While I was having coffee with a friend today our conversation turned to family lines and children and I realized that I am the end of the line in my family.
Our family has been in our small town since they arrived from Scotland in the late 1820's, and now it is done. Even though we have dispersed throughout the country, our small town will always be considered 'home'. We may live elsewhere, but our hearts will always be down east. I have always referred to it as 'home' and when speaking with people it confuses them, so I have taken to calling where I live now...'home' and down east 'home-home'. It seems odd to think of it being owned by strangers.
I can't imagine them walking down the paths that we have walked and them not knowing our family history or the trials and tribulations we have been through. It almost seems sacrilegious.
I guess I still have time to find someone who will cherish the land as we have, but they will never really 'know' it. We take things for granted in life, and never really appreciate them until they are gone...or almost gone. I never thought about this before, but here I am faced with another end.
Five generations of my family have lived in this picture perfect, serene corner of the world. It resembles Scotland with its cliffs, sea and rugged terrain. The people who live here must be tough and self-sufficient. It isn't a land for wimps and whiners...they can stick to the city. The winters are long and harsh, but oh when the spring finally arrives, what a feast for the eyes. Well worth the long wait. There is beauty in winter, with the contrast of the white snow against the indigo of the sea or the moonlit nights with the shimmering snow and the reflection on the dark waters. There is beauty in all seasons when your heart is in a place.
The sea is a backdrop, but still an integral part of our lives. We are always aware of its existence, but like most things we take it for granted. It has just been within the last several years that I have become aware of how it makes me feel. It is like a drug, and every once in a while I need a 'fix'. It is calming, and soothing. Its rhythmic motion can calm the most unnerved feelings, just like a gentle lullaby. The smell of the fresh air tainted with salt makes you breathe deeply to cleanse your soul, and it does cleanse.
How does one explain these things to strangers? I guess they will learn to appreciate it as we do, and they too will call it home.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment