There are treasures all over my house. Seashells and sea glass. Snapshots. A raven feather. Books. Rocks. A wishbone. A bowl of stone and crystal hearts. Reminders of family and friends and special moments.
I began burning a tall votive on my fireplace hearth in early August 2013. In the beginning, my impromptu altar consisted of one candle and a red and a blue hand-carved soapstone heart from Kenya. One for each of my teeny unborn unfinished identical twin granddaughters – their futures so fragile and uncertain. Nine hundred miles away.
It wasn’t long before I needed a second candle.
We bought candles by the dozen at the Dollar General store and the flames were not allowed to burn out until replacement candles were lit. Except when the candles and the hearts went to the beach for a few days and I worried about traveling with fire in the car.
The babies were born seven days after that beach trip, way too soon. But they were born and were alive – hanging on to life by a thread.
They had their second birthdays a few months ago – no longer babies – little girls with wild curly hair and angel-faces, feisty and fun. Nearby.
Several hundred empty tall glass candle holders are stashed in boxes and bags in my attic and one day, when the girls are old enough, we’ll haul the candle holders down from the attic, drive to the coast and arrange them on the beach. We’ll light new candles and wait for the sun to set, listening to the waves and breathing in the salt sea air. And look back and shake our heads and marvel at their beginnings and wonder at their futures.
The two heart-shaped soapstone rocks are still on my hearth. Next to the flameless candle with its steady light. Other totems – for other people with other needs – come and go from my illuminated space. But the light is constant, keeping watch.
I’ll pray for you.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Pray for me.
A soft, persistent glow is visible from most every room of the house. Sometimes…often…the comforting light guides me as I stumble to the guest room at 3 a.m. after waking with a start, my mind chattering away.
Where there is darkness… let there be light.
vivinolavita 