Thursday, August 11, 2016

Tender Moments

They're better when you don't expect them, aren't they?


I had this email from an ex today that brought soft tears to my eyes. He's not a writer by any means. And I do think he struggled with his words. My birthday is this Tuesday and he remembered it obviously but forgot the much clichéd "Happy Birthday" and just brought up some random memories about how long we've known each other (since high school). Nearly 60 years. What a privilege, that, to know someone nearly 60 years. And share children and miscarriages, a failed adoption and a beloved grandchild.

He wrote of our emigration, our expectations then and what an adventure it was.

And he closed with a beautiful, heartfelt phrase which I'll keep private.

And I thought of our voyage and wrote back to him of this, of all our dearies on that small tender pulling away from that vast ocean liner that held our incredibly young hopeful selves leaving all we had ever known behind. Forever.

And the Irish coastline fading away in the distance as we turned and faced the new land of Canada.

Good tears.

Good love.

17 comments:

  1. You have had a very rich life, and it still goes on. Happy Birthday!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks dear Hattie. Yes I felt so much reading that email today.
      Grateful I am.
      XO
      WWW

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  2. What wonderful adventures you have had! May they continue...Happy Birthday!

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  3. The beautiful heartfelt phrase reminds me of a comment the other day by a Facebook friend - "A word of praise from someone you really respect is like a shot of morphine to the heart." So true.

    To have a friendship for nearly 60 years is quite something.

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    1. Not saying it wasn't turbulent too Nick. We had a horrible divorce before the healing started. It's now good to have this quiet place in bright sunshine with him.
      XO
      WWW

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  4. You brought tears to my eyes with this. I know also the heartbreaking beauty of that Irish coastline, both when you first spot it early in the morning on a trip home and more so as you leave it behind....again. Go see what J Cosmo Newbery wrote today!http://jcosmonewbery2.blogspot.com/

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  5. Replies
    1. An amazing journey CC. I feel so grateful that my engine still ticks.
      XO
      WWW

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  6. Happy Birthday. I marvel at the youth and vigour of your writing chops.

    But, what are "dearies" or did you mean desires?+

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    Replies
    1. Thank you , anon.
      "Dearies"= Dear ones. All whom we loved on that tender sailing back to the dock.
      XO
      WWW

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  7. Lovely. I have very nice relationships with my former sweeties, or at least cordial ones, or at least fond affection when I think of them!

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    Replies
    1. That reminds me I need to answer an email I got a while ago. Old lovers are too thin on the ground to ignore Lol
      XO
      WWW

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