Jan 3
A very bright light….
My mother always remembered the year, the month and the day that someone she loved had passed away. I never have; initially I felt a little guilty about it, but eventually realized that I couldn’t bear to relive those losses as sad anniversaries. And to this day, I have to count carefully to remember how many years it has been since some loved one died. My heart forces me to erase those facts.
But I will remember 2009 and my mother’s passing….yes, out of love and respect for her…but also because this was a year of intense and unwelcome emotions (most of all grief and loss, but mixed in were fear, dread, despair, guilt, confusion, and loneliness). On the Solstice evening, I wrote all those emotions and troubling thoughts on a piece of paper, and burned the words. I have never particularly valued or needed ceremonies, but I think that this one helped me.
The bright light in all of the past year (and in all years) came from Brook who empathized, suffered with me, helped me hold the center. And the peace and joy of our life together kept me afloat. He shouldered the responsibilities of the farm and caring for all the animals during times when I couldn’t be home, and dealt with many crises single-handedly.
Since we are so much the same, when I go away, I don’t worry about the welfare of the animals; Brook loves them and cares for them as I do.
Brook drove all the way to AZ this fall to visit me there, and we had a wonderful long weekend. We visited all the places that I loved and until then, hadn’t been able to share with him. We came to the Grand Canyon for sunset and hiked there the next day…it WAS grand on all levels!
I have one more week in AZ before I go home to make the work lighter by half. And then Brook can work in the guitar shop without interruption in his days. His happiness in doing what he loves, mine at being home, and our joy in being together again will brighten the winter days.
I am reminded of a saying that always hung on Brook’s mother’s wall:
“Who has a friend with whom to share, has double cheer and one-half care”
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A dear friend you have in Brook. Thanks for sharing this story and the wonderful photos.
Kim
What a beautiful post, Thank you for sharing. I think it is more important to cherish the special memories made with a person rather than when they were taken.
I think you and Brook are a matchless match!
What a lovely tribute to a very special guy.
Words and pics, both, very nice.
So glad you are on the cusp of being able to go home.
A truly beautiful post. I am the same way about remembering sad anniversaries.
The pics alone definitely express Brook’s love of animals, each one made me smile. You two are so lucky to have each other! I’m happy for you, Brook and your animals that you will be home soon. Hugs, Tammy
You are truly blessed! What a gift to each other you and your handsome husband are. It must have brought your mother great Joy, knowing that you had found such a wonderful partner to share your life with…
I only wish Brook had been able to make the second trip here – we were looking forward to seeing him.
Let’s hope that another time will come for good weather/all-things-fall-into-place/planets align and he’ll be able to come and enjoy the beauty of this area.
Or, you’ll be able to be more at-home. You two need to be able to share more time together. (And we know your schedule hasn’t allowed much of that lately)
Lois,
What a lovely posting. I really enjoyed your photos of Brook. He sounds like such a wonderful person.