2009/01/03

Stairway to heaven and a celebration of life


I never expected this would be my first post of the year. My uncle passed away on January 1st. Unexpected. Hard to believe.

Today we went to the Cemetery's Crematory to fulfill his wishes. It was such a hot and sunny day. My dear cousins, Victor (25) and Gonzalo (19) were trying not to cry while people crowded around them to give their respects. I could tell they both wanted to get out of there... I wanted to.


We were born into Catholic families, so we first walked into the Chapel. Behind the Altar there was a sculpture. I did some research when I got home and the page I found says it is "an abstract sculpture of an angel". What I saw was totally different.

I saw a giant hummingbird!! The next picture doesn't really show it. You can see the waterfall behind the huge window and then the sculpture. To the right I see the long bill and to the left, a long tail. I think I'm thinking of birds way too much.


At one point, we took a walk while we waited for the process to be completed. What we found helped ease the sorrow.


Nature sorrounding us was perfect to find some peace, and the Amazilia Amazilia dancing around us made us smile for a minute.

I liked the place. Instead of a creepy dark building, it was a green open space. Catholics, as many other beliefs, believe in life after death. This was, I believe, a celebration of life. A reminder that life goes on, and it can be beautiful even in the worst moments.


Rest in peace. Watch over us now.

Descansa en paz.

16 comments:

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

Mel, I'm very sorry for the loss of your uncle. You and your family are in my prayers.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord
and let Your perpetual light shine upon him.


I see a hummingbird too.

Sekhar said...

Sad & unfortunate that you lost your uncle at the start of the year. May his soul rest in peace. And may God give you and your family strength to cope up with the sad demise.

Sekhar said...

By the way Mel, watch out http://walkthewilderness.blogspot.com/
for more birds. Hope you would like. Enjoy :)

Dawn Fine said...

Mel, sorry about the loss of your uncle. I am with you...I would rather be out in nature to celebrate a life that was.
Take care.

Q said...

Dear Mel,
You are in my thoughts. I understand the feelings surrounding loss. You are so right, Nature can be so very healing. I too see a Humminmgbird in the sculpture...and you were graced by one flying about and bringing you a smile. Hummingbirds are joy. You did have a celebration of life.
I love the photo of the staris. It is like life...a stairway we build with love to the heavens and paved with the love of family and friends.
Your uncle is well loved.
We never know when our time here is up.
Celebrate the day.
Sherry

Mel said...

¡Hola amigos!

Thank you all for your kind words, I know you mean them and that's really nice.

Lynne, thank you for your prayers, it means a lot.

Sekhar, thank you with all my heart!

Dawn, it was so nice to be surrounded by beauty in such moment, it is healing.

Sherry, the stairs felt so right in that place, so symbolic and beautiful, the stone, the green, the bees, the flowers, the hummingbirds. You are right, we should celebrate the day.

Thank you all, dear friends, your words really warm the heart.

Besos,

Mel

ivars krafts said...

You have my sympathies; you and your family will be in my prayers. +peace

Bob Kaufman said...

Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with you and your family.

dguzman said...

Aw Mel, I'm sorry to hear about your uncle. My thoughts are with you. It was nice that you were able to find some comfort in the natural beauty around you. What a nice resting place that would be.

Q said...

Hugs,
Sherry

Anonymous said...

First off, condolences for you and your family's loss.

Hummingbird came to mind for us as well, very beautiful church. Thank you for sharing your blog.

Mel said...

Hola a todos,

Ivars, thank you, it means a lot to me.

Bob and Cynthia, thank you for your prayers.

Delia, it is a nice place, good to find a bit of comfort as you said. Nature is healing, at least for me.

Sherry, ¡abrazos para ti también!

Mike and Lizette, thank you. It is a pleasure to have you visiting.

RuthieJ said...

Oh Mel, I'm so sorry to hear about your uncle.

I think the sculpture looks like a hummingbird too. How wonderful that you were able to see a real hummingbird outside and found some solace being out in nature.

Hugs to You,
Ruthie

Stuart Price said...

Sorry to hear about your uncle. Like you say, life goes on.

Love the sculpture though!

Mel said...

Hola amigos,

Ruthie, thank you! They were great to help with the sadness.

Stuart, I love the sculpture too. Life goes on...

CHONA IGNACIO said...

Hello,
I'm Chona, from Philippines.
I like your blog because I am also a naturelover.

View my blog.
http://chona-grammarlessons.blogspot.com