Both my wife and I felt some closure with the service. Some of our colleagues who came to the service invited us to attend an oyster roast at the laboratory later in the evening. We went and enjoyed talking to friends, eating oysters, and doing something together that was happy. It feels like we are getting back to some normalcy in our lives.
On Sunday, I had a call to tow a 65 foot steel hulled schooner that had gone aground. She was quite the vessel and the towing experience was interesting. Doing that job felt good too. The adrenalin and the success of towing that boat to the harbor made me feel alive and happy.
I am now in North Carolina doing some work. I will finish that in the morning and then head home. Staying busy and doing the things that I enjoy has been helpful. And my C. has been working on the garden, planting seeds, and spreading mulch in the raised beds.
All of these activities are indicative that we are moving along with the tide of living. Spring is coming, as is my wife's birthday on Thursday. It feels good to smile again.
Spring is my favorite time of year. Here a sign of Spring is the whales migrating back up North from Mexico. I plan to do at least one whale watching trip this season. Just looking at your blog photos makes me want to be on a boat!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your tow, and glad to hear that you and C. are moving along in the grieving process - you are a gift to each other.
ReplyDeleteOh Syd!!! This was such a beautiful and tenderly healing message that you sent out regarding you and C moving ahead in your lives. I especially loved the picture of the Sanctuary in the Church. Yes, indeed - - - seeing that, as well as the picture of the huge old 'Angel Oak' was very poignant for me, also. Once again, a brief visit 'back home' for me- through your sharing and photos.
ReplyDeleteOh no, I won't ignore the obvious adrenalin rush you experienced in towing this other boat off a bar! You have worked very hard to get to this point of choosing to keep busy! Congratulations on the completion of such a big job!
Much love and hugs to you, with prayers for the F-I-L.
Anonymous #1
what a cool tree in that last pic....i am glad that all went well...and sounds like you had some healthy outlets in the after....gardening is so good...being around life again...be well syd...and travel safe today...
ReplyDeleteWhen services are on a personal level they can be just lovely..I'm glad your mil turned out that way. Still some healing time to come but sounds like things are good for today....
ReplyDeleteYou know, we had NO service after my mother died. I just kept thinking it would be so weird. She wasn't really a believer and my brothers and I certainly aren't. I'm glad that you had a service though for your mother-in-law because just that one first sentence made it worthwhile. It filled you with peace. That is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you and your wife are both moving along. Happy birthday to her! It is my grandson's birthday today. Life does go on, doesn't it?
Beautiful pictures. Of course I especially love the oak tree. It is a grand one.
I am happy for you and your wife Syd. May the breeze from here forward favor your sails.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the service went well. Wishing your wife a Happy Birthday :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful church. I am so glad the funeral mass was a healing experience for you and C.
ReplyDelete(I'm going to try commenting with my google account to see if that works better.)
I'm so glad to hear that the funeral service went well Syd -- such an airy space with exposed beam trusses. And good to know it brought closure.
ReplyDeleteTowing schooners and mulching the garden for spring -- such good ways to move on. That tree is a beauty
Hi Syd,
ReplyDeleteIt's good to hear that the funeral service for your mother in law honored her and was beautiful. I wish you and your wife
continued healing.
Holly
I will keep you i n my prayers...
ReplyDeleteHere is a poem I thought you would enjoy being the sea man that you are...
Parable of immortality ( A ship leaves . . . ) by Henry (Jackson) Van Dyke - 1852 - 1933
I am standing by the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength, and I stand and watch until at last she hangs like a peck of white cloud just where the sun and sky come down to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says, 'There she goes! Gone where? Gone from my sight - that is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the places of destination. Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at the moment when someone at my side says, 'There she goes! ' , there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout : 'Here she comes!'
I like that prayer below. Extend condolences, please, to your wife. It can be pretty depressing, losing a mother. People come to therapy all the time for it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful church and what a massive tree!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad things are moving along. They do that, I've noticed...it is nice when I can move along with them.
Happy Birthday to C and I hope you two can move ahead and that you have many, many more years together.
ReplyDeleteSyd, I haven't been receiving your posts in my reader and I've missed so much. I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. My heart goes out to you. You are in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful live-oak. And, of course, a beautiful boat. Is that the church the service was held in?—also beautiful. Your blog is a testament to the ways life continues to move, and what a blessing that can be when we move with it. May you and C have comfort in the coming days of spring. love /G
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear peace is coming back.
ReplyDelete