It seemed simple, with all its good intent. And so it was. But it wasn't. It was 12 days of tumult- reawakened pain, regrief, and no relief. I am reminded that the road less traveled leads to the places that astonish- like the journey to Havasupai, treacherous but well worth any peril.
I have, indeed, been astonished during this journey, like a little child discovering colored flowers from his dreams. Astonished by the intensity of grief that sits dormant just below the surface of my skin, waiting to be scraped or bumped. Astonished by the love that has deepened with the suffering. Astonished by the kindness of others, like staffs along a cliffside, safely guiding the path. Astonished by my children who share both the joy and sadness in each moment.
One day, when my work here is done, I will be buried with her ashes that are now safely placed in her butsudan, where I'll light Nagchampa each night and think of her. And we'll never have to be apart again.
All my paths have led to this day, and now she is home for good. Nathan, thank you. Thank you.
She's come home. She's come home.
Polly Come Home
Robert Plant and Alison Kraus
If the wild bird could speak
She'd tell the places you have been
She's been in my dreams
And she knows all
The ways of the wind
Polly come home again
Spread your wings to the wind
I felt much of the pain
As it begins
Dreams cover much time
Still they leave blind
The will to begin
I searched for you there
And now look for you from within
Polly come home again
Spread your wings to the wind
I felt much of the pain
As it begins...
