Here is Bowie at the edge of the Mississippi. This was his great grandparents' front yard. His grandpa grew up in the house that was built by hand and bit by bit when cash was available. His papa spent every summer here. Great grandpa Duard's ashed were spilled into this river at this spot 8 years ago. Although great grandma Betty moved out of the house afterward, we all assembled there again so that her ashes could mingle with her husband's in the river that they both loved so much. I read Margaret Wise Brown's The Dead Bird to Bowie a couple of times during this trip and he was definitely working through what it meant to be dead, what it meant to miss someone. Although he only met her a few times, he said that he loved her and that she loved him. After the service he took the microphone from the pulpit and said over and over again (volume off) that he loved her and was sad she was dead. Then he sang Iron Maiden's Number of the Beast (HA!)
One day at home to unpack and pack again before heading out for a chilly Thanksgiving. The past 9 years we have camped all but 2. This year we didn't think we could swing the preparation needed (not to mention find all the necessary equipment in our many unopened boxes from the move.) So we were so lucky to be invited to spend the holiday at a wilderness education ranch Chris' mom's school has. My folks came out and we had 400 acres to ourselves (cows, horses and dogs shared it with us.) It was wonderful. A huge lodge, big kitchen, fireplaces all ever the place, ping pong table, games,...and all the grandparents together! We had so many amazing meals (my inlaws love to cook.) We hiked everyday. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. No presents, no commercialism, just family and good food and, for us, always the presence of nature.
The first night we got back we drove by our former house to see it has already been reduced to a massive pile of rubble. It was late at night and we could hardly see so I thought maybe Bowie didn't know where we were or what we were seeing but he did. He said, "Our house was cut down." He was not upset at all. I, on the other hand, felt in shock for a few hours. But to all things there is a season. A time to end and to begin.
4 comments:
It's good to have you back, Autumn. I'm sorry to hear about Chris's grandma. It sounds like in the midst of the loss you have all been feeling close and enjoying being together, though. Hugs, friend.
Great to see you posting autumn,i always love to read about your families adventures. I was so sad to read about Chris' grandma butwhat a wonderful thing to be able to scatter her ashes in the mississippi. Im glad that you had a good thanksgiving,camping sounds wonderful an that cabin sure does look cosy. We dont celebrate thanksgiving here in the uk so sadly the only real time family get together like that is at christmas which is all abit too commercialised really,its still great to see the family though! Looks like Bowie's hair is growing..i wonder,will it end up long again in the future.
Take care,look forward to reading more soon
Elle x
life is transition. i love your photography depicting it in so many details.
oh Autumn.. such poignancy for me in your post...loss of a loved one and also of a family home. I felt it all. Yet the air of optimism prevails. And your photos say it all as always. Nice to see you posting. I miss you !
xxx
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