Chris Margocs’ inspirational prompt for this Spiritual Thursday is to write about (or is the word ‘towards’?) those who have passed and left something behind in our hearts.
Oh my, this writing prompt could not be more appropriate for this day.
You see - my father, a Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy, died two years ago, at the end of the first summer of this pandemic. Today, October 6, 2022, he is being interred at Arlington Cemetery, in Washington, D.C., in a joint ceremony, with my mother alongside him; my mother preceded him in death some four years ago.
Our family has waited a long time for this precious day.
This passage of time makes it easier to talk and share about them. Time has healing powers through its ability to vary the lens on the past, to let one reflect in different ways and to be surprised by memories in unexpected moments. I marvel at how grief and time have combined to make memories of events for which I was not present, causing me to think deeply about my parents’ childhoods, their marriage, on and on. It is truly a blessing to have so many memories – the gift of time.
As my family and I prepared for this special day – this celebration of my parents’ lives – I kept coming back to this one photo, a photo taken on their wedding day, in June, 1954. They were married at the Naval Academy, right after Dad graduated. Let me share the photo here –
My parents were married 64 years before Mom passed. This photo from their wedding day simply makes me smile. It is a treasure to have. Today, at the funeral reception, I am going to celebrate my parents with a short poem about this photo. Let me share it with you here, now.
Just look at this photo - the twinkle in their eyes the happy clench of their hands the gentle lean of their heads captivating looks captured for the ages this is love at the launch when fair winds beckon before two souls set for sea no storms in sight what if this very moment of buoyancy is what holds all the power and force to maneuver through rough waters ahead a love anchor stored on the underside of marriage’s hull at the ready throughout what if this is our finding this is the knowledge gained from their sea trial? the wonder of meeting one another’s eyes holding the gaze and smiling such a simple joy to return to again and again and again whether spoken unspoken love heals love hopes love holds love always always love the whole of time just look at this photo . . .
Each month, a different host selects the instigation.
Maureen, I am back from exercise class ready to look at your beautiful photo of a very happy couple once again. Your poem is one for all attendees to cherish. it captures the spirit of love with a naval theme. I think it is such a magnificent tribute to your parents who celebrated an enormous amount of time together. May their memories flood your heart with deep-seated love. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Thank you, Carol! My poem was well-received at the reception. You noticed all the naval references, lol. It was a joy to write – and I continue to break out in a smile at their photo.
Maureen, I really love the idea of buoyancy. Even when things get rough love stays afloat. This is a lovely tribute to your parents and the life they shared. Thoughts are with you and your family today.
I love that – “when things get rough, love stays afloat.” Yes, this was my thinking – why not love? Life is so much sweeter when we lead with love. Thank you!
Oh, Maureen, this is so glorious on so many levels – the photo, the memorial, the honoring of love, life, service, coinciding with your father’s interment at Arlington. Looking at the photo, the absolute joy, the love and commitment are palpable – I am reminded yet again that love lives on; it does not die. It holds us for all time, yes. What a beautiful poem and post – I come away buoyed, indeed! Thank you for this amazing offering.
Thank you, Fran! Yes, my parents met in the eighth grade – which is just unbelievable to me, that they spent their whole lives in each other’s orbit, always and forever. I love your reminder – “love lives on; it does not die.”
This is such a beautiful tribute to lives well loved, Maureen. And what a gift, really, to revisit their legacy with eyes clearer than they may have been two, six years ago, tinged with grieving tears then. Military couples are special, though I may be biased as my own parents weathered marriage and the Army. Thank you for sharing this intimate portrait and poem for our monthly gathering.
Thank you, Chris! I was blown away by my day’s plans and how they coupled with your instigation for our writing on this first Thursday of the month. I simply had to share the poem with y’all. I do love how I continue to “revisit their legacy,” and that my eyes seem to see things a little differently over time.
[…] On buoyancy […]