I sit on her shore admiring her glistening gentleness today. My feet can't reach the water where waves have caressed me before. I stretch to touch her with my toes. I giggle from the cold. Her temperature never changes, but I am always surprised. As I relax, she occasionally laps at the rocks enough to toss gentle kisses onto the bottoms of my feet. I smile and thank her for her gifts. Beauty. Resilience. Loyalty. I am grateful in her presence. Years ago, I came to her broken. She showed me then, and reminds me now, that I am worthy.
Angela Byrne is a caregiver in various capacities; mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend, organizer. After many burnouts, she finds healing in community, therapy, and visiting Lake Superior. Instagram: aca902