Tuesday, June 13, 2017

THE FINAL ACT

On Tuesday, June 6th, a friend took me to Trillium Lake up at Mt. Hood to spread the last of my husbands ashes.  This had been taking me a long time, a little over 4 years, to do this. Maybe it was too hard to face the finality of it.  Clay had wanted his ashes spread in many places and most had been done with the help of family and friends. He loved nature and camping and wanted to be a part of it all.  The last act was to go to Trillium Lake a this is a spot where we used to go and fish, hike and camp.  It is a beautiful place with a wonderful view of Mt. Hood.
I had written a poem for the occasion and took a small wedding photo of us to leave there.  
The night before I could hardly sleep and at one point almost cancelled.
Lots of memories passed through my mind as we drove along.
I remembered times watching Clay ski there. I was his cheer leader as not brave enough to try it myself. I remembered the camping trips. I remembered the squirrels and birds and trees. I remembered fishing and catching crawdads. So many smiling memories.
Once there my friend and I walked around a bit, seeking a quiet spot to do the final good bye. 
After a while we located one spot and I prepared myself.
My friend said and prayer and then I poured out the ashes, watching them blend and float into the lake. I hesitantly read my poem, tears stinging my eyes. The I placed the photo in a tree and wept.
After we walked back to the car, my friend took me up to Mt. Hood to Timberline Lodge and I relished its beauty and majesty. 
I viewed this one craggy part of a tree and it made me think of Clay, standing and enjoying the wonderfully peaceful scene.
The day was beautiful and my friend was so kind to take me and make the ending be more cheerful.
I realized that it was not really saying good bye as I still have wonderful memories to hold in my heart.


11 comments:

  1. May God be with you as you go through this time of physically and emotionally giving Clay his final resting place of such beauty and meaning. You have so many precious memories of him. I am praying for you during this sad, but loving, time. Lynnette

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  2. So Glad you made the trip and everything went OK. You seemed so much lighter when we talked, like a load was finally lifted off of you. Yes it was time to start looking forward and find new joys in your life while you are still young. Time waits for no one. God loves you and wants only the very best for you. Love Mom h

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  3. Thinking of you, Rose. A sad but beautiful tribute to your beloved husband. Alice

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  4. Thank you for sharing this lovely experience. Wishing you the very best. Love, BJ

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  5. Hi Rose, such a special part of life and you faced it with such grace and courage. The area you spread the ashes is simply gorgeous and a beautiful place to be for a finality. I'm glad all went well. Blessings to you as you keep all your beautiful memories close in heart!!

    Thank you for stopping by. You asked about my art signature on finished works. Yes, I sign everything, either on the front with full first name or initials and also if the front is not appropriate like for a sign etc, then I sign the backside.

    Have a great week! Hugs

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  6. Dear friend. Such a tender good bye in a beautiful place. May you continue on this next part of your journey surrounded by all who know you. 🌹

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  7. Such a loving tribute to your dear one, Rose, and such a beautiful place filled with precious memories. So glad that you have such a kind friend to help with this last request and support you as you move forward. Sending hugs and blessings your way. xx Karen

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  8. Rose, I wanted to thank you for sharing such a vulnerable , touching moment of placing Clay's ashes. It was beautiful. Barb F.

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  9. Rose--beautiful photos and story. You have been through so much in the last few years, and yet, you keep showing us your gorgeous view of the world through your camera. I love all of the last few posts (finally catching up). --TRISTA

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  10. What a beautiful place for his ashes.

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  11. I'm very late to read this moving post, it's a beautiful thing to respect our love ones' wishes.

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