Since being in Minnesota on Father's Day for a family reunion with my deceased alcoholic father's side of the family, I have been processing thoughts and emotions I had about all of us gathered there that day. It was one of the most powerful and poignant days in my life. We enjoyed many laughs and some unexpected tears. We sat on each others' laps and shared the strongest hugs I have ever had. We checked out similarities and celebrated uniqueness. While some talked about what had happened since the beginning of the weekend when they last saw one another, others caught up on the years that have passed when last in the company of one another. We bridged decades, lifetimes with those we had never met.
I stood on the deck looking out at family in the swimming pool splashing and in the hot tub conversing and laughing, their colorful swimsuits and trunks reflecting in the water like dazzling wavy ribbons in the new summer sun. If only the filter of time might weaken one gene for these and future generations, the dark heavy rope that has dragged a few under and to the bottom, and has challenged some of us to untie its knots from our souls, might begin to fray one year and disintegrate eons later. Until then I will remember each of them shining brightly for one another as I pray not you, not you, not you. . .
MLydiaM ~ July 2011
This magpie is inspired by my recent trip and the top image (of Endeavor, Lino Tagliapietra, Columbus Museum of Art) by Tess Kincaid, who hosts weekly photo writing prompts at Magpie Tales. There are many more magpies to read there.
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