this is how they show up

how-to-grow-azaleas-2

"Self includes all ancestors, the yet unborn, the entire community, and all of nature. In my being is my worth because I am not a separate, finite, limited being, but an extension of - and - one with all that is." - Linda James Myers

We are born from mystery and we return to mystery. We are born from love and return to love. It is so reassuring to me that our relationships continue to grow with our loved ones even after death. Recently while on a walk, I asked myself, How do those we love show up after they die? This was what came to me. 

A dense and lumpy matzoh ball of grief.

There, a pink azalea. Here, Cheerleader and her shocking pink shirts, the first to host a shower at a pretty club with a bright green lawn and the one to take the photos. I miss the smell of her White Shoulders perfume and her oily youthful skin. My mom's oldest and best friend.

I want more of her, not ready to say goodbye. Maybe I don't have to.

This brings tears to my eyes but they sting as they sit and wait.

Then the trees, giants oaks with old beards swaying in the sun

filtered lovely lights, leaves falling everywhere shedding old skin, limbs reaching out to one another, reaching for one another over the crackly pavement.

And the cardinals, there they are again, being noisy up in the trees overhead. Hey guys! There are so many.  They are my family. They are here. Wake up! Wake up! WAKE UP! WE ARE ALL AROUND YOU! THERE IS SO MUCH LOVE HERE!

There is new life, new growth something to create and bring into being. I am in awe of this...grateful and sad.

I love that smile in spanish is sonrisa. The rising sun. I will smile today at everyone and today I will not care whether or not they smile back.

These little babies just want to be included. These juicy gems of blood red pomegranate seeds - grief wanting to be heard - they too are part of the story.

Nothing to be ashamed of, afraid of or over with. Because this is how they show up.