Sitting in my garden today, under the most glorious of skies, golden sunshine warming my skin, savouring the sounds of late summer days. It is wonderfully quiet here today. The gentle whir of the air conditioner seems to be harmonizing with the rattle and hum of the cicadas, as the crickets chime in to join the chorus with their chirping.
A soft flutter of wings over head and a delightful little peep let’s me know that my wee Downy Woodpecker has dropped in for a visit. No ‘outside’ sounds intrude, except off in the distance. I am serenely blessed by the sounds of nature, as the sun draws me out into beauty.
We have just received the news that another loved one has passed. My husband’s Aunt Gladys. As I take in the news and think about her daughter, dear Andrea and grandchildren, I slowly wander out to the pond. Often my thinking spot, more often my ‘clearing it all out’ spot.
It is beautifully still, the pond, but of course not so. I watch as the bright orange and reds of the fish swiftly dart past. Followed closely by my favourite guy – a mottled pale orange and blackish fellow whose movements are more stealth and seemingly more graceful, difficult to see without really looking. The duckweed has finally cleared, opening the surface of the pond to breathe once again. Most of the tadpoles have now moved out, in a mass exodus of tiny toads off into the wild blue yonders. Yet there are still several tadpoles to be seen, late bloomers perhaps, keeping me connected with their movements.
I walk around to a corner of the yard where I can see us, in the sunshine, just over there – we are sitting with Aunt Gladys in the garden. My children are quite small, not even sure if all four of them are present, or at what stages of life they are in. As the early years of busy young motherhood tend to blur together. I do remember us sitting, (funny how those few times still stand out!) in the garden with Aunt Gladys. Probably her only visit to our home. She was always such a lovely, kind, giving, intelligent woman. Who made a wonderful impression on me with her kind spirit and just how loving she was with my babies, each time she was introduced to yet another. She continued always to keep a connection with us and she instantly occupied a very special sacred space in my heart.
I have been lamenting a bit the passing of seasons. Looking around, of course there is still so much beauty to be found here. Many flowers are still in bloom. Ensuring the steady display of wonder and anticipation of the many birds and bees and butterflies who travel through and continue to bless my sanctuary with their graceful presence. The apple tree now looking particularly abundant practically glows as she knows how much I do admire and appreciate her bountiful offering. Milkweed pods are beginning to swell, working themselves up to bursting time when they are finally ready to fly.
Back in my chair, as I write this a playful breeze makes the Black-eyed Susan beside me bob and sway and gently come to rest on my shoulder. As I turn my face, it delicately brushes my cheek. A tiny black and yellow ladybug lands on the tip of my finger, before spreading it wings and flying off. Instead of sorrowful tears, I am graced with a smile.
I feel blessed to have been here with you Aunt Gladys, in my garden, and today to be visiting here with you again, in some way,
in my garden, in my heart, in sunshine, in beautiful moments and memories and in all the places of our lives, you will remain, with Love and Gratitude. ♥