Sunday, January 10, 2010

Circle

This is where I spent the last four days. My in-laws house in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Better known as The Wildwoods. I was there in the beginning when they built this wonderful place. It was a long time ago, another life. I was married to Diahn's brother, Brian. He died in 1989 in a motorcycle accident. They are still my family. Diahn, a sister, Carmen and Ray, still my mother-in-law and father-in-law. Their younger daughter, Kristen, still like a little sister.

Everyone pitched in when they were building. Even Jesse, mine and Brian's son, worked the land. He loved this place. Most of his childhood was spent out in the woods and land around the house, collecting sticks, burning brush in his cowboy boots. Helping Papa Ray.

Now, at least once a year, Diahn and I meet up here to visit. This is the room where I slept. The pink room, Carmen calls it. When I visit, I feel like I'm at a bed and breakfast.




Recognize the paintings? They're originals. By the famous artist, Diahn Ott. I love the pink room. Good sleepin'. Peaceful.

This is said famous artist and her mother, Carmen.

It's funny, no matter where I go, or how much time passes, they will always be my family. And when I go there, I am reminded that Brian lives on. He lives on in the faces of his beautiful sisters and his Mom and Dad. He lives on in their memories. I can even see him in his nieces and nephews. He lives on in who they are, who they've become. He lives on in our son, Jesse and our grandson, Little Brian. In the music. In the woods. In all he loved.

And I don't want to be sad about his death anymore. I want to celebrate his life. He certainly did. He loved life. I hear his voice when Jesse speaks, I hear his laugh when Little Brian laughs. I see his love of music in both of them.

And I feel blessed that he was here, that I was his wife, that he forever changed my life, that he brought me into this family that I will always claim as my own.

And that he carries on.

8 comments:

A Perfect Peach said...

Such a lovely story, Melinda. It looks so peaceful there.

becky said...

Sounds like a beautiful time with family, M. You made me happy... just thinking about Brian living on through all of you. I see him so well in Jesse... and parts of him in Little B... I enjoy studying the photos of Diahn... I can catch glimpses of Brian in her smile... and in her eyes...

Takes me back to so long ago... Like you said - another life.

I love you!

Lisa said...

I am so glad you share this time in your life with us. It is a little strange sometimes to be part of a life--a family--where someone is a very real memory, but I never knew him. He is photographs and stories to me, and I wonder what his voice--specifically his laugh sounds like. I have never met Diahn or Carmen or Papa Ray, but they are a warmth in my life because of you :)

Unknown said...

Your very lucky to have such a wonderful family, and I think they're lucky to have you.

Unknown said...

Tears in my eyes...but glad ones. Glad you are still a part of my life - of our lives. So glad that Brian lives through all of us - in Jesse and in Brian, in Derek and Joshua.

I'm greatly blessed, indeed...

Papa Ray said...

I wanted to post a comment on this yesterday, but I had eye problems. They kept filling up with water. Mo, I thank you for letting us love you and for loving us in return. Carmen and I both wait for you and D to come to this place. You are special to me and to Carmen.
LOL

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for just being you, Melinda. You have brought so much blesssing into our lives. I love you as my only daughter-in law but more as my heart daughter. I can't wait for your next visit. Thanks for making our home look so wonderful! I'll leave it "the pink room" just for you!
Love, Carmen (MOM)

Dan Kent said...

I've been so busy, with so little time to browse that I missed this post. I found it very moving. Thank you.