Almost two weeks ago I discovered that someone core to my heart had died. The days since then have been a journey through memory and time that has been profoundly sorrowful and yet not without its gifts. Love is never lost or wasted.
As so many of you know, the journey through grief has its own time line. One moment we're standing. The next moment, another wave of loss pulls us under. And now more sorrow has been added by the long years of Republican race baiting and fear mongering birthing a terrible, dangerous, bitter fruit. I'm grieving for what is happening to our Nation and I'm not alone.
Friends have been sharing their anger, grief, and not knowing what to do in the face of so much willful arrogant destruction. Then this afternoon, the news of yet another shooting in DC. It's all adding up and not in a good way. We need gentleness, comfort, sanctuary and they all seem far away.
I thought many of you might be feeling the same. So I'd like to invite you in to the Light Garden. It's a sanctuary of sorts, a place where beauty, peace, and community are always honored. I hope it eases your hearts a little. Please make yourselves at home.
It's a summer day, lost in October, a perfect day for the garden on the lake. The sun is on its slow glide towards sunset, laying down roads of gold across the water. A hush has settled over everything, making the sounds of falling acorns and pine cones sharp and unexpected. The summer days of boat engines breaking the peace are gone. Now there is the murmur of leaf talk on a gentle breeze.
The colors of Marigolds and Mums, late Lilies and Roses, Alliums, and Coreopsis, seem fragile, as if some how they know of this season's too soon glide into Winter.
But summer is not gone yet. The trees have just begun to dress themselves in reds, golds, and oranges. The leaf green hair of old man willow still sways in the breeze. A fish announces his leap from the water with a splash. The kayaks in their reds and greens are ready for the next paddle around the lake. Wood is piled in the fire pit, waiting for the stars to shimmer in the night sky and the lake's mirror still water.
Loon cry echoes off the hills as laughter drifts from the cabin. As the sun sets, a soft gold wash of light will fill the cabin windows. Candle light. Fire light, for the temperature drops quickly with the shortening of days. The cabin's river stoned fire place will fill with dancing light and warmth.
Music will play softly around wooden beams and warm wide pine floors. Couches and chairs with woven throws and soft pillows await, ready for curling up with a good book or conversation.
The scent of fresh made coffee and food cooking eases through the cabin.
There is comfort and caring to be found here. Love, laughter, and sorrows to share.
Come on in to the Light Garden. It is always here for you.