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Monday, June 22, 2015

Comfort in my Heart




If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know that my oldest sister passed away three weeks ago.  Without going into a lot of detail, I’ll share that services are delayed until all of our family can be together in August.  We did plan a gathering in her honor for those who are around for this past weekend, but before that, there was this void. In my experience, funerals help those who are left behind get on with their mourning.  But in our case, we were all with her the day she died, and then we scattered.  As a result, before this weekend, I struggled to find some kind of acceptance.

This sister, lover of everything ocean, surf and sand, was a collector of beach stones, especially those shaped like hearts.  She had boxes of rocks all over her house, and she kept a plate of her favorite heart stones on a hutch in her kitchen.  Knowing how much they meant to her, I can't tell you how honored I felt when she gave me a special one a few months ago. I wrote about that here.  Keep that in mind, as I tell you this.

Every Father’s day weekend, our town hosts an art festival on our common.  The local art center displays juried and members' artwork in a huge tent, and the rest of the common is lined with artisans and crafters selling their creations. Friday, I was feeling a little blue but I decided to go to the festival anyway.  As I drove down to the common, a thought popped into my head.  If I see anything related to heart stones down there, I’ll know Susan is with me.

I parked far away, had a long walk to the festival, spent time viewing the artwork as well as the craft displays, then got distracted when I realized I’d arrived at exactly the right time to witness an award ceremony for the juried artists.  My friend's sister had been awarded Best in Show, so I stayed to congratulate her, having forgotten about the thought floating through my brain on the way to the festival. On my way back to my car, I realized I’d missed a row of displays and returned  to see them.

I smile every time I look at this picture I took at the very last booth.







17 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

And you almost missed it...
Prayers that helped you find closure and your heart begins the healing process.

Joanne said...

that gave me chills. Been thinking about you.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

Seeing that photo/display made me smile for you. You were mean to see it that day. Take care....

mshatch said...

I can't imagine losing any of my siblings even though I know it will happen. People say that's the worst thing about getting older: losing the people around you. My heart goes out to you, Liza.

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

Hugs

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

A heart beats on in many ways. How wonderful that you went back to see the display.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

As someone who has four sisters that I love dearly, you really choked me up with your story. What an amazing sign you must have experienced when you saw all those heart stones.

Susan Says

Bish Denham said...

That was not a coincidence. That was your sister, saving the best for last.

glnroz said...

:) :)

Chrys Fey said...

That is amazing! I take it as a sign that your sister was telling you she loves you. <3

Robin said...

I love this.

Susan is DEFINITELY with you!

Connie said...

Oh my goodness. So amazing!

Pixel Peeper said...

My guess is your sister is smiling, too!

Julie Flanders said...

I'm so sorry to read about your sister. I can't begin to imagine losing one of mine and my heart breaks for you. This post gave me chills and I agree with others that the display was not a coincidence. Simply beautiful.

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your sister, but what a wonderfully healing moment it must have been to find those heart stones at the festival. She's looking out for you. :)

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

That's an amazing story, Liza, and most definitely a sign of the power of love.

Anne Gallagher said...

You left me with tears in my eyes. Beautiful stones, beautiful story, beautiful sister.