From here in the Spring we saw the horizon but not what was behind it, lost in the mists and clouds of the unknown. We could not have foretold what this winter would bring.It is hard to visualize Spring in the middle of a cold Winter. It is hard to to understand that the turn of seasons is part of the larger plan. It is hard to accept that Winter means the loss of life for some of God's creations. It is hard to know how to get to acceptance of events beyond our control.
The reality of Winter often means struggle. We struggle against the cold winds. We slog through deep drifts of cold or blowing snow. Our eyes sting with tears. Our ears stay tuned to the crunching footsteps ahead and behind us on the path upon which all of us are headed.
We tread carefully upon the icy paths of change, attempting to get to the firmer ground of what is true and truly known. We wrap ourselves in the warmth of family and friends and familiar rituals.
This will be a Winter of loss and of celebration, of being alone and being together, of caring and being cared for, of letting go and moving on. And finally, this will be the season of eventually getting into acceptance. We will accept that life is made of spring and summer, fall and winter. And that it is good.
Update: My niece wrote a lovely tribute to her late beloved Grandma, at Paws Fur a Moment.
My topical post today at South by Southwest and The Reaction is about politics.
Technorati tags: prose seasons change family loss
Posts
3 comments:
My dear friend, the words are a comfort, but the loss is still a loss for you. You'll get through it as time and motion wait for no one. You are strong and you understand. That understanding is the gift you were given.
Winter must happen, or there will be no renewal of life in the Spring. And Spring and Summer.... the circle, the circle of life, you know it, you understand it.
May you know peace in your heart and mind, for you, for all that suffer and struggle.
Your ever so insightful words of the past, present, and future are to be envied. Way too many people lack any such insight at all!
Spadoman and Future, your thoughtful kindness and moral support have been wonderful at this tough time for me and for my family. Four of Mom's adult children (my two little sisters and my little brother) are now "feeling like motherless children," as the lovely old spiritual says; and Mom's ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
It was a bittersweet day my husband and I spent with our own kids and grandkids yesterday. But good food, a Lutheran prayer from my son-in-law, and a "Chinese gift exchange," made the day wonderful. I appreciated reading both of your posts for the way you celebrate, too.
Merry Christmas, there I said it. Looking forward to a better new year for us all.
Warm regards, Carol
Post a Comment