Funeral flowers..........{part 1}

Greetings Dear Reader,

My absence was purposeful, and filled with much-needed stillness. I thought of you often and desired to write but had no words. I sat before these keys like a pianist with no song. The power of a word can change a life and I desire to only write things when it flows like a river filled with sweet honey and rapids. For most of 2025, there was a different river flowing, one of countless tears, grief, tragedy, death, and heartache. The only way I am able to write today is because I can see a beautiful ocean opening up to those stuck in this mucky river. I felt this past week a word of hope: "To the ones who have stayed steadfast and persevered. When it would have been easier just to give up, throw in the towel, or just stay down. You stood and kept pushing! The end of this year has a blessing in store for you! For the heart that held on!" Before we get there let's get real also. The blessing is sweeter when you know the struggle that it took to get you there.

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Funeral Flowers.......

The stem felt cold between my fingers, the usual perfume now bitter. The rose felt like the weight on my chest; I was more than happy to lay it down. Even though flowers were her favorite thing, now I was more than happy to not hold them. The sudden flood that washes over with the knowledge of what it costs to die. It's not the casket, final outfit, grave site, or flowers. It's the cost of the moments, the experiences, and opportunities. The price tag is not the $100 bouquet; it's that one phone call, a text message, or one more smile.

An odd phenomenon takes place when pleasant and sweet things turn bitter. Bittersweet paves the road for all; we must cross it's bridges and pay it's tolls, that is the cost of loving. I have heard the saying "To love is to know great pain." It is so easy to forget the things you love about someone until they are no longer there to love on. Love is meant to experience all things, which is why it endures. From the butterflies to burial.

Who can describe love and the magnetic flow of its powerful waves? How dare any of us try to pin down what love even is or can be. The impossible fate of trying to make our simplistic minds grasp and understand the world's greatest force. Oh, to ride the waves of love and not take for granted this great blessing.

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I will need to write a part two; this is proving to be more difficult than I expected. However, I do plan to get on schedule again and look forward to meeting you here. Until next time.

Sincerely

Elysa