspective and that is a subtle gift, if not a comfort. for i am able to acknowledge and feel grateful for the incredible gift of strength that became uncovered through such a personal loss. our journeys are always winding, and whether we know it or not, discover it yet or not, believe it or not...strength (with the force of a thousand armies) lies deep within us - simply waiting.
yesterday, i noticed a beautiful simple rock wrapped with ribbons of white. it seemed to whisper to me from the grass below my feet.
' i am like your heart - broken but bandaged - solid and strong, perhaps a bit fractured but bound together with the strength of time and tenderly polished by the memories of love.' ~ssperl
for my dad...my heart is always with you.
**thought i'd share one of his favorite tunes**
