February 9, 2013

Focusing on Life ~ Feel the Love

I had an entirely different post planned for this week's assignment, but something more relevant occurred to preempt that plan.

Driving to a friend's house yesterday evening the sky was lit up with the most brilliantly glowing double rainbow.  It stretched all the way across the sky, visible in its entirety.  I pulled over to gawk at it.  To take its picture.  To revel in the glory of the Original Artist.  To simply wonder.



I am an asker of the question why?, a trait that stems from wanting to understand;  People, events, phenomenon.  Y'all know by now that I am a believer that everything happens for a reason.   While I'll never expect to have my question answered often, the time I spend in raw reflection leads me to a truer version of myself.

I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something inordinately special about that double rainbow, beyond its visible beauty.  I drove to my friend's house, snatched open the door, and made her and the kids come outside to see it.

We oooh'ed and aaah'ed and then went on about our business.  

A short while later as I was just about to get back to some torch work, I received the phone call that my uncle had lost his battle with Cancer.  My heart broke for my cousins.  Having lost their mother in 2001 they became orphans last night...and having that happen, at any age, is beyond my comprehension.

I have a large southern family.  I grew up with traditions, with all of us coming together to celebrate whatever needed celebrating.  I grew up in a house of love so strong that as I type this I'm crying...not because I am sad but because I feel so overwhelmingly blessed that my heart is overflowing.

I could not ask for any better people to call family.  Better doesn't exist.

Yesterday we lost one of us to Heaven, and God sent a rainbow to carry him home.

That, my friends, is love.






 


14 comments:

  1. Beautiful and inspiring. I am so sorry for your loss but it warms my heart to hear you talk about the love of your family and your collective celebration of life.

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  2. Juls I am so sorry for the loss of your uncle and I am sending hugs your way. That rainbow is perfect way to take him home.

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  3. I'm sorry about the loss of your uncle. A difficult time for all those who loved him. The rainbow is a beautiful reminder.

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  4. Your positive outlook on life is your strength and a measure of the love you share with your family. Beautiful post. Sorry for your loss.

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  5. I'm so sorry, Juls. <3 <3 <3 I'm so glad, too - because that is one special rainbow.

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  6. So sorry for your loss. Your family will come together in love and I am sure that you will be celebrating your uncle's life soon. I agree, the rainbow is a magnificent gift!

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  7. I love the photo, and that you got a shot of it. I've pulled over to the side of the road more than once to capture a rainbow. And I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds love in what to some is a sad subject. Much love to you, and I hope you know that.

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  8. Juls - I'm so sorry for your loss but know your uncle is in a better place (and you all will be back together eventually). You have a way of putting words together that just speaks to me - thank you.

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  9. Oh, Juli. I'm so sorry for you and your awesome mom and your whole family. I have a dear friend who has been a friend for 50 years and 5 months who is in hospice right now. Cancer, also. Cancer sucks! I've lost too many people to that damned disease. I love that you saw the rainbow first and that you pulled over to get a good view and a picture. I'd have done the same thing. Wish I'd know you were going thru this. I'd have chatted with you on WWF while I was up half the night, too. Love you, my friend. Sending you lots of hugs!

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  10. Your photo and story about the rainbow is amazing. And I am sorry for your loss and am thankful you have a loving family during this time

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  11. I too believe that everything happens for a reason and often we can't make sense of the why. Your double rainbow picture is spectacular! So sorry for your loss and your family's strength and love will be needed at this time as you celebrate his life.

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  12. I'm sorry for your loss, Juls. May love and faith comfort you in the days ahead. Your uncle's rainbow is a beautiful one!

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  13. Juls. Hugs from Virginia...I'm not a southern girl, but I try my best! :)

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  14. Juli, I am sorry to hear of your Uncle's passing. Your interpretation of the rainbow is absolutely beautiful way to reconcile the loss. I completely believe in such signs.

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