The Essence Remains

The Essence Remains
            What happens when our loved ones are gone? By “gone,” I mean in the mortal sense. Of no longer being here physically.
            One of my favorite classes in college was about religion and death. What an array of beliefs there are. About guiding the dying on their way out. About those left behind dealing with their grief. About how to handle the physical remains of those who have passed.
            I have no solid answers for anyone. My heart is strengthened, however, by learning how others process the absence of those they shared life with.
            One thing I do know for myself: The essence of a person remains.
            It can be thick in the air when a person is first gone. It can waft back in waves over years, when one least expects it.
            When a person’s essence sweeps up to touch us again, it may not happen on the anniversary date of their loss. Or a birthday, or a holiday.
            The tangible sense of a loved one may appear in quiet, unanticipated moments. Triggered by a smell or sound. Reverberating in a familiar object or patch of scenery that flashes at just the right moment and angle.
            How thankful I am for those unexpected visceral memories, filling me with the sense of a missing companion.
            The life to death transition is sometimes expressed as a bridge, a crossing from one realm to another.
            This week’s Hike Notes are about Point Bonita Lighthouse, which has its own narrow, shaky bridge leading to a wonderful historic lighthouse. This is a stunning area to visit, whether you’re there in the narrow time frame allowing access to the lighthouse, or show up any old time to walk around the surrounding area.
            Please feel free to share. If you’re not able to take one of these Northern California hikes, hopefully you can enjoy the photos!
            The list of hikes is getting long! Please check the Quick View Hike List or scroll down the main Hikes page to see the current list of hike notes.
New this week:
Hike Notes 13: Point Bonita Lighthouse