The beautiful sunflowers have gone to seed. Their velvety yellow petals have curled tightly to the center and the grainy brown centers have dropped their seeds to the earth. They stand majestic, yet bare, waving in the wind.My sister-in-law lost her father this morning. Though he was in a retirement home, he had not been ill and had moved to Seattle to be closer to his two daughters and their families. He passed in his sleep, quietly, peacefully; his season on this earth at its end.
As I drove around our section this evening, having alone time to think, I looked at the remnants of the sunflowers and was sad to see them go. But right around the corner I noticed the newly planted wheat fields. Kermit-green sprouts were just beginning to shoot up, and they danced and swayed in the autumn sunshine. Last summer these same fields were reaped as harvested wheat came to full circle and ended its season. Now, new life unfolds. It will lie in wait while the winter winds brush across the prairie; sleeping through dark and snow until the springtime sun embraces it once again.
Ecclesiastes says, "To everything there is a season under the heavens". And though the circle never changes and the seasons come to us all, tonight my heart is heavy for my sister-in-law who has - for this season - lost her father. May the promise of a new life for him sustain her through a time when her own feels shadowed in sorrow and may tomorrow bring new light and hope for the seasons ahead.
4 comments:
The cycle of life... bittersweet, isn't it? Prayers for your sister-and-law and family. What a gorgeous sky! My grandfather, who passed away a little over a year ago, was a photographer. Your site reminds me of him in a way.
Hi Lori,
These very thoughts have brought me great comfort in the loss of one of my best friends this past May. Though our loved ones pass on to a more joyous place, free from pain and constrictions of an aging or ill body, letting go is difficult. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers while you adjust to the loss. *Hugs*
I'm sorry for the loss and the pain that your family is experiencing.
Two little girls from our community were killed last week in a tragic 4-wheeler accident. I keep imagining what their families are going through. While we carry out our normal functions, they are planning funerals and making arrangements. How they must long for their normal routines. Sad.
Your sister in law is very fortunate to have you in her life, I think... you strike me as someone who is nothing but the essence of comfort at all times - especially in a time of need and sadness. Beautiful post Lori... truly.
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