Today’s Guest Post was written by Ethelene Dyer Jones.
What penetrating lines from the pen of John Parris used to describe November. His inimitable description and his fresh metaphors make us see “the hills from Wautaga to Cherokee,” and any of the beloved hills in the mountainous areas of North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee.
I was in the mountains for a week October 29 through November 5, the first time to go back to a retreat Grover and I enjoyed, a place to get away awhile and rest in late October, early November. I had not been there without him (my husband passed away January 26, 2011 after a long illness). But I knew that I must make that plunge, brave my loneliness, and go there again. Here’s a little vignette I wrote about the early November days in the mountains of North Georgia:
This November beauty is bitter-sweet.
Its loveliness brings joy but at the same time tears my heart asunder.
On deciduous trees, gold, amber, red and magenta vie for prizes for the most flamboyance.
Crisp leaves fall in crescendo, bringing memories like rising waters.
Times ago we walked this autumn path together, hand-in-hand.
I braved the trail down to Duke’s Creek Falls, knowing the ascent later would be strenuous.
I stood in awe at the falls, heard the cascades tumble, saw the silver spray on gray granite.
Framed in autumn’s gold on trees about the falls, the sight was spectacular, the sound of falling waters a mighty overture.
“Nothing gold can stay,” I echoed the lines of Robert Frost’s poem.
The gold of late afternoon sunlight combined with golden leaves and rushing water to salute my sadness.
I turned from the beauty and started the journey upward and away from the falls.
Leaves danced along the pathway, stirred by late afternoon breezes.
I had to make the journey, had to climb the mountain.
More mountains lie ahead, but a bulwark of November’s bitter-sweet beauty will go with me.
Beauty lies on the journey still—remembered, and still present to observe and absorb.
Ethelene Dyer Jones
Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee.
———————
I hope you enjoyed Ethelene’s thoughts on visiting their retreat for the first time without her husband, Grover.
Be sure to drop back by tomorrow-when the giveaways continue!
Tipper
This is really heart touching, you have to go there to really know how she feels and know what she is talking about. Thank you so much for sharing this . Kay
So sad. But still beautiful!
Beautiful words that made me cry! May God bless you, Ehtelene and help you through your grief.
Thank you, Ethelene, for sharing your pilgrimage with us. My thoughts are with you. Life is not easy to live sometimes. Hurts heal and you go on as best as you can.
Thanks for sharing. Memories are great to have.
Ethelene, your story was so touching & bittersweet. You are one brave lady to face your pilgrimage (& your grief) head on. I know that strength will sustain you in the days ahead. God Bless.
Beautiful, and so poignant.
God bless.
RB
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Ethelene, this was beautifully written. I am glad Tipper shared it with us. I have walked that trail to Duke’s Creek Falls many times. Over a span of thirty plus years I have shared the experience with friends and loved ones. When next I am there, I will think of your story and will enjoy knowing that it is a treasured place for so many. I hope that your lonely moments will be eased by special memories of your time in that lovely place.
Ethelene – What a beautiful vignette of the November retreat you have painted with your descriptive language.
Ethelene–I just realized that I didn’t finish my thought on gold. I’m sure your recent experience included golden memories, and they are a treasure beyond measure. Thanks for sharing, and I suspect you found both the experience and the sharing something of a catharsis.
Jim Casada
Beautiful as always, Ethelene. We just re-read the poem you wrote for Mary a few years ago.
We all miss Grover, and pray GOD (using your faith) will cover your loneliness.
You are so gifted.
We love you,
JOHN and MARY
Tipper,
Congradulations to Sandy, Pat, and
Carol on winning ‘a granny’s
creation’ keepsake.
Ethelene, that was nice and heart-
warming! I liked the part “leaves
danced along the pathway, stirred
by afternoon breezes.” I feel for
your loss and hope your pathway
is blessed by gentle breezes…Ken
MY dear Ethelene—-What a beautiful rememberance of words letting one see into your heart and soul—remember always that when you re-visted that area that sounds so wonderful to me up here in the north,that your husband’s memory will be highten..with joy for you–Many Blessings at this time of the year of thanksgivng. Linda
Ethelene,
Very beautifully written and certainly touched my soul. Thanks for taking me along on your journey!
Sweet story Mrs. Jones. God Bless You!!
Ms. Jones, this was beautiful. Anyone who has lost someone they love know what it means to revisit those special places.
Good to see you at the Byron Herbert Reece meeting — his farm and heritage center in north Georgia is one of those special places.
Rosann
Be4autiful and sad.
What beautiful words today from Ethelene. They say, “you can’t go back again”, but sometimes you just have to! After all, the place Ethelene describes sounds so beautiful that it would be a shame to not visit there anymore. I’m sure her husband was right there with her.
What a nice story. My heart goes out to Mrs. Jones on the loss of her husband.
These words really touched a place in my heart, and I will read them again another day. I, also, have used walks in the mountains to heal me during trying and hard times. I especially appreciated the way she was able to paint a picture with her words. What a gift! Tipper, thank you so much for letting me start my day with writing from this remarkable lady.
Ethelene–Nicely done, although I would disagree with you (and Robert Frost) on “nothing gold can stay.” The Smokies are golden forever more, at least in my view.
Jim Casada
http://www.jimcasadaoutdoors.com
Ethelene: How quickly I relate to your mindful and heart-felt words regarding your lonely trek through the woods. I feel your sadness and your brave determination to be a participant in this beautiful place we call home! May your Thanksgiving be filled with peace and cheerful encounters with those you love.
Love and devotion,
Eva Nell
Such a heart-felt description of the beauty found in the natural worlds of this place, summoned I’m sure by wonderful memories of visits of the past. It does, or should, cause us to reflect on what we have both with us and in our hearts. Thank you so much for sharing!
i can sympathise with ethelene
i lost my husband feb this yr and
the way is long and hard , and no one can feel what we are feeling at this time but we have our memories
fall has been such a beautiful and nostalgic time , the hills of ky seem much steeper and the road is long but we keep pressing on to the mark
God bless each of you and especially ethelene