Ready to Start Again

Sitting under a palm tree on a beach in the Canary Islands, my thoughts drift across the Atlantic Ocean. My wife and I enjoy a necessary rest, free from the demands of our jobs in bereavement.

Wrapped in a beach towel, I am enveloped in a realm of unparalleled beauty. The waves, like a symphony, ebb and flow, mirroring the rhythm of my thoughts.

The sun glistens on the flat surface of the water, and in that moment, I see life as endless and expansive as the ocean before me. Each wave kisses the shore, carrying joyful moments of love, laughter, and hope.

With those moments come feelings of loss, regret, sadness, and fear. I find myself caught between two worlds-one of memories and love, and the other of absence and grief. I oscillate between joy and sorrow, like the tides of the ocean, each wave bringing a new emotion to the shore of my consciousness.

Leaning against the sturdy trunk of a palm tree, I am comforted by its grounding presence. This incredible palm tree, a silent witness to countless sunrises, supports me in my moment of reflection.

My thoughts…

My Holiday Reflection

I’m mindful suddenly that each year is a unique blend of joy and heartache. I reflect on the people who have come and gone, their presence shaping the contours of my life. Their memories, like the tide, fill the voids they leave behind, inviting me to reflect on the beauty of the past.

In this tranquil moment, I grasp the complexity and richness of life, woven from a tapestry of beauty interlaced with depth. Dressed in my yellow half-sleeve T-shirt and three-quarter shorts, I absorb it all.

I look up at the coniferous branches stretching overhead, welcoming the shade from the blazing sun above. The sky appears like an artist’s canvas, awash with light, casting an enchanting glow on everything around me.

With You

With you

I pause to reflect on all those who shared their lives with me, etching the words “with you” in the sand. I feel an overwhelming sense of privilege, gratitude, and above all, honour. ‘With you,’ because during times of crisis and challenge, that’s what I do.

I’m carrying a part of each person I’ve served into this tranquil setting. And I watch the waves sweep those words away into the depths, clearing the way for new faces yet to arrive—the people I will meet, the experiences I will embrace, and the lessons I will discover. Thus, I emerge renewed, refreshed, and ready to start again.