I rest and breathe.

birds, family, nature, travel, wildflowers, , , , , ,

I’m breathing deeply of the cool and clean air that blows off of Lake Michigan, while my friends at home in northern California are wearing masks against the smoke that has filled the skies for a week now. Months ago I’d planned a trip to visit my oldest daughter Pearl and her family in their new home here in Wisconsin, and though I felt it necessary to delay my departure by a couple of days, I was finally glad to get out of town.

Milwaukee River

As soon as I boarded the bus that would take me to the airport, I began to relax, and when I did, and began to drop the burdens I’d been carrying, I felt the ache I’d been unconscious of before, and almost wept from the relief.

My eyes stopped burning as soon as I boarded the airplane, and what peace to sleep in a quiet neighborhood that night, with nothing threatening anywhere.

I’ve been taking walks with Pearl, visiting Port Washington with everyone after church, and in particular enjoying the wind and rain. Today I took a solitary walk and found a convocation of geese assembling by the little lake I can see from my bedroom window.

Of the grandchildren in this family, only Maggie and the Philosopher are still at home these days, both in high school. They introduced me to cheese curds and shared a few hugs already. We played Apples to Apples and laughed and laughed.

Back at my home, housemate Susan has a box of my important papers and things that she will take for me if she has to evacuate; with so many firefighters on task now and no high winds, it seems unlikely for my neighborhood. But four families I know have had their houses burn to the ground, and scores of friends have been evacuated.

Virginia Creeper

The first night in Wisconsin I didn’t sleep too well, but after a walk and a nap, the second night I logged ten hours of deep rest. Then I woke feeling brand new, or like my old self. I’ll be here a few more days, and maybe will write again before the next stage of this journey.

18 thoughts on “I rest and breathe.”

  4. I’m so glad to know that you’re well away from the fires for a time. Whether it’s possible, I don’t know, but I did read that containment is hoped for by the 20th. Being able to sleep without fear is such a gift — enjoy all the gifts your visit will bring!

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  6. My original neighborhood is The Great Lakes. I am from the north side of Chicago. I love the smell of fall there. When I would return home for a visit I would lay on the ground and smell black dirt. My father always had a garden and I loved hanging with him there.

    I don’t know how to feel about what is happening in your/our neighborhood in CA. My heart breaks. The news is so full of trashing celebs and the Prez I still don’t know what is going on in the town where Bob and I got married. I am happy you are well. I pray for the rest of your family still in CA. You know the Detroit area is repopulating. I would think they need more Urban Gardener’s! I love you, V

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  10. This is a relief to read. I’m so glad you’re there and being nurtured and given rest. That feeling you describe when you got on the plane, and didn’t even realize the burden you’d been carrying — I’ve felt that too. So glad you have respite.

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  15. While the day to day effects of this devasting fire are not in my “backyard”, still there is much concern for those whom are living in the middle of it daily . While I am glad you are visiting family at this time, I know a huge part of you is still in California. Praying…

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  17. Your title mirrors exactly what a wise friend posted on facebook this week: When things seem to be overwhelming….. pause…. take a step back…breathe… and begin again…. one blessed step at a time. I think I should heed His prompting. So very glad to read that you are safe x

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