I had the most emotional response to a song on the radio I can ever remember. The song was 'Tragedy' by the Bee Gees. The lyrics, the haunting voices, the amazing beat. It made me want to turn the volume all the way up, open the windows and wave my arms in the air - except I was driving at the time!
The Bee Gees played the soundtrack to my childhood, and if I were to analyse my response today I would say that it brought back so many happy family memories. I have chosen the photo of the carnation to accompany this post. Also known as the 'angelier' in Afrikaans, it was Grandpa's favourite flower. Mom was his youngest (and favourite) daughter. He would have been devastated by Mom's illness. I haven't thought about him or the simple 'angelier' in years.
Hearing that song made me feel so alive; I wanted to shout out loud, to tell everyone. I also had a moment of clarity. I realised that the numbness I had felt for so long after Mom died has gone. And another thing, I was probably on auto-pilot before Mom even got ill. Doing a job that didn't reward me for my passion had sapped my energies. Now, I'm making my own plans, doing what I love. I am so grateful for that. Reasons to be thankful.
Carnation (family Caryophyllaceae), photo credit