Nothing proclaims "Spring!" to me more than the first sign of pink on a Japanese Cherry Blossom tree. And I was hit with this revelation today on my short jaunt to the post office in Steveston village. I had to stop, dig in my pocket for my BlackBerry, and take a picture of Spring's first whisper to me. And then I continued along my way with mixed emotions for, this Spring, I bore witness to another of Nature's miracles that has changed my life significantly. I watched my mother take her last breath.
They say that death is far less traumatic than birth, and I think I have to agree, now that I have experience with both. In childbirth there is a struggle to physically enter a world; two bodies must contort and conform to allow this passage to happen after hours of contractions and spasms. But when we leave this world it's as simple as the cessation of breathing. One minute the lungs are expanding and accepting air, and the next minute there is simply no need. The body's job is done. The body that bathed me, hugged me, scolded me and then wiped away my tears...that body has done its duty. And now?
As I note the Earth's subtle transformations I get the feeling that my mom is witnessing something far more beautiful and magical. A few nights after she passed, my nostrils were filled with the scent of jasmine - her favourite flower - as I rocked my baby girl to sleep. I think that was her way of sharing with me the beauty and peace that she is now experiencing.
Spring has arrived for us all.
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