Winter's Solace

Sunlight streams

Leaf peeping

Orange tints

Bare boughs, bald moments

The sap of life

Remembered beginnings

Opened secrets

A mystery wrapped in an enigma

Winter’s solace

Kind peace in solstice’s afterglow

Liberty in eternal beauty

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Written by Brenda L. McCartney

A Celebration of Life

My paternal grandmother always reminded me that I was a special child which means highly favored. The word special has varied meaning to me over the years; in the Bahamas when certain friends and family call me special it means silly. No I am not eccentric.

During Easter I stayed in a certain couple’s home,  there was serenity in the atmosphere of their home. Shortly afterward I felt compelled to contact the couple, I spoke to them on several occasions thereafter but never physically met them. Sadly the husband passed away and the funeral service was held on my birthday, a few days ago. Yes, on my birthday. My friends and family members were very vocal on whether or not I should attend a funeral on my birthday given their view that he was not family.

To me this was my family as he represented so many things. Father Thaddeus Pratt dedicated his life to the honor and glory of God and has been a loving father and husband. He was married for fifty one years which is a glorious example of love and devotion. I am sure that is something we wish to emulate; Mrs Florence Pratt  and I are in the same sister-hood. It was a sensible thing to do as it was a celebration of an extraordinary person’s life and co-incidentally mine.

There was a certain joy at his home going celebration. It reminded me of a feel for luxury; in terms of life’s accomplishments, achievements. It was a time to reflect, it gave me a challenge to carry on, it was a wake up call to do better and it reminded me to live life to the fullest and make the most of opportunities and time.  I am no stranger to funerals  after all, as my great grandfather died the day I was born, hence the reason why my grandmother calls me special.

This week marked another year of celebration. Are you taking note of the various accomplishments of your life? Are you truly grateful for even the minor endeavors of others?

September 11

This moment, this day, eight years on the date September 11, 2001 still has resonance today in 2009. Listening and watching the events replay the memories still remain vivid.

As we remember those who died that day let us console ourselves with thinking; good-byes and hellos are a part of the same cycle. Let us be thankful for our lives and those moments that have made us stronger and give us lessons that we need to learn.