Judy Price is Writing

Yesterday marked the 13th month without my mother.

I decided to spend the day hiking in the woods, even though the humidex registered 100 degrees F with possible thunderstorms in the forecast.

A small group of us made for an enjoyable outing in spite of mosquitoes and deerflies. 

It was good for me to be with others on this day. 

The 8 mile trek seemed like what would be 12 in cooler temperatures, and the thunder, though close, only sent a warm rain, not lightning, at the end of the trail.

Afterward, washing away what the heavens did not felt soothing.

There were no tears to mix with raindrops and showerspray this day as in past months.

The prior week had used all of my soul’s anguish, and even now as I recall those feelings my eyes brim.

They do not overflow, which tells me healing is replacing grief one day at a time.

As if on cue, my Mom’s Christmas cactus sitting on her desk is blooming, signalling renewal even as fall approaches.

As I have been in a natural setting for the past week, it seems appropriate that the first post on my return would refer to this respite. 

A good friend has a family cottage there, which she has been frequenting since she was a child, and now I have gratefully been included in this experience.

It was not only a cooler locale than the city, but also more heavenly, with the moon and stars shining bigger and brighter than ever!

This particular lake is healthy, as evidenced by minnows swimming at my feet, aquatic plants hosting ‘mating wheels’ of electric blue damselflies, and a variety of ducks and loons swimming and diving around me.

Being immersed in nature, my spirit felt free as I connected with everything.

Simply a magical experience!

Back in the city on a rainy day, which more easily elicits a rather melancholy and nostalgic mood, I am finding the real possibility that I am experiencing withdrawal.

Here I am without the delicious desserts my friend prepared and we both enjoyed, the daily afternoon margaritas or more likely bottle of wine that we shared, the companionship of being with a friend, and most of all nature.

It’s clear to me that I must decide where to relocate so that I will never need to experience withdrawal from nature again.

Minnows swimming at my feet

'Electric blue' Northern Bluet Damselfly mating wheel

 

To my American friends in the USA, here in Canada, and abroad, I wish you all a very Happy Independence Day.

The red, white and blue with stars and stripes is flying high and waving proudly, as you embody and demonstrate what patriotic pride means.

As a child, born and raised into my teen-hood in a ‘border’ city, I was influenced and awed by the patriotism shown my American neighbours, and still am.

Your firework displays always outshone ours.   

I recall sitting on the Canadian side of the Detroit river bank on the fourth of July, enjoying the view as you magically lit the night sky spectacularly, and I thank you!

I could not let this day go by without acknowledging my birth country’s one hundred and forty third birthday!

Very young indeed.

One year ago this morning was the last time my mother called to wish me a Happy Canada Day.

This was the day before she began having a series of strokes which took her life after nearly two weeks of fighting their effects.

She was a very proud Canadian who took every opportunity to show it.

This one’s for you Mom.  Happy Canada Day!