As I’ve said before, August 16 is always a melancholy day for me. As the anniversary of my mom’s passing, I always have a lot of things on my mind, and on my heart. The past couple of years, I’ve tried to busy myself with fun times and then only have the date to deal with after the fact. And it was working pretty well today . . .until it wasn’t.
Brian and I spent a couple of days in Eureka Springs, AR this weekend, and one of the things on my “visit” list was Thorncrown Chapel. It looked really pretty in the pictures, and I wanted to see for myself.
Turns out, it is really pretty. And more than that, it’s one of those places that I think Mama would’ve really enjoyed. Those are the kind of fleeting thoughts that come to me more days than not—“Mama would like that”, or “I wish Mama could see this”.
Like me, my mother was more spiritual than truly religious, but I know she would’ve appreciated the artistry of a church that would allow you to commune with nature while worshipping. But in that place, it seemed I was hit with that idea more strongly than usual, and it was almost like I could feel her there with me. Of course, when the moment passed, I missed her all over again, but I wouldn’t trade that moment of connection. And, besides, I know she’s always here with me, no matter where I am.
