Birthday Card for Jon
Dear Jon,
I wanted to do something to recognize your birthday. You would have been 47 today.
Two years ago, on the Sunday before your birthday, you took me to the top of Northcliff Ridge at sunset. We gazed down on a sea of blooming jacarandas and watched the sun drop behind the ridge in a red-orange blaze of glory. That was a really happy day for us.
So, this past Sunday I decided I would go back to Northcliff Ridge. I planned to sit up there at sunset, take photos, and reflect. It seemed like a good way to remember you.
As Sunday afternoon wore on, the clouds built and the wind picked up. Rain was on its way. The sky darkened, and I realized my visit to Northcliff Ridge wasn’t going to happen.
The rain came quickly, just before sunset. Then it stopped. I was settled on the couch with the Melville Cat, tapping away on my laptop, when I looked up and noticed an eerie glow in the window. I walked outside.
Arching down onto the Melville Koppies was the most perfect rainbow I’ve ever seen.
Rainbow over the Koppies. A double rainbow, in fact.
The rainbow hung around for several minutes. I took lots of photos, and I thought about you.
The light changed dramatically, several times.
Right before it went.
I was sad when the rainbow faded away. But rainbows – like most beautiful things in this world – can’t last forever. We wouldn’t appreciate them so much if they did.
The show wasn’t over yet though. After the rainbow disappeared, the setting sun lit the clouds on fire.
I’ll always remember the way the sky looked at that moment, and the way it made me feel. Because I know you were there.
Jon, thanks for the beautiful birthday present. And thanks for reminding me that I don’t always need to go out searching for beauty. Sometimes I must be patient and let the beauty find me.
Love,
Heather
Words fail me but that is beautiful. xxx
Thanks Gail.
Beautiful post. I’m sure Job sent the rainbow especially for you.
Thanks Meruschka. I didn’t want to say that outright but I know you are right :)
Thank you Heather for sharing such a beautiful way of honouring your love for Jon. I truly hope that he knew well just how deeply you cared for and loved him - a blessing that so many may be without.
You have reminded me about the importance of recognising, acknowledging and cherishing the care and love of those who pour into my life. You have reminded me to return that that care and love now while I can.
You are special and I pray that you too will be as cared for, as cherished and as loved as you so willing do.
Blessings.
Thanks so much for this beautiful comment, Stanley. It made me cry. And yes, he did know. He does :)
lots of love xxx
Thanks lady. xo
All the pics are great (what’s new?) but that last pic is extraordinary!
Thanks Chuck. That pic would have been much better if I had a better view of the sunset from my garden. As it was, I had to zoom in on the one small area that is visible through the trees. But I’m glad you like it anyway.
I struggle to find the words…. you have my utmost respect and admiration ♥
Thanks. You have mine too :)
Heather beautiful post,and pictures.I only hope I can one day find someone to love me as much as you obviously loved Jon,warm regards rossG
Thank you, Ross. That is an incredibly sweet thing to say.
Woody look at the pictires that this chick took in melville.
Those photos gave me shivers. That rarely happens to me. So powerful….
Thanks Drury. It was kind of amazing.
It was a perfect sky that afternoon and we loved watching the rainbow and sky change colours - your photos are gorgeous. Anniversaries can be really sucky! Glad this anniversary was beautiful for you. much love x
Thanks, friend!
This time you brought me to tears. Not just with the beautiful pictures, but with this line: “But rainbows — like most beautiful things in this world — can’t last forever. We wouldn’t appreciate them so much if they did.” These have been exactly my sentiments lately as I struggle with my own sense of loss, though of course in a very different dimension from yours. You put them into perfect words (and images). Thanks, and lots of love! And Happy Birthday Jon!
Haha, I got you back for making me cry with your Kili post! Just kidding.
Thanks so much, Sine. And I really feel for the sadness you’re feeling right now. Sometimes I wish beautiful things could last forever. Or at least a bit longer.
Amazingly beautiful post, Heather!
Thanks Jeff!
So finely expressed, the words and pictures together are stunning, appreciate what you did here. Thanks and hope it helped you too.
Thanks very much. Yes, writing these posts (and reading the responses) really helps me tremendously. I don’t know how I would cope without this blog.
Beautiful post Heather, and the words give meaning to the pictures, and the pictures are echoes of Jon. He would be very proud. Thank you for reminding me of his birthday in that magical way.
Thanks Mark. Your comment means a lot to me.
A lovely tribute to Jon.
Thanks Debra.
What an amazing moment - truly a really special memory.
Dear Heather this is an incredibly moving, beautiful post celebrating Jon and your love. I see echos of Jon in your amazing photographs. What a special way to remember Jon and share it with us. May peace, love, happiness and beauty be with you always. Love, Rashida
Thanks so much, Rashida. Hope to see you soon.
This post made me sad which makes me happy - I get it. Thanks for sharing…I’ve shared it again a few times too…
Thanks very much for reading, and for commenting and sharing. Glad you get it!