Sea

Brief story linked to my years caring for my mother

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Sea

John loved living near the sea. Every morning waiting gulls beckoned him from sleep. He entered the moment with them always feeling encouraged to look up. The day was dull and overcast yet, here and there, sunshine quietly peered through gaps in the clouds. Slowly and with an inner feeling of reverence he walked toward the sea.

The road was busy as usual. Shops were open and crowded with customers. Pavements were populated with people pursuing their daily business. Trees lining the streets were losing their leaves as Autumn came nearer and nearer.

John had lived alone for many years. In the active street he felt alone. Nobody knew him and there seemed to be no real awareness of his existence. Passing a school John paused, children were playing, laughing, running, climbing. It was good to see them; he turned the corner and could see the sea.

His pace quickened. Soon the sea stretched wide and wonderful before him. Sunlight draped the slow moving waves with strands of shimmering light. The far horizon seemed beckoning and welcoming. It was good to be there.

It was a space to exist and to be in each moment. Gulls swooped and soared around him. The gentle breeze touched his face like a quiet and kindly hand. It was wonderful to just be and feel part of creation. John sat on one of the many seats lining the promenade. Soon, he fell asleep.

Time passed quietly, he awoke, there was someone with him, someone who looked like his mother who had passed on some ten years previously. John had

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looked after Mum for many years and her death had affected him deeply. The loss of such a vital part of himself proved to be devastating.

“Mum” he said quietly

“That's right son, it's me and I am really here”

John was told that Dad and his borther Richard were close by. It was good to be with Mum; she was young again and so very lovely. Mum explained that her death did not mean separation....

“It means being alive in a different way” she said “I'm free in a life that has no need of time.”

“Life everlasting” said John quietly

“Yes, that's right, now close your eyes for a moment John”

John closed his eyes and opened them when asked to do so. In front of him was the sea calm, quiet and wonderful with line after line of beautiful, striated light vast and unending. Behind him light and still more light. John knew what had happened. Mum took him in her arms and they entered the light and the life without end.

George Coombs (450 words)