In Memory of Aunt Hettie and Uncle Bob Miller's 'sanctuary', 'The Nursery'... as many of you will also fondly remember as Uncle Bob was a 'Johnny Appleseed' green thumb grower, grafter, planter and hybrid flower and tree expert. Many who knew our Aunt and Uncle in the North Thompson from McLure to Blue River called them aunt and uncle.
This poem is in honour of them and the spring memories of Mount Terrace, Wells Gray Park and growing up learning from them both in our family 'sanctuary'.
Beauty lives on...
Standing still, breathing deep...
Eyes closed...
Listening
to
'comfort' sounds
flowing as naturally as
the passing years
and nearby
icy creek.
When I call your names I can almost hear you...
'We are here,
it will be okay.
All is well.'
At that moment
I look up to see a great Blue Heron overhead
(The Guardian) watching as it glides smoothly onto the tree top.
'The Guardian' - standing guard...
Beneath,
upon the lake
the Duck Family swims by and a Woodpecker gets back to work on its Birch project.
Turning towards the 'Nursery' I see your postcards!
Purple Crocus, Sunny Daffodils, Soft Green Tree Buds...life continually blooming, moving forward,
as though
you've never left.
Everything will be Okay. (HHLHB)
The legacy left behind of so many gone on ahead is a continued circle of spring and summer full of life and flowers, budding trees, migrating bird families, butterflies and moths, turtle migration as life lives on where they walked, worked, explored before us in this valley we call home.
So many 'imprinted' through work, gardening, conservation, conversations, harvesting, many meals, singing in the woods. The legacy of their spirits remain in our hearts, connecting us for all time. Such a rich history to share with generations to come. Tell your story, share your memories as your own legacy. If you have something to share, a story idea, letter, photo, poem, experience or suggestion, contact us at: The Clearwater Times - editor@clearwatertimes.com or The Barriere Star/Journal - hettie.buck@starjournal.net
