Sayings. They stick throughout our lives. Throw caution to the wind! How many times have you heard that said in your lifetime? Or dance like no one is watching? Live dangerously, dare to be brave, take the plunge, take the bull by the horns, take a chance – what have you got to lose? Live life to fullest.
I’ve been thinking about the ‘then versus now’ a lot more, especially during family events or holidays that offer more time to reflect when driving, just sitting and watching some lovely ocean water lap against the shore or standing on the deck of a ferry as the wind clears my hair away from my face, fresh and salty smelling. Those rare moments in such a fast-paced life journey that offer time to just be and allow some cherished memories of youth to wash over us.
Remembering as we watched reverently, embracing the joy of the moment as new memories were being made attending a family wedding for our beautiful niece on the island. Oh how it felt in that special moment in time so many years ago, in fact on this day as I write (51 years ago) being married at Spahats Falls in Wells Gray Park in a simple Sears maxi dress, yellow with lightly embossed flowers and the ever popular at the time, wide brimmed white summer hat circled with vibrant pansies and carrying a long stemmed bouquet from my Uncle Bob and Aunt Het’s nursery tied with a yellow satin ribbon.
The image as though it was yesterday of Uncle Bob and I walking the nursery bursting with vibrant colours and lovingly nurtured blooms like no other at 5:30 a.m. while the ‘dew was still on the roses’ there, picking, cutting, chatting, and joking softly together knowing in just hours, time would once again shift into a new way of life. Another moment in time.
As we watched, just last weekend, our ever so pretty five-year-old granddaughter, in her flower girl dress, tossing flower petals with thoughtful rhythm and timing, with such confidence that she comes by naturally from parents who encourage her constantly, a thought flickered through my mind, looking briefly ahead, where would her special day be? Where would her own life choices lead her? Hoping I’d be privileged to be part of those moments in some way in years to come.
I’ve had those thoughts watching each of our 10 grandchildren grow, now early 20s down to just under a year in age. Each will hear sayings that ‘stick’ with them over time. Do your thing. Reach for the stars, something often heard during end of high school graduation advice. The world is your oyster. Fortune favours the bold, make hay while the sun shines, seize the day…
If you are young (seems like everyone is young to me in recent years although I enjoy now being an observer) you’ll be here, viewing, reflecting, capturing those moments in time with your own heart ‘camera’ to savour in your own quiet way throughout your journey.
As I vividly recall on this day, while in the middle of living those exciting, memorable and fast paced occasions, sometimes we were just so caught up in the swirly and swoosh of it all, we’d literally forget to take the photo, record or write down the experience.
You are in an age of digital wonder, sometimes even invasion, other times advantage as none like ever before throughout history. However much my advice or others in your life provide you with, I don’t think I have to mention being secure with your personal info, you are light years ahead with that knowledge. But I will encourage you to take advantage of those technologies, tools and skills also in a way to retain your own ‘souvenirs’ to also reflect upon when you reach the observation deck where we are now.
Shine your light your way as you walk, run or fly – there just isn’t a right or wrong way to find your own path. Carry on, spread your wings, soar with the eagles – for ‘nothing is more important than this day.’
