It occurred to me this morning that this is my last "wake-up" in Marysvale. With the love I have developed for this little town and the people in it, I was almost afraid to think that thought. I want to think happy thoughts now. And so I am doing just that.
A couple of weeks ago, I had gone to my friend Pam's house to borrow who-knows-what; she'd give me the shirt off her back, but I don't remember now why I went.
As I was standing at the front door, I listened to the creek bubbling past her house. I love the natural water feature that flows just to the side of her home, and asked if I could come back to take pictures. She invited me to come in to see the view from her screened-in porch.
It had been a busy day, deep-cleaning the house I've called home for these last four years. My thoughts were jumbled as I considered all I needed to do to get ready to move, and all I was leaving behind: the beautiful home, the panoramic views of the Tushar Mountains, the creek, the woods, my canyon...my friends.
When I stepped into the porch area, the sound of rushing water met my ears. I walked over to the screen, peering through the mesh, and was immediately overcome with emotion. I couldn't help it. When I knew I couldn't stop the current flow of tears, I turned to Pam, and apologized.
"I'm just going to miss all of this. All of you."
Marysvale is full of good people. My friends would do anything to help, no matter who you are or where you're from. I have come to love this eclectic group of people. If I have learned anything here it is that the more involved you become, the more you love where you live. My friends have encouraged me to get out more, and it has been such a great experience...the book club, the Ladies' Luncheon, the camera club, the church dinners.
When I went back later that day to take pictures, I detected movement behind me as I was walking by the creek. It was Grandma the Deer! There were four deer on Pam's deck, and the younger deer scattered as soon as they saw me, but Grandma made her way slowly down the hill to where I stood. I had to back up to get pictures of her with my telephoto lens. The last time I'd seen her, I had fed her tortilla shells. I didn't have any food for her this time, and I felt bad. I'm sure she was hoping for another snack.
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| Grandma came to visit at my friend Gayle's house one night while we were enjoying a dinner party. |
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| Grandma's ears set her apart from the herd. |
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| How can I help but smile at this sweet, little doe? |
Thankfully, I am not moving that far away. It's only 25 miles up the canyon. I will be back to see my friends, and they know they are always welcome in my home. The lessons I've learned about friendship are ones I will take with me when I leave. As I start this new chapter of my life, I feel so blessed to have so many sweet memories of Marysvale, and know that new friends are waiting for me just up the road from here. So long, Marysvale. You've been so good to me.
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| Goodbye, Grandma! |
Wonderful farewell. So glad gramma came to see you off.
ReplyDeleteYour words, reflecting your heart, are strong and positive even if tinged with a little sadness at this time of transition. My heart goes out to you, Denise. And I am right behind you if all goes well we will be leaving my home of 22 years at the end of June. Not sure where we will go next. Traveling for a bit before finding some little town where we, like you, will say: "the more involved you become, the more you love where you live." Thank you for your encouragement even as your words encourage your own heart. God's blessings upon this next chapter in your life...xxoo
ReplyDeleteSheila at Longings End
Forgot to mention that I loved the deer story and photos especially since we have a small herd of six visiting our backyard in the evenings and we are feeding them apple chunks. And the baby, that my husband named Calf, looks like a little cow with white mottling. And is so sweet as she "gallops" towards our deck to get the apple chunks tossed. :) Blessings!
ReplyDeleteLife changes are hard and you've handled several in this short time we've been acquainted. But you handle them with grace and humor and I admire you so much, Denise! Enjoy creating your next beautiful chapter--you've got this!!
ReplyDeleteDenise, you've made me fall in love with Marysville with your lovely blog posts full of pictures and affection for your town. Marysville sounds like the kind of place we'd all like to call home one day. Love your pictures of Grandma. I know how hard it can be to leave a place you love and hopefully, life will give you enough chances to visit from time to time. Well written piece as usual.
ReplyDeleteLovely, bittersweet story. I look forward to reading about your adventures in your new (old) town.
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