Reflecting On Loss

Reflecting On Those Who Have Past Away

01/17/2020

My mother was looking through the local obituaries and brought a person to my attention that we may have known from years ago.  Then when I went to take a look I found another person listed in the obituaries that was an important part of my life.  I wouldn't have even known of her passing otherwise.   I'm glad that the information of her passing made its way to me.

My friend Irma Rockwell passed away on January 9th 2020.  I didn't see her obituary until yesterday 7 days later.  I wasn't able to attend the funeral.  I did remember what she had said to me in the past.  She spoke about celebrating life and a way to deal with the loss.   She spoke of releasing balloons in honor of someone that has past away.   As I reflected back about our time spent together.   I remembered what she had said.  So, in her honor I did a balloon release yesterday.  I bought five multi-colored balloons.  One was yellow.   I remember seeing her one day with these bright yellow socks on.  She noticed me noticing her bright yellow socks.  She laughed and said she liked wearing bright yellow socks because the color was a positive/uplifting color.  It was something she like to do it made herself feel better. 

 I reflected about her life, accomplishments and our friendship.   She was a wonderful person her accomplishments was many.  Her accomplishments spoke to her character and the way she lived her life.  She was much more than her work and that often times was over looked by myself.   Our work often times defines a part of our life.  But, we all have many parts of life not just work.  Some times work or titles can take away from our more personal human identity.   

What I think about is how she brought things to my life that before I over looked.   But, through my life journey in reflection I have realized many times how she has been with me in many ways.  Through advise, a smile, a story or a memory.   All of which I have carried with me in thought many times during my life even when she wasn't near me or we where apart on our individual life journeys.

It's people like this that has a positive affect on our lives that makes life worth while.

So, I released the balloons to say farewell to my friend and watched as they soared high above and then disappeared out of sight.  No longer to be seen.  She has gone on a new journey now.  I realize that she will always be apart of my life journey regardless or her location, distance or in her passing.

When I was driving back home from the top of TVA South Holston Dam after releasing the balloons I thought about celebrating life.  Then I looked to my right and seen a beautiful eagle soaring and then landing in a tree.  If anyone was ever an eagle in this life she was.  Always, striving to be successful as she soared and journeyed through her life.  Wings spread wide waiting for the next jet stream or wind to lift her up again so she could continue her journey.  She always says everything changes and nothing ever stays the same.  This to will change she would say.  Another thing I remember is that the best way to get other people to change is to change yourself.  I must say I have had small successes with this and that I haven't practice that enough.  That's something I always need to remember. 

The eagle to me was also making me think that new life is being made every day.  Not far from the one I seen was its mate.  Soon, will be a nest and new life. Life continues with parts of those from the past living in each one of us.

Riding around listening to some classic gospel music in my reflection not only about the life of my friend but religion and the promises made to all of us.  That lives in all of us through the words of the bible.

Posting some pictures of the balloons and nature to remind us to celebrate life, remember our lives impact those we leave behind and the next generations to come.

Life Is A Journey!  Keep Soaring