
It was the racing yacht that jolted her memory. She knew she had been loved, that he loved the sea, and the thrill of racing. She could picture his face, or almost. As she rocked back and forth on the veranda, she remembered. She felt his arms around her as she took the helm, his breath on her neck, and whispering. They were very much in love. “Pull more to the starboard side.” He would say, as they turned the corner around the lighthouse.
They would spend entire weekends at sea, but not far from the shore. Dinner was always by candlelight, as they watched the lights along the coast. Dreaming, she suddenly felt like it was summer again, and they were off the coast of Maine. She spoke to herself, “What was his name??” She could not remember, and grew frustrated, so she dropped it.
“Mrs. Henderson?” She was jerked awake. “Mrs. Henderson, it’s time to come inside now.” The voice continued, “It’s too cold to be out here, and it’s almost suppertime…” Julie Henderson was now ninety one, and the nursing home took good care of her. She often forgot things, and said out loud to the nurse, “What was his name???”
It wasn’t until she was in the dining room, and her plate was set before her that she thought about him again. She said out loud, “What was his name???” And suddenly she remembered. It was like a door or window opening, and she could see him clearly, and she knew. She yelled as loud as she could, “Jonathan!!” Tears streamed down her face, and she yelled his name again, “Jonathan!!”
She said in a whisper, “I will see you again sweetheart, very soon.” The tears of joy ceased, and she bowed her head slightly. By the time the nurse made it to her side, Julie Henderson was fast asleep. She was dreaming – of the sea.
Writing and Image © Copyright 2015, ancient skies
Peace and blessings to everyone.
“If you love nature, you will love people.”