It’s bittersweet, really. Sheer joy tinged with the sadness of loss. The acceptance of a remarkable something turning around and inching over the horizon. It leaves an ache.
This Winter has been one for the books in our neck of the woods. ‘Record breaking’, ‘record setting’, ‘never before documented in history’ type of Winter. And for some it’s just that; one for the books. But for me it’s hit so much deeper than that. It’s a redemption of sorts. Mountains strangled by drought revived by this pure white savior. Revived. Redeemed. Refreshed. Enlivened. Made new. It’s incredible, really.
And as I look out across the lake and watch the ice recede, and as I still sit on the dock pulling my jacket around me to brace myself from the chill of the wind, I lift my face to the appearing sun and close my eyes. This isn’t a battle at all, per se, this departure of Winter and arrival of Spring. It’s not a ‘releasing it’s grip’ type of transition as if there were something of ill-will or violence. It’s not one overpowering the other in an all out brawl. No. Not at all. It is the passing of the torch.
It’s an elderly and respected guest speaker. A past leader coming back for one last hurrah. And we instinctively stand as he takes the stage. Excitement pouring out in applause. Yearning to take hold of everything he has to offer.
And we do the same as he exits, knowing deeply that what we just saw and heard and tasted and felt was a unique experience, possibly once-in-a-lifetime. And he hands the mic over with a smile and a slight dip of his chin, looks out to us and waves, and slowly disappears behind the curtain. And we all inhale, long and slow and rub our palms together and hold them up to our lips. We look from side to side at each other.
This is it. And I can’t be more aching for what is leaving and more joyous for what’s to come. And I melt into the sun as if I’ve just braved a thousand winters. And I nod a gesture of respect to the passing storm. And it’s incredible to be a part of.
And maybe, just maybe, with that tone, I can truly say it’s been one for the books.