The Next Chapter

“Love is a canvas furnished by Nature and embroidered by Imagination.” ~Voltaire

I stood watching the energy of the ocean glisten with the sun’s emissions of light. I had come with intention- purpose that had taken over three years to culminate.

Reaching into the pocket of my shawl, my fingertips felt the surface and a wave of emotions matched the pounding surf… Let me paint you a picture. 

During the Christmas season, I made plans to ring in 2016 in Sidney- by the sea. I had acquired a ticket to see “The Timebenders” perform at the heart of the Saanich Peninsula community ~ Mary Winspear Centre. The theme was Mardi Gras and I found the perfect mask. 

Earlier on New Year’s Eve before attending the event, I spent some time at SHAW Ocean Discovery Centre. 

I lingered over the aquariums intently- with my eyes scanning all of the sea creatures. My connection to the sea was obvious, to one volunteer member. Tammy watched as I discovered everything that swam, moved or clung to their ocean environment. She came over and struck up a conversation with me. As a volunteer for three years, Tammy could pick out those who were absorbed by what the centre had to offer. 

After inquiring about my visit, I told her about my strong bond with my rainbow child- Shayla- and how the deep waters connect us to one another. She smiled, replying how listening to me, Tammy felt as if she knew who Shayla was. 

 In relaying to her the intent of my travels to the area, I was told about the glints of sea glass along the beach, uniting me further with the ocean.

In researching the ‘glass beach’ in Sidney, I found a story about a fire that happened long ago at a hotel, just behind the beach. All the stain glass windows blew out and were carried out by the ocean; overtime the colorful glass was polished by the sea and sand, finding its way to being discovered back upon the shoreline. I liked this legendary tale as it creates vivid imagery.

I also cherished the time spent talking with Tammy, who had sought me out on a day, that held monumental purpose for me. 

On my way out, I glanced into an open aquarium and noticed two starfish nestled up against one another. Taking a closer look, I saw one of the starfish was missing an arm. It struck me with profound sense of relation…how I felt like I had lost a body part- a piece of me when Shayla passed away. Yet, as time carried on, much like the starfish, I have regenerated new growth. I will not be the same as I once was- as now I am different- but I have been restored.

As I let the winter sun cast warmth upon the neckline of my shawl, my footsteps took me to a man named Bob. He had been capturing nature’s magnificence, through a camera lens. I spoke briefly with him, unaware our paths would cross later. 

I let my hand settle into my pocket again- thinking of the journey of what  inspired me to write this movement…

When I feel like no one understands, or like I'm not being heard when I try to speak, I just write-because my paper and pen understands me- Latesha

Since my hotel where I was staying at was right near the ocean, I checked in to Sidney Waterfront Inn & Suites. 

From the moment I encountered Julia, I knew my choice of accommodations was perfectly suited. In the time I spent there, I found refuge in those who listened to a mother…letting go.

As I went to my room, I saw behind reception, a whiteboard with a quote- as if written solely for my presence. 

Upon entering my suite, I found a full kitchen unit, an electric wood-stove and the softest hotel towels, my hands have ever touched! As my gaze was upon the artwork above my bed, I sat down and reflected what it meant to me. Two ships on the open waters, sailing in different directions.

It settled within me- how I had encountered the greatest love of my life- in a man I saw as my soul mate.

Over the past year, leading me to this point, I accepted the fate of how 24 months would have made all the difference to us. In granting forgiveness to him, I let all of the hurts laid upon me dissipate. In its place, the beats of drums carry us back to our greatest road trip together… to  visit the ‘three sisters- Sitka trees.’ 

Knowing there would always be questions where no answers would ever be found, I needed to place my mind elsewhere. Looking back on the photographs I had captured to this point, allowed me to move forward.

Grounding me to my thoughts was how I had begun this day; paying respects to someone I consider family. In wanting to remember I was not alone in my journey of grief, I went to visit Lindsay’s grave. My soul sister Judy did not know of my plans. I placed a special blue and white Hawaiian flower clip that I had worn on many travels to the Islands. I attached it to the blue rose I had laid on a previous visit. 

For me, to come and see Lindsay’s grave site, is to acknowledge how two fragile mothers came together in 2014- on Christmas Day; embracing a friendship created in the heavens.

Back at my suite, I collected my Starbucks gift card sent to me from my treasured friend, Michelle. 

Happy New Year Michelle- Cheers!

 As I walked past a fashion store, a mannequin display with a unique paper and feathers dress caught my eye, that my daughter would have adored!

Shayla was passionate about clothes, in addition to the latest designs-she left behind many eclectic sketches of things to wear. I have a drawing of a dress in one of her books. I would love for someone to fuse together the butterfly material I was gifted in Armstrong and Shayla’s imagery. Wearing a dress she created would be like receiving a hug from above. 

I was reminded how I have upon my skin, a tattoo of another one of her sketches. Once back at my suite, I looked at it when I was getting ready for my New Year’s night. As my fingertip went over the symbolism of my tattoo, I focussed on everything it encompassed-one word stood out that I had not delved into. L O V E

My focus has been on self-discovery and healing thru my writing. Previous in my life, I had been bathed in blue- a storyteller with an afterglow of sorrow.

“Even tales of loss and hardship give us Courage and open up the doors of Love”- The Book of Negroes

In keeping my mind wide open to all possibilities- I came to understand the unfinished story of my life never would find healing- if not pursued. Love is something I believe will find me… if it is left alone, it will be discovered at a time least expected. When it is rooted, much like the acceptance Shayla found in me, that one person will hold close the obscurity of who I am and never be disloyal to it. 

One thing I do miss is being able to trust in Shayla with all of my fears.

I loved her not for the way she danced with my angels but for the way the sound of her name could silence my demons ~ C.P.

As I prepared for the evening, I wanted some music to keep me company. Turning on the T.V. the start of Adele’s “Hello” blasted into my room. Now, I must confess how I would rather be covered in peanut butter, rolled in sparkles and put on display in city centre- than listen to this song again! Brilliant as the Adele 25 CD is, the overplaying of “Hello,” has it locked into the core of my memory. When Miss Piggy and Kermit have covered your song- it’s time to move on to your next No. #1 hit. 

Instead, I shut the television off and turned on the radio. Within minutes, I was overcome with emotion. The lyrics to “What’s Going On” by 4 Non Blondes brought me to one year ago, at the previous New Year’s celebration- where it had been performed by the band. This song was a favourite of Shayla and mine as we cranked it up in my old beater of a vehicle; we hit the road like Thelma and Louise, but with a different purpose. 

Music was a staple in our world- as the very breathe we took; it matched the flow of the soundtrack of our lives. When I could not express my grief, I let the songs of others resonate the brokenness I felt inside. Over the course of The Heart Pebble Movement, I created many videos that were a reflection of the pain I have endured. 

Shayla liked to listen to rap music and it took me years to connect with her taste of this genre. Recently, when I heard the songs that make up the video I did- I had stayed up till 2 am, working on it. My daughter loved the compilation of mash-ups…taking a variety of songs and putting them together. The special video created by myself has three songs that I know Shayla would have enjoyed. The tribute marks my healing journey and is peppered with symbolism.

The opening of the video is where my daughter’s ashes were scattered on the Island of Maui. In the Pinnacle Vodka snapshot, we were in an ice bar in Florida, on our Disneyworld vacation. Another part displays the green bird from Cirque Du Soleil’s La Nouba. I remembered watching this self-conscious character on stage in downtown Disneyworld and how much I could relate. She escapes the cage she has been bound in and is anxious to fly. Yet the green bird can't fly away and join the circus, because she is too awkward. She remains trapped in the urban world like a marionette with tangled strings. This sums up how I felt trapped in the concrete jungle for many years- desperate to escape- but not knowing how, until I found the strength needed to do so. There is also a glimpse of the Piper key I own, which is connected to my first novel, “Under the Sitka Tree.” While this video is coupled with my daughter, it is also a montage of moments in my life that echo who I am and how far I have come in my bereavement journey. I have called it, “Our Last Ride,” as I have reached a new stage of my grief- “ACCEPTANCE.” 

While I may dream of what Paradise is like, I am no longer wishing I was in the passenger seat, listening to the Red Hot Chili Pepper’s ‘other side’ when she entered the reservoir. I do not dwell on Shayla’s suffering on the day she perished, rather I focus on the Salvation she now has in Heaven. 

Back at the hotel, I was putting on the finishing touches…

My sequined silver and black top came with embroidered words that suit me well:

“Perfectly Imperfect.”

Likewise, the ring I had bought represented the different directions my life has taken. One part, reaches back across the universe, indicating what is left behind; the other extends forward, to the unfolding of my life, in phenomenal ways. To honour The Heart Pebble Movement, each glitter stone signifies a pebble let go into this world- in remembrance of my daughter. Though there have been many more, it is symbolic of what the cause has meant to me. 

Before leaving, to attend the New Year’s Eve celebration, I thought of my Memory Jar. I had made it on the last session of our bereavement support group, GriefShare. Tucked inside the decorated glass container, are scrolls of paper with words I have written, sharing precious memories of Shayla. Whenever, I am missing my babygirl, I pull out a memory and read it to make my heart smile again.

Even when the darkest thoughts try to overwhelm me, I have to set them across the table and recognize the impact they had- in order to receive closure. Now in its place, there remains an empty chair, where I am free and a memory jar full of joy… is by my side. 

Once at the event, I sat with two other couples who welcomed me at their table. We were entertained by the fabulous “Timebenders,” who performed in costume to decades of songs from the 50’s thru to the 90’s. The energy of this five piece band, lit the place up with the beats of Michael Jackson, crooning of Stevie Wonder and flamboyance of Lady Gaga.

With every costume change, there were bursts of laughter- especially when the male lead singer appeared in a blond wig, pale dress and white go-go boots, to belt out a melody of ABBA tunes. 

Throughout the evening, I met a variety of people. 

One lady, Thea, danced to Footloose with me. Margaret, who works at the Mary Winspear Centre, made me feel welcome. Right before midnight, I realized no one was at my table. A couple came and poured champagne and I assumed they were going back onto the dance floor. I watched as husband and wife came over to my side, to stand right next to me. When I told her I thought I would ring in the New Year alone, she smiled, gave me a squeeze and said, “You’re not alone anymore!” I was thrilled that strangers would be so gracious to me. 

That night, I toasted the past and those who are a part of it, instilling in me- life’s lessons. It was followed by a toast for my future- one where I am pursuing my gifts as a writer and plans to thrive, within my own words that remind me "He was there all the time..."

After midnight, The Timebenders continued to perform. When they sang the last song, I realized it was in the realm of Shayla that this was a night to remember. As they belted out “Life is a Highway,” I felt goose bumps, as my daughter and I use to play it on every road trip we had taken together. I held close the profound moment- as I thought of everything which binds us to God- uniting me in His love and an abundance of memories. 

Getting into my vehicle, I turned on the radio to hear “Oceans” by Hillsong United- one of my favourite Christian artists. Much like the sea needs Oxygen, I need our Lord and Saviour to sustain me. 

Once back at the hotel, I met up with Bob again, who had his professional camera and tripod equipment. He was going out on the pier to capture the galaxy of stars. I hurriedly went to my room, changed and joined him outside, under a planetary night sky. We talked about our lives and I spoke of Shayla. Grabbing from my jacket pocket, a container of bubbles, I told him how I always loved to blow the soap suds. As he checked on his camera, I proceeded to release bubbles into the wintry darkness. I stayed there chatting with Bob until 2 am. I felt so alive, under the half moon cast upon the darkened waters, on the first day of 2016! 

Look at the stars, look how they shine for you…and all the things you do…Yeah, they were all yellow ~ COLDPLAY 

Once back at the hotel-inside my room, I sat on the bed and thought about what had taken place the day before, signifying an end to my lamenting and to The Heart Pebble Movement.

After three years of writing stories…opening the grief of my heart and spilling it out onto the viral pages of the internet, the devotion of this cause is complete for me. 

Let me finish the picture…

On the day of New Year’s Eve, I stood on a pier. Placing my hand into my pocket, I pulled from within, the polished stone that was with Shayla when she died. She had been gifted the Rose Quartz heart in White Rock, by a woman who told my daughter she had a vibrant, colourful aura. After Shayla passed, I went thru her purse- which had been with her at the bottom of the reservoir. Zipped inside a pocket was the pink heart that when you looked at it towards the light, it now appeared to contain frozen shards. 

The Rose Quartz meaning is to help someone through an emotional trauma of loss. It was part of the inspiration for this movement. My former boyfriend Paul also played a significant role in, The Heart Pebble Movement, as he was the first to release a stone in Shayla’s memory. All of these things had served their purpose and I no longer felt I had to cling to something that was bound for release itself. Looking outward, I saw a distinctive curving line upon the waters…as if it was another indication that Shayla’s legacy will continue on…no matter what. 

My storytelling has seen over 16,000 people read about the pebble releases. It has evolved from the tragic loss of my daughter into the journey of me- a grieving mother. I have shared endless photographs, videos, quotes and stories. 

I am reminded of this powerful verse:

It is a miracle that I should live long enough to carry on my work as a Jeli, so that my own stories can outlive me – Aminata Diallo

As my lips kissed the polished heart pebble, one last time... I let it slip thru my fingers as I tossed it back into the sea…no longer did it bind me to December 12^th; my healed soul is a seeker of His light.  

Checking out of my hotel room at Sidney Waterfront Inn & Suites, I gave thanks to Julia, Anita and Jackie- all who I had shared about Shayla. Looking at the whiteboard, Jackie had posted a new quote which made me be in awe of the wondrous verse.

It was as if I could imagine Shayla looking back at me, her smiling face and nodding her head in agreement. 

As I type the last words on my blog, I extend a wholehearted gratefulness… to all those who have participated over the years, in The Heart Pebble Movement. Some of you were strangers who I met only briefly, others were friends whose paths crossed and then continued on their own way; one- who was the love of my life- saw our hot air balloon carry on, without us in it. There are those who have remained constant friends- my gathering of sisters by heart- one who has the Aloha spirit, a group of ladies whose Christian sisterhood uplifts me, while another Soul sister, is an angel to me.

 

Gift box from my friend Angie, that carried the Rose Quartz to its final release...

When I first began writing posts, I believed it was to honour the memory of Shayla. Yet as I complete this epic blog, I see how my beloved daughter’s shining light, blazed the way for extraordinary adventures and people to come into my world. The stories will remain forever for those to read about the travelling pebbles and the healing they brought me. 

 

I leave you with the one quote that connects me to my first novel, 
“Under the Sitka Tree” …

We Are Bound by Our Roots~ Not by Our Feet 

By TL Alton www.tlaltondesign.com  

Upheaval- Strong change or disturbance, as in a society

“Grief comes in unexpected surges…Mysterious cues that set off a reminder of grief. It comes crashing like a wave, sweeping me into its crest, twisting me inside out…then recedes, leaving me broken. Our grief occupies our life out to the edges- a mood comes without warning and it is devastating. Yet…it also passes, so live in the grief, but also wait.” –Toby Talbot. 

Shayla's quilt I lay on with my stone of Labradorite heart pebble. Above me is Shayla's quote, which seemed perfectly suited to the challenges I faced.

Last week, a series of climatic events occurred which shook me to the core. I had been riding the highlights of my life, with the equilibrium of stability. Then, one by one, as if the stones my feet were centered on had given way, everything began to crumble. 

One of the people I was employed by passed away suddenly- without any warning to me. In the short time I knew them, they imparted a great deal of insight to my photography. Likewise, the simple grace found in the gardens I was creating for them, had this person convey, how healing Mother Nature can be. 

Due to their passing, I thought I would no longer be employed and was devastated over the loss of this person who was dearly loved by many. At first, I was overwhelmed with sadness that they would never see the sanctuary I had created- with the flowers and plants I had bought- at a local garden centre. After church service, it occurred to me this person now has one of the most exceptional views from Heaven and I took some comfort in that.

"Sign" I saw on a vehicle, after I had finished the gardens where I worked and my employer had passed away

On the first day of summer, I attended an outdoor Father’s Day event that had the air infused with the aromas of Mexican tacos’, Polish sausage and pierogies and smoked ham hocks. My skin was treated to homemade hand creams and lip balms, while my mouth tasted the delights of organic Cotton candy, sweet raspberry tea and homemade salted caramel ice cream.

 I spoke with many business people, including a young lady, Brette from designHouse Salon in Victoria. In the time we shared, I was able to tell her about The Heart Pebble Movement and in return, she extended compassionate for my loss. Several hugs later and I left feeling she had instilled in me more than beauty, but mercy to the journey I have been on. 

Due to my Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, there are times when I feel overwhelmed by the masses of crowds, jostling along and I now pay closer attention to my emotions. Therefore, I broke free of the throngs of people and strolled downhill to the inner harbour. Something had been heavily laden on my mind and I was trying to process it. Knowing the sea brings calm to my restless spirit, I let my feet guide me towards the brackish mist clinging to Victoria’s air. 

“The hardest time to learn about the process of grief is while you are in the midst of it.”

Prior to the passing of my employer, I had received via email a letter from someone who works for The City of Kelowna. My intention is to put into words my feelings and not single out any individuals. The email was cold, flat and direct in the words. Due to ground work directly beside the reservoir (where my daughter had died), it was necessary to dig up and remove Shayla’s Memorial stone! The City of Kelowna gave me only five days notice this was to occur and in the letter it stated that if I wanted to come and remove the stone myself, I could!  In that moment, I felt the air sucked from me, as I burst into tears wondering how this could be happening?

Instantly, I recalled several years ago, in Langley, when I and my former boyfriend Paul handpicked the granite – Stone of Protection- in the rain. 

I began to sob more, thinking of my created design for the Memorial stone, and then procured Surrey Monument Company to engrave what I wanted on it. After it was finished, arrangements were made for a transport truck to bring it to Kelowna. Both Shayla’s father Dave and I oversaw the installation of the stone at McKinley Landing Reservoir, where our daughter’s vehicle had been submerged for 45 minutes and Shayla died. Over the years, many have come to pay respects and lay personal sentiments to honour a life taken far too soon. 

The letter did state that in two months, the stone would be re-installed at the same location. Several flurries of emails between me and those within The City of Kelowna and it changed to an indefinite period of time before re-installation and unknown, if the Memorial stone would be placed back in the same location, it came from. As someone who formerly was employed by Government, I know too well the bureaucracy that can arise when something unacceptable occurs. 

In the original first letter, there was no compassion or sympathy over having to pull out of the earth; a tribute that has meant a great deal to those who mourn the passing of Shayla. To even ask a bereaved mother who has wrapped their brokenness over the stone and wept a river of tears, to come and remove her own daughter’s memorial is akin to the Cemetery calling to ask me to come pick up Shayla’s marker. Not only was there a lack of sensitivity to the matter, but a complete disconnect in what the stone symbolizes! 

I do understand that due to the major construction occurring that it was in the best interest of safety to have it removed rather than destroyed. Yet again, I feel that those involved would have known long ago this was happening! Some heartless individual thought it would be better to email me- with only five days notice- instead of calling me personally months before, so I could process this wound of grief, ripped back wide open!

Grief is not an enemy or a sign of weakness. It is a sign of being human. Grief is the cost of loving someone. ~ GriefShare

This is where my bereavement journey took a path unknown…

Back to last Sunday, as I sauntered along the cobble alley way towards the sea, I heard the familiar drumming of the Aboriginal people. Drawing me in, I found myself amongst the Métis- which Shayla was part of. In addition to summer beginning; it was also Aboriginal Day. 

"Diversity"

I sat and watched in awe, the dancing formation, of those dressed in cultural garments. The beating of the drums aligned with my heart and I knew Shayla had brought me here for a reason. 

Later, I spoke with an elder who listened to my heartache over the upheaval of the Memorial tribute. The elder recommended a prayer being said over the stone before the removal and also a blessing once it is placed back. I thanked the elder and was walking past a booth, when I felt pulled in the direction of two young girls at table for First Peoples’ Cultural Council. I soon found myself sharing about Shayla and the removal of her stone. I noticed one of the girls facial expression changed when I mentioned my daughter’s first name.  Afterwards, with emotions running through me, I paused to see red bandana’s on the table. When the girl gave me one, it brought forth remembrance of how Shayla liked to wear a bandana on her wrist- in memory of a Métis friend who had died, when only a teenager. I took solace in knowing I would wear my new red bandana with pride. Before I left, I asked the young girl’s name’s…Sofia and…Shay! Now, I understood as to why when I first said my daughter’s name, why it surprised her, she said. I explained how that was also Shayla’s nickname and I was meant to come to their table. 

Walking back towards my vehicle, I was walking past The Empress, when I decided it would be great to have a photo of me wearing the red bandana.

Thank you to Jennifer for taking a photo of me wearing the red bandana amidst Lavender and white hydrangeas 

I walked up to a lady, sitting on a bench. Jennifer, who was from Ottawa, was in town for a conference. We instantly connected and after speaking in great depth about Shayla, she confided in me that she had brought a book to her conference and now knew it was meant for me! The book is called “The Still Voice” –White Eagle. It is a spiritual book of meditations and prayers, woven into the Great Spirit and God. 

Death is not the end, but a return home to a greater reality ~ White Eagle 

Since, I was on my way to evening service at the church I attend; my day was inspired by the light, which surrounded me. 

“Sometimes you have to pull coals out of the darkness, until it bleeds Light.” ~ Praise 106.5 

In the midst of all I was grieving, my dear friend Judy Dowd reached out to me to share the following:

I wanted to let you know The Compassionate Friends do a balloon release every year. We write notes to our children and then release the balloons. This year, I sent one up to heaven for you ...telling Shayla that her MOM loves and misses her. It was a very beautiful evening as we formed a circle and read poems, then wrote notes to our children on our balloons, after we gathered to have a potluck dinner. 

Judy also sent me a picture of a gorgeous shimmering polished heart stone she is planning to release for Shayla in the upcoming weekend. I call Judy my “Sister- by- Hearts,” as she is in a tight group of people I consider my dearest friends. 

When Monday came, I knew I had one day to find someone to go to the stone and say a prayer. It came to me that I was to call Simone Gauthier- who was Shayla’s Aboriginal mentor at Dr. Knox Middle School. There is also a connection to her brother, Richard Gauthier, who was Shayla's Aboriginal Advocate at Kelowna Senior Secondary. When my daughter graduated from High school, it was Richard who awarded Shayla the Aboriginal Honour Drum. After she passed away, it was Simone and Richard who laboured with love in creating an exceptional deerskin bag to carry Shayla’s ashes. Without hesitation, both of them made plans to come to the stone at the reservoir with an elder, Marie Gail Winacott. Due to the construction at McKinley carrying on later than anticipated, the elder had Richard do the prayer, as she needed to return home. Simone and Richard first stopped in at the Memorial bench located at Dewdney Beach Access #1 in McKinley. Simone shared with me: “Richard and I sat upon Shayla’s bench and just chatted about her beautiful smile and contagious laugh. Then we met Dave and did a prayer with sage and tobacco that we gave to the mother earth, burning the sage.” 

Simone and Richard at Shayla's stone

All of what Simone shared brought me peace…a sense of grace that even though I could not be there for the removal of the stone, the creator had ensured the sacred area where the stone was unearthed from, would be honoured in prayer connected to Shayla.

Given the circumstances, I had pulled this together in less than 24 hours…which instilled in me that indeed Faith can move mountains, when you focus on the positive. 

In Matthew 5:4 Jesus promises comfort and a blessing for those who go through the process of grief and mourning: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

Yesterday, when I opened my email to see the pictures of the granite stone removed, I wept some more. Gone also is the special Lavender planted by her niece Parker and nephew, Mason.

The removal of much more than 'just a stone'...

After Shayla’s Memorial marker came out of the ground and was removed for safe keeping at a private location ( until it is re-installed), I went to my favourite beach~ Witty’s Lagoon. As I drove a song came on the radio and tears began to fall when I listened to the lyrics:

And I'll praise you in this storm

And I will lift my hands

That you are who you are

No matter where I am

And every tear I've cried

You hold in your hand

You never left my side

And though my heart is torn

I will praise you in this storm...

~ Casting Crowns – “Praise You in This Storm” 

I parked my car and walked the trail I have done so on many occasions. I climbed down the rocks to the pounding surf with my offerings. 

First, a beautiful oval shaped stone was released for my employer. I said some words up to heaven and let it go into the sea.

Next, I took a heart-shaped piece of Labradorite. This stone goes to the core of a matter and brings up suppressed issues for resolution. 

It anchors the light and connects to the universe. I took a few photographs and released the Labradorite pebble to the strong winds, weaving through the bent and knotted, Arbutus trees. I then scaled the crags of the rock cliffs, perched myself on the blackened stone and let the open waters cleanse me. 

Once back home, I found a song by the talented Métis singer Nakita Kohan.  I learned from my tender heart that the most tragic thing I can ever suffer, has already occurred- the death of my daughter. 

https://youtu.be/eUHhmxDWJzY

 The Prayer Song - Nakita Kohan

I will continue to Stand Tall in the eye of adversity…knowing:

“They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death is but crossing the world, as friends do the seas; they live in one another still.’ ~ William Penn

There is an added positive note to my circumstances. I have been asked to return to where I worked, as the business will re-open again soon. I welcome the opportunity to be back in a place, which felt like I was always meant to be part of. 

By T L Alton