Show Me The Way

Life is like sea-water; it never gets quite sweet until it is drawn up into heaven. ~J.P. Richter

 

"Waterfall"

While visiting England in May with Paul, I discovered a place where the essence of my daughter resided. We had made plans to spend a day apart  in the city. For me, it was a chance to explore the alley ways, cobblestones and structures which compose Hays Galleria situated in the London Borough of Southwark. For my partner, it was an opportunity to take a tour of the Chelsea Museum and Stadium tour of Stamford Bridge. 

As I wandered the pathway by the River Thames, I delighted in taking snapshots of London, through the lens of Shayla’s camera. Vibrant images of renowned landmarks caught my attention. If I found an alley to saunter along, I took it. If a door caught my attention, I opened it and if I felt led to an area…I meandered through the narrow streets to discover what lay ahead.

Nearing a public area in Horselydown Square, I was drawn in by the mesmerizing sound of water. I slowly walked, yet felt guided to a fountain of grand proportions. The exceptional design had streams of water playfully spouting outwards and down over a basin. Delicate characters of woman, frolicked- immersed in and around- for dramatic effect. Around the foundation of the fountain were a variety of items which immediately struck a chord with me. A journal and pen, a camera, sunglasses and a wallet were cast in bronze. These images gripped at my tender heart as several of them had been returned to me… on the day my daughter passed away. The pair of sculptured dancing shoes, found my tears match the flow of water trickling, down the side of the cistern. 

 

A Disney Chinese New Year Envelope with The Heart Pebble Movement link inside, propped against the bronze camera

The creation of artwork entitled “Waterfall” was created in 1991 by Antony Donaldson and characterizes the free-spirit of womanhood, in all of its glory.

Surrounded by the monumental love and bond I continue to share with my beloved daughter, I knew she had led me to this. It was a chance to ponder, and embrace all that we had shared in 21 years on earth, together.

A Pebble release of Amethyst- Shayla's birthstone

I left briefly to find the tiny, quaint flower shop I had seen, along my way. After speaking with a man from Paris and sharing the story of Shayla, he created a delicate arrangement for me to place at the fountain. When he gave it to me, he could see the pain within and wished me reconciliation with my loss. 

Returning to the “Waterfall,” I closed my eyes for a moment and honoured the place I was in. Then I penned heartfelt sentiments to my babygirl and left the card with the bouquet. 

In finding such an extraordinary creation, amongst the stones and brickwork, I know that Shayla would want me to see the light in all things. Thankfully, flickering through the darkness I carried that day… was the grace of illumination… opening my eyes and my heart to its very existence. 

Down To the River to Pray ~ Alison Krauss

Video: 

http://youtu.be/5Eu85pZNoWY

By T.L. Alton

An Ocean Away

To see the world in a grain of sand,
and to see heaven in a wild flower,
hold infinity in the palm of your hands,
and eternity in an hour.
- William Blake

In the summer, I went camping by myself…back to a treasured spot where Shayla and I had shared many years ago. While I met some interesting people, I was fortunate to be introduced to Amber and Grant, along with their two daughters, Rylee and Rhaya. 

Mother & Daughter

Under the evening sky, in their presence, I told the story of my beloved Shayla.  I explained The Heart Pebble Movement I formed to ensure her legacy carried on. I spoke of my daughter's rock hounding days, the pebbles and gemstones I found in her hidden winter pocket and of the road she changed forever, ensuring the safety of others. Never have I seen such a captivating audience.

It was later, after much discussion that the two young girls told me about their own talents. Rylee liked to write stories in her journals and Rhaya was also a rock hound collector and avid song writer. I could see the passion the two sisters had for creativity and encouraged them to pursue their dreams.

Recently, I was sent an email from Amber. The following is what she shared-one mother to another-

Hello there, it’s Amber, from the Cedars RV campsite.  I have the 2 girls, Rylee and Rhaya.  We hope you are doing well and wanted to let you know we have been thinking about you and your amazing journey.  A few weeks ago we went to Birch Bay.  Rhaya and I both threw pebbles in the ocean for Shayla.  It was very moving for both of us and we wanted to be sure you saw the pictures, knowing that your story has forever moved us.  You are such an amazing woman to carry on the way you have, I look up to the way you have chosen to deal with this horrific event and make it into something life changing for everyone that hears this story.  I am so thankful we met and I will help spread the word of the heart pebble movement any way I can.

Take care and enjoy the pictures.

Amber

LiBerated ChicZ www.etsy.com/shop/liberatedchicz

It was the pick-me-up I needed and a welcomed blessing for what they shared with me.

Unknown to either of them was the strong connection my daughter and I had with Birch Bay. Years ago, we had spent many summers, camping in the area near the seaside. We picked shells, pebbles and fragments of driftwood along the beach, sat around campfires and bought many treats at the legendary C Shop.

To know a pebble was placed in this area is to reflect on the light that Shayla was…her authentic smile on display for the world to see. Her roots are forged in grains of sand; her care-free spirit can be heard swirling in the shell of a conch and the ocean breeze sings the aboriginal pride she believed in.  My sweet angel runs as one now amongst the open heavens and delights in the presence of those who release a pebble in her memory.

By T.L. Alton

Inseparable

The Example

 Here’s an example from…A Butterfly;

 That on a rough, hard rock…Happy can lie;

 Friendless and all alone…On this unsweetened stone.

Now let my bed be hard… No care take I;

 I’ll make my joy like this…Small Butterfly;

Whose happy heart has power…To make a stone a flower.  

By William H. Davies. Louis Untermeyer, (1885–1977). Modern British Poetry. 1920

In this blog posting is the embodiment of the metaphorical illustration of the butterfly. This winged creature freely implores us to surrender to the changes in our lives. Throughout its short life span, the butterfly embraces its transformation, with unyielding bravery.

Shayla represented these stunning reflections of nature in her life on this earth and after her passing. I have shared before how she sent a heavenly message while I was mourning her loss. Sitting alone on a beach in Maui, I was there to honour her on what would have been her 22^nd Birthday. Gazing upwards, tears scattered on my cheeks, I saw the following image of grace, beauty and love. 

This year, in springtime, I travelled to London. My intention was to take in sight-seeing and place pebbles all over England, in Shayla’s memory. My adventures led me to the Natural History Museum. Outside of the museum was an exhibit called Sensational Butterflies. Once I walked inside the butterfly house, I was able to stand amongst the brilliance of nature’s creation. I casually strolled through the area and was in awe when butterflies began to perch all over me. I was mesmerized by their vibrant colours and absorbed every bit of the incredible experience into my broken heart.  I stepped closer to explore in a glass enclosure, the enthralling life cycle of these remarkable insects.  I was intrigued by their embryonic cycle from an egg to caterpillar, then the transformation from chrysalis to spectacular butterfly. 

As a blue morpho from South America landed on my skirt, I thought of my daughter.  I pondered how her life was comparable to a butterfly; being vulnerable as a young girl who was bullied for being ‘different’- to finding her inner beauty and strength- enabling her to spread her wings and fly. 

In many cultures, it is fascinating to know that the butterfly is associated with the soul, which further connects our representation of faith and living things with it. Shayla explored many aspects of herself as she experienced shifts in her own life. The pathway to Heaven for my daughter was forged with her dedication as a Christian, yet she was intrigued by other cultures, religions and her own Aboriginal roots. Unknown to me, was the link of the memorial granite stone I had created in my daughter’s memory to Christianity- which regards the butterfly as a symbol for the soul. I further learned the butterfly is illustrated on ancient Christian tombs, as Christ has been shown embracing a butterfly in Christian artwork. Long before I discovered this-on my daughter’s marker I had a butterfly etched upon the front of it.

 Reflecting on this, I hold close to my heart in its correlation and think it is rather fitting for a young girl, whose transformation was only complete on her final ascent.

By T.L. Alton