A Passage in the Wilderness
Stalwart sentinels from a long-ago era, the hoodoos at Chiricahua National Monument stand in eternal attention. Like stone soldiers, they remain in constant salute, a proud testimonial to their stewardship of the land they embrace. I was to this sacred ground I traveled last evening, to pay homage to the memory of the marine who is my father.
I knew in advance the shot that called to me. Amid those towering statues was a valiant hoodoo with a tabletop cap that stood apart from the others in its countenance. It was a place where the pathway of angles could rest, a respite for the souls on their long journey to heavens grace. With her Siren cry, she beckoned me from our home two hours away, and I was helpless to ignore her treaty. Arriving at the parking area, I was enchanted by the lure of her promise to ease the pain of his passing and bushwacked to a spot where the picture as possible. There, alone, under the stars, in the thrall of her beauty, I allowed myself to feel. While the tears of grief I prayed for did not come, I was granted peace for a few moments.
All have an appointment with the hereafter. It is the only one that must be kept. For those that remain behind, grieving the loss is a process. It is a process I am ill-equipped for, yet one I have had to endure twice this year. Through my words and pictures, I can share what I cannot show in my daily life. That is a blessing I am grateful for. To all those who also grieve today, I wish you peace in your journey to acceptance. Perhaps we will arrive together.
I remain his scribe.
Our 2021 Milky Way and Strom Chasing Workshops are now accepting reservations. Find out more here: Milky Way Workshops: 2021 Milky Way and Night Sky Workshops Storm Chasing Workshops: 2021 Storm Chasing workshops
A Passage in the Wilderness
Keywords:
Arizona,
Chasing,
Chiricahua National Monument,
High Desert,
Hoodoo,
landscapes,
Milky,
Milky Way Workshop,
Nature,
Photography Workshop,
Southern Arizona,
Storm,
Way,
Workshop"
Comments |
