Today Terri
and I climbed Bell Rock, a natural red rock formation in Sedona, Arizona. We
didn't go all the way to the top, but we did make it to the right spot for the
mission.
Sedona is
known for having a high concentration of energy vortexes. (I know that the
plural of vortex is vortices, but Sedona's energy vortexes somehow escape this
rule.) The vortexes of Sedona are believed to be locations having an energy
flow that exists on multiple dimensions. Many people do not understand or
believe this and easily dismiss it as nonsense. While these people may be
right, they may also be wrong. I enjoy believing it is true.
So, the
mission was to finally release the last of my mother's ashes and I realized
that the spiritual nature of a vortex site would be appropriate. Bell Rock is a
vortex site and was chosen to be the final destination of what was left of
mom's dust and bits of bone.
The
Catholic priests say, "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust" when applying
the ashes of the previous year's palms (from Palm Sunday) to the foreheads of
the believers on Ash Wednesday. I chose to acknowledge mom's Catholic faith and
this returning, by returning what was left of mom to a place that
is know for the spirituality of sharing energy.
Without a
specific destination on the rock, we ambled up, re-routed ourselves twice, and
I eventually arrived at The Place. It was a small outcropping with flowering
plants on two sides and a curved branch that served as a railing of sorts. It
was perfect and we were the only two in sight on that busy day. I said to
Terri, "It's time."
I poured
the last of my connection to my physical mom into my cupped left hand, brought
my right hand in to complete the cup, and blew a kiss to send them flying off.
There were still some there so I blew again. Then I brushed off my hands to get
rid of the last remaining pieces.
And I
collapsed in a heap and sobbed.
I did not
expect the flood of emotions that came with the finality but I guess I should
have. I am, after all, a sucker for symbolism, romance, and Hallmark card
commercials. (I got that from my mom.)
After Terri mustered the courage to come out on that outcropping and
comfort me, I got up and realized my finger was bleeding. It was probably a
sharp piece that took a nick out of my right index finger when I rubbed my
hands together. I guess mom got the last laugh as she bit me on her way out.
Good one, mom!
