On the morning of the first anniversary of my dad’s death, I stood at the kitchen window of my parents’ house that overlooks the marsh. I took a picture of the view just as I had done a year ago.
I scrolled through my phone to find last year’s photo. In a magical thinking sort of way, I was hoping to spot a difference between the before and after images that would reveal some profundity.
As my eyes moved between the pictures, I awakened again to the power of nature’s cycles. The inward, restorative season is never more apparent than in the middle of a Maine winter and yet I know with certainty that spring will return.
My mother and I had a quiet day together to honor my dad. We sat by the fire and talked, made homemade black beans and rice, took a freezing walk on the beach, completed my mom’s application for her first ever passport, and both came down with the flu.
Life goes on and in that simple truth lies both pain and rebirth.
January 14, 2017
January 14, 2018
Days in the Fifties 
yes, life does go on, but it is a bit more bittersweet with the loss of someone you loved. honoring him in a quiet way seems like a very nice approach.
Thank you. A quiet day was not the original plan but it worked out perfectly. It was healing to be with my mom.
Beautiful.
Thanks. I’m back in Austin and headed to dance competition this afternoon with my daughter. Life goes on. I hope you are feeling better.
I am. Thank you.
🙂
Perfection!!! You nailed the space of grief, of anniversaries, of life itself, moving ever onward, while we are more than that movement. Thank you for sharing your most private, intimate moments like this. And yes, life does go on. It will circle, will spiral, will fold in on itself, but will go on. Much love to you, kathy
On Fri, Jan 19, 2018 at 2:17 PM, Days in the Fifties wrote:
> Daysinthefifties posted: ” On the morning of the first anniversary of my > dad’s death, I stood at the kitchen window of my parents’ house that > overlooks the marsh. I took a picture of the view just as I had done a year > ago. I scrolled through my phone to find last year’s photo. I” >
Thanks Kathy!
I lost both of my parents before I turned 50, and yes, life does go on. Once in a while, I imagine signs of them, although I know it’s slightly crazy. Grief is hard and can last. Thank you for being a great writer and good friend!
Thank you Lauren!
Thanks for your post, Elizabeth, which are always thought provoking. I hope all signs of the flu have passed for you and your mother. We had a great visit with Matthew, Leo and Eli while waiting for a table at Taitaya (sp). Take care. Kay >
Thanks Kay. The nose is up for me but my mom is still grounded. The flu hit her much harder. Matthew mentioned that he saw you. I’m jealous – I haven’t seen you this year yet. Hope our paths cross soon.