Not quite a native Ripley Countian - she attended only her last year of high school in Doniphan though she taught in the R-1 system for 32 years - Teresa (Pearson) Lee delights in surprising readers and herself with anecdotal observations of life in general. Maybe you can blame her St.Louis roots for a quirky humor and some slightly-askewed opinions, but never doubt she writes from the heart.

Because of Love

Posted Wednesday, February 5, 2020, at 1:19 PM

Sometimes I'm caught off guard when my Siamese hops up as I rock in my favorite chair. Once he lands lightly, he seems to ponder the timing. Will he stay briefly as though posed for a few photos, then leave me to my book or music? Or will he discern I am going to stay put for a while, and softly circle to sit just so on my lap? Is he there to find comfort or to offer it to me?

So it is when a memory pops up after a loss. I am never quite ready. Will it stay for only a moment, deciding I will not offer it enough time or space for a meaningful visit? Or will it find a cozy niche, settle in and offer comfort and joy to give the sadness a break?

I am learning to give memories time and space. After a loss it seems sorrow will never nudge its way out of my soul, but when I let memories settle in for a bit, sadness softly circles and makes room for soothing smiles. All because of love.