“There is a trick to flying. The angels told me." He smiled at my wide-eyed awe. "You need to forget everything you know as a human being. When you are human, you discover that there is great power in hating the earth. And it can almost make you fly. But it never will."
I frowned, not quite understanding him. "So, what's the trick?"
"Love the sky.”
—Anne Fortier, Juliet
Photo: My husband and my son, York's Beach, Antigua 1992
I think my favorite part of the photo is your husband's hands.
ReplyDeletedear ellen, you know those hands are not going to miss catching the boy. those hands are sure. xo
DeleteAngella-
ReplyDeleteThis picture pierced my heart with love and left me breathless with hope and the sense of vindication- it seems weird perhaps, but I felt so glad that the hope apparent in this photograph was in fact borne out by the life that your son has led and is leading.
Under the guidance and love and tutelage of your love for him, your love and the love of your great big man.
You have what I want for all of us to have, what, if I were God, I would give to everyone.
Your heart sustains a multitude, nor will you know how great that multitude is become.
yrs-
Scott
Ah Scott, you have no idea the thrill it is to find a comment from you, to see you in this place, shedding all kinds of light. Love to you, friend.
DeleteThis is what my husband (who lost his father on his own birthday in 1993) said when he saw that picture:
ReplyDelete"Man. I would give anything to have a picture like that with my father. That makes me miss him so bad because he did things like that with me."
So I said, "But does it make you miss him 'so mad' in a bad way or a good way?"
Harry smiled. "In a very good way.The best way." He looked at it again because I had enlarged it on my computer. He added, "This is a beautiful picture. It's a blessing to have a good daddy to catch you. I know I did. I hope his son has that photo blown up and in a frame on his wall. If he doesn't he should."
And me? By the end of that exchange, was a hot mess of tears and snot.
Thank you for this lovely, touching image and a special moment with my sweet husband.
Love, Kimberly
Kimberly, what a wonderful communion of hearts, my husband and son, your husband and his father, good fathers raising good sons, who know that strong arms will always be there to catch them, just as your BHE will always be there to catch your boys, and give them the same sweet achingly good memories that he holds of his father. Such a blessed cycle. Thank you, thank you for feeling it, for sharing it, for allowing our women hearts to commune too. Love.
DeleteFlying is easy. Landing is hard.
ReplyDeleteI look at that picture... That tiny boy, free, released, and soaring. But just below, a mountain of a man to catch him!
Wow! A cause to dance and sing.
Glenn, yes! Absolutely.
Deleteoh, thank you!
ReplyDeletedkb, thank YOU. :)
DeleteExcuse me...while I...kiss the sky.
ReplyDeleteYes. Yes. Beautiful and see? You have been teaching your babies to fly for forever.
Ms Moon, i did look at this and think, no wonder he still flies over hurdles and pole vault bars and such. i love his little feet, pointed, his arms spread wide, his face up, no sense of jeopardy at all. nor was there any. hugs.
DeleteAwesome pic, Angella! That kid is one lucky guy
ReplyDeleteDeborah, and we are lucky parents! Love.
DeleteAstounding.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, yes. Every time I see this picture, yes.
DeleteThis photo is the embodiment of complete joy — complete delight!
ReplyDeleteT, what strikes me most in this photo is my son's trust, and it was not misplaced.
DeleteAnd look at that sky -- there's even a Purple Haze! Jimi Hendrix references abound.
ReplyDeleteThat IS an amazing picture.
Steve, believe it or not, I named the post without thinking about Jimi Hendrix, but of course he is there!
Deleteangella,
ReplyDeletethank you! i love what you are doing, in posting this...reminding us all what it's about, the pure release of joy, the process...
xo
susan
susan t, the pure release of joy, yes, I need the reminder, too.
DeleteWhat a beautiful post and beautiful photo - brightened up my evening. I'm happy I stumbled across your blog :)
ReplyDeleteWayne, welcome! I am happy you are here, too. Pull up a chair. Stay awhile. Thank you.
Deleteawww what a cute photo. sometimes you need that loving thrust into the air to realize how far you can go.
ReplyDeleteCandice, and to remember that really, we can fly.
DeleteGorgeous.
ReplyDeleteLisa, nice to see you! Thank you.
DeleteWhat a fabulous, FABULOUS photograph!!!!
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful memories.
Hugs to you, my friend. ~
Gabriele, you said it exactly, the memories are the thing. Hugs to you too, dear one.
DeleteSuch a fantastic photo! The very embodiment of parenthood. You guys did it so right!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Yo
Ah Yolie, it's not done yet. The road is long and twisty yet, and our ability to influence actions and outcomes diminishes each moment. I can only pray. But thank you for the vote of confidence. I will try not to worry so much! Love to you, dear friend.
DeleteSoooo gorgeous, Angella! And the invitation to 'Love the sky'. . . yes, yes. xo
ReplyDelete