For the final almost 30 years of my working life I worked in the steel business.
In the last 24 years I spent a fair amount of that time with one particular employee whom I got to know quite well.
I was around when his Dad passed.
Mum was still with us for a number of years after Dad left this planet.
I will always remember Mum’s many words of wisdom which she shared.
When she new the end was near she remained positive and practical reminding us often
”That we all have our “Bag of Rocks” to carry on this Life Journey”.
Somehow that phrase stays with me.
Cancer finally took Mum from us.
In the Spring of 2012 we walked the Camino and I was literally carrying a “Bag of Rocks” to place at the Cruz de Ferro……….
Rho’s blog of July 9th truly hit home “Worn Fences and Sunsets” I reflect on those written words as I was present, especially over the last 6 months, watching both Joan’s Mum and Dad enter the final phase of their Life Journey.
Mum and Dad were both born in 1928.
First met when they were 15.
Married at 21.
Married for over 71 years.
Mum passed in March this year and Dad in May………….
What a privilege to have known both of them for over 30 years………
“Bag of Rocks” Loves.
William C.C.B.C.
Dear William,
I am refraining from reading the posts you guys send to me before posting, as I love this novelty and surprise that comes with each thing you write. Yours touched me deeply too. I guess I am more sensitive than usual these days, but your comment of the “privilege for knowing them for over 30 years” is indeed that: a privilege. And at the same time, isn’t it surprising that the things we lose become rocks that we carry too?
Touching! Big hugs,
Cris
Hello Cris.
I consider this whole Life journey as a privilege. Not always smooth and easy but still a privilege.
May you continue to find the strength necessary to carry your “Bag of Rocks.”
Rock On.
William.
I celebrate what I call ‘connectedness,’ and here is a good example. Last night, hours before reading this post from William, as we ate dinner at our kitchen table (an image of home life, for sure), I asked Ann if she missed her parents. Both of us have seen the passing of both parents and I often hear people our age talk about missing their parents but Ann and I haven’t talked much about that.
I won’t share her personal response, but for me, I am not so much missing them as grateful for them. All the things I got from their DNA haven’t been expressed in my life, but some have. For example, both of my parents suffered from chronic diseases that I don’t manifest at all. Those rocks missed the bag.
But the life-learning things they instilled in me are precious. They did love, and I somehow got that message. They worked and played with all kinds of people and didn’t display discrimination, I got that rock. Each of these life lessons rocks is in my bag and I’m grateful to be able to carry it along the path of life. There are a lot more rocks, humor for example, that aren’t so heavy to carry.
So like William, I do recognise gratefully that I have been blessed with wonderful seeds and careful watering from my parents and I have to add that my kids, and now grandkids, continue to contribute to my life-learning bag-o-rocks as we’d say in New Jersey.
Thank you William for storing these thoughts and to all for reading this. We hope to see you at Oasis!
Love from Spain where life is good and rocks are abundant,
Ronaldo
Hello Ron and Ann.
Thank You for this very touching writing.
When we look in the rear view mirror of Life we see all that has been given to us especially from our Parents.
They have physically left this Planet however they will always be embedded in our HEARTS.
Will email you soon with pictures.
Walking On.
William C.C.B.C.
Dear William:
I am such a sap! I love “Love Stories”. especially enduring ones like your parents. Keep sharing and here’s to all the bags of rocks we are all burden with!
Camino Loves,
Carol Sorvig, AKA “The Handler”
Thank You Carol AKA “The Handler”.
May your “Bag of Rocks” never be too heavy.
Onwards.
William. C.C.B.C.