Blessings and farewells

keep the light shining

Photo courtesy of Upsplash

I’m writing today to the song “Blessings” by Hollow Coves. I will share the link and lyrics below.

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I often think that my readers might just need what I need. I typically take that leap of faith and offer it. Today is no exception. I’m swapping my Monday short form for Friday’s long form. I’ll provide something lighter on Friday.

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Tonight (Sunday), as I write my Monday morning cup of thoughts, I’m emotional, not even cognizant yet of where these tears are coming from. I’ve been experiencing them all day. Perhaps it’s the stormy weather, which I love; I’m sure it influences my psyche. But I think it’s more than that.

I sit at my desk, looking out the window at the light fading quickly, showcasing a beautiful dormant oak beyond our property. 

Sunlight fell and reminded me that life can be so gracious sometimes

And I felt like everything around me was connected somehow

As I work through the feeling on my keyboard, I settle into the reason for my tears. Our neighbors, Barbara and David, are moving. Nine years ago, Barb and David were the first people to arrive on our doorstep, greeting us with a bottle of wine and baked goods. 

And they say, hold on to the ones you love
Keep 'em close to you
And they say, hold on to this time we have
And let the light shine through

Over the last nine years, we have become serious card-playing buddies, sharing dinners and cooling off happy hours in their pool when temperatures made life uncomfortable. We’ve greeted several New Years together and been welcomed at Thanksgiving dinners.

As they slowly disassemble their home, we ramp up the number of dinner/card nights, understanding that our days together on Blue Mountain Court are numbered. Last night, we enjoyed oysters on the half shell, and I beat David at cards for the first time ever. He shook his head, mumbling. On all levels, it’s so hard to embrace change.

There are blessings all around you
Open up your eyes
Feel the sunlight fall upon you
Let it free your mind
There are blessings all around you
Take a step outside
Let your heart shine in a new light
See it come alive

I learned the lessons of change years ago when my beloved Julie moved away, the most important of which was that life will move on and perhaps even become sweeter. The process will require faith, tears, and effort to keep the connection.

And they say, hold on to the ones you love
Keep 'em close to you

We’ll be holding Barb and Dave close at heart through the miles and look forward to connecting in a new landscape.

Blessings by Hollow Coves

Sunlight fell and reminded me that life can be so gracious sometimes
And I felt like everything around me was connected somehow
Mm

At night I hear the rhythm of the ocean as it breaks on the shore
And I think about all the things that I am grateful for

And they say, hold on to the ones you love
Keep 'em close to you
And they say, hold on to this time we have
And let the light shine through

Sometimes I get a little bit emotional when I see love unfold
Two hearts bound by reflections of the memories they'll forever hold

And they say, hold on to the ones you love
Keep 'em close to you
And they say, hold on to this time we have
And let the light shine through

There are blessings all around you
Open up your eyes
Feel the sunlight fall upon you
Let it free your mind
There are blessings all around you
Take a step outside
Let your heart shine in a new light
See it come alive

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