Joy in unexpected places

Joy in unexpected places, family, finding joy, finding peace, finding support, how to cope with family trauma,joy, Respite, soothe the soul, support for the terminally ill, support network, wild flowers, surviving hard times, resilient

Courtesy chamomile@morgueFile free photos

Finding Joy…
I wrote this a week ago during a drive to visit family. A moment when thoughts just flowed. Since then there have been tragic news stories abounding which makes us want to hold loved ones closer.

“…It has been an emotional few weeks visiting, supporting and driving from one end of an out-of-state town to the other. Showing our love, compassion, cheer and empathy to two dearly beloved family members of two different generations. One ageing being cared for in assisted living and the other too young, with a short life expectancy but fighting valiantly to continue.

Many emotions and memories for all.

Today we decided to drive a different route home after morning coffee with family. We’d been refreshed with our eyes exploring the wide horizons of the beautiful Adelaide Hills. A change from city driving. From little car parks and trying to find another parking spot, again, today. From hospital car parks. From the stale confined air of hospitals.

Joy in unexpected places, family, finding joy, finding peace, finding support, how to cope with family trauma,joy, Respite, soothe the soul, support for the terminally ill, support network, green hills, wide horizons, surviving hard times, resilient

Courtesy Kconnors@morgueFile free photos

…so we took another road not quite knowing what the journey would be like. We had time and were in the mindset to try “different” and I’m so glad we did. It was just a road, a straight unimpeded road with less bustling traffic and for most of the way it exuded tranquility….older stately houses, graceful homes, bigger blocks, greenery….it was my meditation

Sights which I would have loved to photograph.
Instead…
Snaps I took with my mind of quickly passing scenes
A quaint cupola roof peeking out amongst the green
Gorgeous stone and metal lace work from old religious college
Sprawling slate roof on stately lady of a house with vibrant green moss growing amongst the tiles
‘Bespoke’ luxury apartment with advertising sign for sale…Oh, what a gorgeous old worldly word
Watching a young father with small son on his shoulders walking to the nearest place to play ball
…each carrying their own basket ball
…regular size and child size
…and that REALLY made me smile

Joy in unexpected places, family, finding joy, finding peace, finding support, how to cope with family trauma,joy, Respite, soothe the soul, support for the terminally ill, support network, surviving hard times, resilient, basket ball, playing ball with children, forget me not

Courtesy Jeltovski@morgueFile free photos

So I found a beautiful place to linger in and was refreshed.

Do YOU find these places?
…by observing with a different eye.
…A little beauty and joy on an unfamiliar road.

Another little detour later in the day…
Taking the long way round to go visiting …
Food for the soul-
A drive along the ocean.
Serenity

Joy in unexpected places, family, finding joy, finding peace, finding support, how to cope with family trauma,joy, Respite, soothe the soul, support for the terminally ill, support network, sunset, serenity in a sunset

Courtesy demondimum@morgueFile free photos

Orange skies, luminous clouds outlined with gold
Brightest of beams displayed surrounding an even brighter sun
A heavy ball is the sun, drooping and dropping into the ocean
And gone…
But so many Joy filled hearts
Sitting in parked cars or lined up with cameras,
Silhouette of family standing on sand dunes
Even paused mid stride it seemed,
on the footpath with shopping in hand.
All savouring a brief magic moment

Do you savour the moment? ”
For B.

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3 thoughts on “Joy in unexpected places

  1. Love you, Mum, you are an artist and poet :) xx

  2. I love a change of scenery. It does amazing things for the mind doesn’t it? At the moment my change of scenery is looking into the face of my new babe and cherishing her littleness. Another beautifully written post. :)

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