{photo by Jeff, taken a few weeks ago}
Yesterday was a rough day for us.
We had car problems (again) among other discouragements. No need to go into detail, but I really just felt like crying the whole day. I felt pummeled. Some unconscious remarks at a time when I felt so down, made me extra sensitive to others’ misunderstandings of me, even when I knew deep down that it didn’t really matter.
It was just one of those days, you know?
We did manage to get our booth set up and make it home safely (thank goodness.)
Coming home to a warm, cozy house helped. As did calling my mom and hearing her encouraging words, along with a nourishing meal. Before long, we were feeling lighter (thanks to Bracken for inspiring some much-needed laughter.)
Then Jeff went on the front porch to get more firewood to throw on the woodstove and as he bent over to pick some up, a tiny bird (that’s been living there) landed on the back of his neck and started singing to him. It was a magical moment to lift our Spirits. (That’s not the first bird that has fallen in love with him. Once a hummingbird was stuck on that same porch. Jeff held out his hand and it landed on his finger, then he gently brought it outside and it flew away. After that, whenever he was out in the garden, that hummingbird followed him all over the place and constantly popped by to visit.)
.
.
My mom told me that the last words my grandpa spoke before he passed away, were:
“Blue Skies Ahead.”
Whenever my mom and grandma say that now, it brings them a feeling of peace.
We are all here to learn. Challenges bring a lot of lessons and growth, but some days they just feel so heavy. On the days when I’ve needed a little extra light to carry me through, I’ve embraced that hope-filled phrase as my mantra.
Whenever I start feeling discouraged, I say
‘Blue skies ahead! Blue skies ahead!’
Thanks for that one grandpa, it really helps.
I’m so sorry to hear about this rough day — the part about the unconscious remarks made me really sad because to have people not “see” us, and to judge us, and to make faulty assumptions about us… has got to be one of the most painful feelings there is. When I encounter that, it goes right to my core (even though I wish it wouldn’t), and affects me deeply and it takes me a while to shake it off.
I’m so glad you were able to at least bandage the wounds of the day by going home (in your OWN familiar energetic surroundings where you’re most confident and comfortable), and calling your mom (sometimes we just need our moms, don’t we!). What a magical story about the bird! Maybe it was your grandpa. And I love the “blue skies ahead” saying. Those are good words, I’m going to remember them!
Sending so much love, especially during this challenging period of many lessons!
Lindsey
Taryn, I love this mantra and if you don’t mind, I’m going to use it too – three words that say so much.
Thanks all for your kind words!
oh Taryn! I am really sorry to hear you are having car problems again! I must say you seem pretty amazing at finding some light when things get heavy. Love the story of the little bird.
I love blue skies ahead as last words. Amazing! It truly empowers them further! THe bird singing to Jeff reminded me of this thanksgiving address that I have on my blog right now, you may feel uplifted by it and other of Jon Young and Regenerative Design’s offerings! http://dailydialect.wordpress.com/ Hope today is bluer skies!
Oh your Grandpa’s words are precious – thank you so much for sharing them as I really needed them at this point in time. It’s been such a pleasure reading about your journey. Much love to you.
I’m sorry you had that rough day but your remembrance of our grandfather and his wise words brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing! Love, R
happy thanksgiving taryn and jeff and bracken! blue skies ahead my dear! xoxo