I got this from another group, and thought I would share,
Riding The Waves
I feel as if I have been body surfing in the ocean,
cruising at the top of the wave, enjoying the ride--then suddenly, being body-slammed into the sand.
Unable to move, the waves rush over me, pounding and
crashing onto me.
Occasionally the tide recedes, and I lay breathless
on the wet, sandy shore.
I cannot move. I wiggle my toes, squint, open my eyes,
and see the rest of the shoreline. While my view is obscured by my tears, the salty sea, my straggly hair, and my prone position,
there is some daylight. Just as I prepare to roll over, and maybe get to my knees, the waves of grief lap at my toes and suddenly
crash upon me once more. Unable to withstand the power of the waves, I fall to the beach once again.
Finally, the tide recedes again, but I still cannot
move. I am bone tired from my past efforts. I am aware of noise around me. I can hear the chirping birds, and feel the warm
sun. The laughter of children beckons me to once again open my eyes. Helping hands are touching me, encouraging me to rise
up.
Gently hands soothe me with their light touch. Warm
hugs embrace me. It feels good, for a while . . . until the voices drift on down shore, leaving me alone with the setting
sun.
I marvel at the beauty and thank God for His presence.
It becomes dark again.
The wind blows in, bringing dark clouds and a chill
to the air. I shiver, and the sense of calm and peace is not so reassuring. The tide is at my ankles, and my toes sink into
the sand. I can do this. I can stand up against this set of waves--maybe. Or, maybe it's easier to lie down and let them roll
over me.
Better yet, I wade out further, a little deeper, challenging
the waves of grief. And then? surprise? I lie down and float. The waves roll under me, crashing harmlessly on the shore. As
I float, I look up at the rising moon.
The waves lull me to sleep in the moonlight. Maybe,
just maybe, I will rest well.
Maybe, I can ride these waves. Maybe a new, sunny day
is coming.
--Ramona Lyddon, Chester, CA
