Amongst all the big, unanswerable questions of life and death and God; amidst the tears and fears and sorrow...
...despite the ever-present grief, once again I must learn to spread my wings.
A new chapter and a new journey await. So I gather my courage - along with my treasured memories - and slowly venture forth...
No matter the challenges or obstacles, I must navigate this new, bewildering territory. Perhaps I'll have to create my own map. It seems the trick is to keep moving forward.
Truly I am blessed to have a wonderful family and so many good friends. Thank you for your thoughtful and comforting messages, cards, phone calls, flowers and visits. Thank you for keeping the light burning through even the darkest days and nights. Merci bien!
Tara, I am so sorry for your loss. Only the strongest could withstand what you have, and with such astounding grace. I salute you, my friend, and wish you all the best as you start your journey into the future. It will be brilliant- that much I know. Love, Ann
Posted by: Ann Ipsen | 26 April 2015 at 14:36
My heart goes out to you dear Tara. All the very best for you journey ahead. xxx
Posted by: Kay | 13 April 2015 at 12:16
Just a line to let you know I am thinking of you.
Posted by: Jacky Petrie | 12 April 2015 at 15:01
Tara, you are a shining light, and you are a much trusted friend and reporter. I wish I could have been present more for you. So glad you are well loved and much thought of.
I am going to send my phone number by email and you may text, facetime, or all at any time.
Chris
Posted by: Chris | 11 April 2015 at 01:30
Tara, I think of you often. You are an amazing, strong woman and I've no doubt that you will spread your wings and take flight--into a new chapter in your life. You will carry the memory of your beloved with you always. Wishing you all the very best as you navigate this new road. You have a world of friends, both those you've met in person and those who know you through your writing, who will support you as we can.
Blessings to you!
Raquel
Posted by: Raquel | 05 April 2015 at 02:50
My heart went out to you when I heard of the passing of your dearest love. This is a very hard grief to bear, but bear it we do and somehow we find we do live with it. It never leaves. But for me it settled into a small warm place in my heart that is always comforting. May it also for you.
Posted by: Maryellen Bess | 04 April 2015 at 18:50
"Swan...
The power of woman
Entering Sacred Space
Touching future,
Yet to come,
Bringing eternal grace."
from the Medicine Cards book, by Jamie Sams and David Carson
Dear Tara, the moment I saw your post with the beautiful swan photos, I felt compelled to get the book off the shelf to share that poem with you. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you with healing, peace and joy as you find your way into the future. Sending much love and many hugs to you, my sweet friend~xo
Posted by: Terri | 01 April 2015 at 06:27
What a gorgeous set of shots. I love the way you've taken advantage of the lighting.
That out-of-focus swan swimming away behind the crisp sharp twigs made me cry.
Sending hugs.
Posted by: Vicki in Michigan | 31 March 2015 at 15:23
Oh Tara <3 I'm sorry that I didn't get a chance to send my love and condolences in your last post. (I'm in Thailand at the moment, but sometimes it feels like I could be on another planet.)
Sending lots and lots of love your way,
Janine.
Posted by: Janine | 31 March 2015 at 15:12
I am so sorry that I missed your previous post. Sending you much love. There really are no words...but know that you have many who care.
Posted by: Helen | 31 March 2015 at 12:54
A heartbreak isn't loud.
It's as quiet as a feather falling
and the most painful thing there is,
nobody hears it but you..
When it hurts too much inside your heart,
it always has a way of showing,
no matter how many masks you wear..
Author of this unknown to me
May healing thoughts and prayers and God's blessings be with you always.
Posted by: Jeanne | 31 March 2015 at 10:59
So happy to see you here. Somedays I can imagine it is like walking through mud, but somehow we survive and move forward. Take care that we are cheering you on and I just know you still
have special times ahead in a different way. Sending love!
Posted by: Marilyn | 31 March 2015 at 01:54
I send you my love and prayers that in finding the joy in everyday, you will find your strength, too.
I truly can't imagine what you have been through, and wish you all the best,
Carole
Posted by: Carole Mayne | 30 March 2015 at 18:48
my heart to your heart...smooches
Posted by: Leau | 30 March 2015 at 16:06
Dearest Tara,
You have not been far from my heart. Your strengths will keep you moving forward while your friends have your back.
xoxo,
Mary H.
Posted by: Mary H. | 30 March 2015 at 16:05
You have rarely been far from my thoughts, Tara. I know you can feel the love encircling you. One day at a time, they say. Indeed, it's the only way.
In that remarkable light your swan looks like a graceful angel. May you, too, find the lift of the angel wings to help you day by day.
Big hugs,
jeanie
Posted by: jeanie | 30 March 2015 at 15:29
Bonjour tristesse sounds so much prettier than "Shove off, sadness!" which is how I phrased my blog post about moving through grief. But you were always more eloquent than me. Sending lots of love to you. Love the photos.
Posted by: Maureen | 29 March 2015 at 20:52
My love and prayers continue sweet frien
Love Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | 29 March 2015 at 18:18