Wednesday found me at one of my favorite places in the world, Mount Cheaha. The view from Bald Rock was breathtaking on this cloudless day.
I needed this, needed to be here in this place, where I feel at peace, to sit, enjoy the view and think. I sat on the huge rock that hangs on the side of the mountain, inhaling the fresh air. A crisp breeze stirred the trees and carassed my cheek, as soft and gentle as a lovers touch.
All kinds of people shuffled down the boardwalk, mostly in pairs, sometimes in groups. 1 couple especially caught my eye as they strolled casually down the boardwalk, arms linked together, her hand on his, chatting away. I guessed perhaps they were in their mid to late 70's. Every once in a while he would say something and she would toss back her head in laughter like a school girl.
They passed me sitting on a bench, both acknowledging me with a nod.
"Beautiful day", he said and I nodded my head in agreement.
I watched as they stood together hand in hand at the end of the boardwalk. Every now and again he would lean down and kiss her on the cheek.
I didn't mean to stare, but I couldn't take my eyes off of them.
"Excuse me, young lady.....?"
I looked around for a young lady.
"I'm talking to you." He said with a twinkle in his eye.
"Oh, sorry, it's been a long time since anyone has referred to me as young lady", I said.
"Compared to us, you are young." She said.
"Would you mind, snapping our picture?" He asked.
"Not at all." I said walking closer.
He produced a camera, told me where to look and what to press.
Placing a protective arm around her, they both beamed as a stranger took their photograph.
In a way, I felt like an intruder, imposing on an intimate moment.There was an aura of beauty and love around them that can only come from a lifetime of loving one another.
How wonderful, after 60 years together, to hold hands, smile, laugh and look at one another like newlyweds.
"Are you here alone?" Elizabeth asked me.
I nodded my head yes, but the truth is, I never feel alone here. So many warm and cherished memories of very special people dwell here. They find me on this mountain, surrounding me like a warm coat on a cold winter's day.
I returned to my bench as they continued to enjoy the view, before joining me to "rest a spell", before walking back. Even while sitting,they held hands.
Their names, Elizabeth and Frank, they were here celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. Last year at this time, Elizabeth was in the hospital, having been diagnosed with breast cancer. Frank never left her side.
I could see the fear of losing her, to be left, to travel through this world alone, without her in his eyes as she spoke of her bout with cancer. I knew the look very well, as I had observed it in my Daddy's eyes,everyday for 6 years.
"This is my Sweetheart", Frank said proudly, while Elizabeth blushed.
I could tell Frank was a rascal when he said their grandson had teased them about going on a second honeymoon, to which he replied:
"Second honeymoon my foot! The first one never ended."
I watched as Elizabeth and Frank walked back down the boardwalk, arms linked once more. And for some reason the song, "I'll Be Seeing You", starting echoing in my mind.
"I'll find you in the morning sun, and when my life is through....I'll be looking at the moon, but, I'll be seeing, you."
Later Ya'll...^Belle^
A restless and urgent wind is blowing through my life. Blowing so hard, at times I can hardly stand. Oh well, I know the cure for what ails me....a trip "down by the river side".
