Don’t know where I’m going but I’ve been here a while.
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That line came to me as if in a song. Nobody ever accused me
of being musically inclined. Like most of us, I too have music in my soul. Sing
along with me and let’s see where it takes us.
Yesterday, armed with a bundle of flowers, we attended the
burial of our friend Leo’s grandma, who at 96 said she felt so very tired and
went to sleep the long sleep. The ceremony touched me deeply.
I was surprised at the number of folks there whom I’ve met. I
garnered my own bouquet of hugs and tears and waves along with a few of “Wonder
who she is and why is she here?” I forgot to bring a hat, ended up standing in
blazing sun, when one of the aunties scooted over to my side and held her
sunbrella over both our heads.
Every woman in Mexico owns a colorful sunbrella and uses
them. I just wrote “sunbrella” on my shopping list. I never felt the need for
one until now. A hat will do, but what if someone next to me needs shade?
In the rainy season, this colorful device doubles as an
umbrella but I’d rather be wet than scorched.
I’ve been here long enough to attend a burial, two viewings (similar
to a wake), a baptism, and a first communion. That might mean I’m well
entrenched. At least I felt so when the auntie shared her shade without a
qualm.
In my collection of pleasurable connections, add in one zoomer
of a birthday party for my best friend in high school, Charlotte. Her best
friend, Karen, now living in England, was present also, along with Charlotte’s
siblings, children and extended family. We all had two hours of stories,
recollections, memories revived, meeting family we’ve not met. Two hours of
warm fuzzies. I confess that when I said my good-byes, I was crying, tears of
pure joy.
I’d no more than
zoomed out of the birthday party when my email pinged with a most surprising blast
from the past, another thread of connection which I’d thought long cut asunder.
Sandy, a friend from former years, mid-80s through the 90s, found me. We lost
each other years ago when she went on the road with her husband.
Sandy and I had shared many adventures and a few
mis-adventures but the thing I most treasure from her friendship was her
ability to shake me out of taking myself too seriously. What a gift to be
reconnected!
I truly never know where my day will take me. I’m along for
the ride and glad to have a ticket.
Sondra Ashton
HWC: Looking out my back door
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