I’m back at home now. I’ve unpacked my luggage from my American trip and been to the store and stocked up on food and wine. I’ve visited my leisure club an hour before closing and sat there in the sauna alone letting the heat hold me still for a few minutes before floating around the deserted pool like a tethered astronaut suspended in space. I’ve had a bowl of pasta drenched in a rich tomato sauce and covered in a blanket of melted cheese, perfect food for thought as I sat on my couch looking out to the leaves that are changing color on the tree outside.
Life’s been moving pretty fast in the last few weeks. I don’t mind the speed life goes most of the time. But every so often I need to throw a line out there and have someone reel me in for just a few moments. It’s important to be able to just sit on the shore sometimes and catch your breath before you dive back into the surf.
Tonight, at 3am I needed to throw a line and have someone at the other end grab it. I’m thankful that I have an army of people around the world I can throw lines to knowing that they’ll catch them and pull me in. Thank you to Susan in Mississippi tonight for being there. She’s a lady that understands loss in more ways than most and more ways than I’m sure she wishes to. But tonight, as England dreamed of somewhere other than tomorrows working day, Susan listened to me and talked in her musical voice that sounds as calming as a mountain stream. She was my port in a storm and as we said goodbye I just found myself wanting to say thank you not only to her, but to the list of people out there whom I have counted on to be a port in a storm, a calm voice when everyone else is screaming.
I’m surrounded by great people who constantly show me that even the longest days can have great sunsets. – Thank you guys!
Wrote the following comment on Oct 9, 2006 at 8:35 pm
I’m glad you have good friends.
Wrote the following comment on Oct 9, 2006 at 8:41 pm
Awwwwww! Simon!!!! I am so glad you called me! I’ve been smiling at the notion of my “musical voice”. Thank you for the image, or should I say “audio”?
I will always care what your are going through; never hesitate to call. You were there for me – we are now sealed by the Katrina Winds who brought people together, forever. Your friend for life – Susan.
Wrote the following comment on Oct 9, 2006 at 8:43 pm
And by the way…someday, when you dive back in to the surf – I want to go with you.
Wrote the following comment on Oct 9, 2006 at 8:48 pm
You’re more than welcome anytime Susan.
Wrote the following comment on Oct 10, 2006 at 12:42 am
I am glad you are home. I have to slow myself down, it seems things get so hectic and I loose sight of where I am going…I have 4 children (all grown) but occasionally they all start having “grown-up” problems at the same time and things can get rather crazy. If they want sympathy, they phone their Dad, if they want straightforward answers…they phone Mom (me). I refuse to make decisions for them, I may tell them what I think (if they ask) but I always let them know that they are the ones to make their decisions for themselves. I enjoyed your post…it was very calming to me for some reason, I need to kick back and relax a bit…life goes on and we have to roll with the waves. That is a beautiful picture of the sunset too!
Wrote the following comment on Oct 10, 2006 at 7:14 am
that was beatiful. i’m sure you are mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually exhausted. it’s crazy important to stop and look at the tree turn, eat a great bowl of pasta and just breathe. how often do we do that?
i hope the breathing helps the process. i’m sure it’s not easy.
Wrote the following comment on Oct 10, 2006 at 9:17 am
Hi Simon, so sorry to hear about Kate’s death. It’s hard to hear such news when you’re out of the country. While I was in Oz my friends niece was killed by a hit and run car. It was horrid that I couldn’t be there for her. I’m praying for you and Pete, that God will somehow help you all at this time. Love you.
Wrote the following comment on Oct 10, 2006 at 9:42 am
that’s great that you have people in your life like that
Wrote the following comment on Oct 10, 2006 at 6:50 pm
you painted a picture of the sweetness of life. it’s good to appreciate our true friends.
Wrote the following comment on Oct 10, 2006 at 9:09 pm
The picture, just in case anyone is interested, was taken by me at New Brighton beach near where I live.
Wrote the following comment on Oct 11, 2006 at 2:24 am
The picture is beautiful…it looks like the sunset here on the Gulf of Mexico, in Texas.