When a Pebble Became a Mountain

Every movement that strives to reach a sense of action begins with an idea. The notion of taking a concept, whether full of grandeur or simplicity, and propelling it forward requires the involvement of people. Individuals, who see the power of something brilliant and want to be a part of it.

What started out as a mark of respect for my daughter, became weaved into a tapestry of colourful tales, I shared with others. Shayla’s rock hounding adventures were told and re-told. At grocery store line-ups, while at the bank and at our local mall; I breathed life into the cause.  Even on the airplanes that took me to destinations of mending the fracture in my heart- I felt compelled to speak of her pebbles. 

As it was in the bitter cold of winter when I began The Heart Pebble Movement, there were those who were eager for spring thaw. Both family and friends wanted to pay tribute to Shayla.  It was a way of release for many; while others saw it as her care-free spirit, moving onward.

I remember the first photographs of people who had braved the wintry landscape. They had placed vibrant pebbles amongst the purity of infinite snowflakes clustered together, on the hardened ground. It took my breath away. These were not people I knew, yet their devotion to my creation, was an awakening to my soul. Since then I have come to value the replication of The Heart Pebble Movement as two fold. The initial viewing of a pebble being placed and captured in a snapshot adds to the peak of grace I clutch on to. Next, the story behind the location, what type of pebble it was and what it meant for the individual(s) is like a whisper of kindness, making its way back to me.

One morning, I awoke with a heavy heart, as I did most days-realizing my precious babygirl was no longer here. I went to my computer and upon glancing at a picture; the liquid grief found its way into the crevices of my weary soul.  The snapshot was from a girl who knew Shayla through University. This girl was now travelling around the world and paid homage to my daughter with a breathtaking display of elements. Using seashells and pebbles, a creation emerged of a large S with RIP above it. Nearby, were the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean, which swirled around the outline of mountains in the Philippines.  This commanding image had me spellbound, for the date of the picture was February 24, 2012, what would have been Shayla’s 22^nd Birthday. Making this vision more enthralling is where I was at the moment I viewed the photograph…alone, in a hotel room, in Maui.

That is another story to be told in time. For now, I want to encourage others who want to be part of this journey and help me in the continual building of a mountain made of pebbles, to get the word out.  Share with your contacts, Church members, tell a neighbour or invite your teacher to include The Heart Pebble Movement as a class project. Whether your participation is solely for my daughter Shayla or incorporates a loved one, family member or friend who has passed away, I support your own pebble journey.  It is my hope that you will share with me the passage it takes you on.

I can be reached at: power2b@shaw.ca

“I know not how I may seem to others, but to myself I am but a small child wandering upon the vast shores of knowledge, every now and then finding a small bright pebble to content myself with” ~Plato