This touches me deeply. We lived in Europe for several years. Our daughter was born there, and our once-a-year visits to the US ended every time in an emotional goodbye much like you describe.
And I spend my time at the beach shell-hunting just as you do. I love your using the shells to lead you to where your heart really is.
Elizabeth, this is ❤❤❤. This morning on my way to work I saw a plant filled with heart leaves and took a pic. I can't figure out how include a photo in my comment. But I love the thought connection.
Five days in silent retreat. I know that will be profound. I hope you will share with me what you can about the experience at some point. Thank you, Stewart.
My favorite heart in nature is visible on my daily commute to work (surely one of the best moments of the drive). It is a mistletoe near the top a tree . Heart shaped , it is a green Valentine for all to enjoy who cares to see 😍😍
You are correct Betsy... We humans are fascinated with hearts... Judi and I do a lot of walking on trails through the woods... And usually one of us can be heard with a higher pitched voice, saying, "here's one.. look at this!"... Ours are usually stump formations or knots on a tree.. Of course we're always excited to see the heart shape trillium leaves as they follow us down the trail... They do remind us of our love for one another and others.... In this hard cold world where our images are stagnated and distorted... I thank God for little symbols to remind me of a big emotion.... It's a perfect time isn't it ...for this time of year when we think of a love filled cradle.. And Betsy, we consider you part of our family and hope you consider us as part of your family so we share a love that's real....
I have a collection of small heart shaped rocks from various shores on my kitchen window which are the daily reminder of those I love near and far. I too, have a child who lives far,far away. I am so thankful for FaceTime and cell phones . My mother once told me she missed us the most in the days after a visit. I understand this now...
Oh - gosh, yes! FaceTime is a game changer for long-distance connections. There is so much our mothers understand that we don't fully grasp until later. Thank you so much for reading and sharing, Susan.
Brings back treasured memories. Thanks,
Tom
Memories of shell collecting, or heart-finding -- or both? :) Thanks, Tom (and Linda)
Beautiful story. Beautiful heart.
<3 Appreciate that, Suzanne.
This touches me deeply. We lived in Europe for several years. Our daughter was born there, and our once-a-year visits to the US ended every time in an emotional goodbye much like you describe.
And I spend my time at the beach shell-hunting just as you do. I love your using the shells to lead you to where your heart really is.
Goodbyes are always tender. I'm grateful for FaceTime! Thanks for reading and commenting, Darrell.
Elizabeth, this is ❤❤❤. This morning on my way to work I saw a plant filled with heart leaves and took a pic. I can't figure out how include a photo in my comment. But I love the thought connection.
"A plant filled with heart leaves..." I'm so curious! Let me know if you identify it at some point. Also, hurrah Isaiah!! :) Thanks, Courtney.
What a beautiful and satisfying essay, Elizabeth. I’m en route to a five day silent retreat. I’ll carry this with me. Thanks.
Five days in silent retreat. I know that will be profound. I hope you will share with me what you can about the experience at some point. Thank you, Stewart.
LOVE your heart.
Likewise!! <3
Love this!
Thank you, Jacque! Grateful for that.
My favorite heart in nature is visible on my daily commute to work (surely one of the best moments of the drive). It is a mistletoe near the top a tree . Heart shaped , it is a green Valentine for all to enjoy who cares to see 😍😍
Oh, mistletoe! I remember how tickled I was when I figured out what that was some years ago. Thanks for sharing that, Melody.
You are correct Betsy... We humans are fascinated with hearts... Judi and I do a lot of walking on trails through the woods... And usually one of us can be heard with a higher pitched voice, saying, "here's one.. look at this!"... Ours are usually stump formations or knots on a tree.. Of course we're always excited to see the heart shape trillium leaves as they follow us down the trail... They do remind us of our love for one another and others.... In this hard cold world where our images are stagnated and distorted... I thank God for little symbols to remind me of a big emotion.... It's a perfect time isn't it ...for this time of year when we think of a love filled cradle.. And Betsy, we consider you part of our family and hope you consider us as part of your family so we share a love that's real....
The big, beautiful family that connects me to special people all over the world. Yes!! Thank you, Barry. Our hearts will always be intertwined.
beautiful and prompted a healing cry into my coffee this morning. thank you for sharing your words.
Hugs, Roe. Big bear-type ones. <3
I have a collection of small heart shaped rocks from various shores on my kitchen window which are the daily reminder of those I love near and far. I too, have a child who lives far,far away. I am so thankful for FaceTime and cell phones . My mother once told me she missed us the most in the days after a visit. I understand this now...
Oh - gosh, yes! FaceTime is a game changer for long-distance connections. There is so much our mothers understand that we don't fully grasp until later. Thank you so much for reading and sharing, Susan.