Photo © 2024 J. Alex Greenwood. All rights reserved. This photo is protected under international copyright laws and may not be reproduced, distributed, or used in any manner without explicit written permission from the copyright owner.
Every day, I embark on a very long drive to work. It's often a grind: a monotonous slog through the same stretches of road, gouged into the same scenery. Yet, amidst this routine, there's an unexpected gift: the beautiful sunrises that greet me along the way.
Last week, as I drove in, my thoughts were heavy with the recent loss of my dear Uncle Robert. He was one of the kindest, most remarkable people I have ever known. He had seen much loss in his long life, yet he always found a way to keep his spirit gentle and his heart open. His many kindnesses and support throughout my life are something I try to model in my own interactions with family and friends. “Try” being the operative word.
The morning of his funeral, I made the early morning trek to Oklahoma City, feeling the weight of loss with each passing mile as I drew closer, the veil of night lifted, giving way to hues of orange, pink, and gold. In just a few moments, the sunrise seemed more than just a natural occurrence, rather a signal of rebirth hidden in the perpetual dance between the earth and the sun. In the light breaking over the horizon, I felt Uncle Robert's kind heart and the warmth of his spirit shining through the clouds.
Arriving at my uncle’s service, I was soon surrounded by dozens of people, many with faces like mine, united in grief but also in the joy of having known him. In the midst of our collective mourning, we were surrounded by a profound sense of gratitude for the time we had shared with Robert and gratitude that his spirit had brought us together.
Now, the daily spectacle of sunrises holds new significance, reminding me that, even in the midst of loss, there is beauty if you look for it. Sunrises are also a choice. The sunrise is a choice to make a fresh start, a new beginning, and fulfill the promise that life continues, no matter how much we might wish to hold on to the past.
As I continue my drives, I now look forward to these moments of sunrise. They offer solace, a quiet reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the enduring presence of those we love, even after they're gone. Each sunrise is a gift, a beacon of hope and renewal, and a reflection of the enduring legacy of a kind heart.
In the end, it's these small, beautiful moments that help us navigate the grind, transforming an ordinary commute into a journey filled with meaning and connection.
And in every sunrise, I feel the spirit of my Uncle Robert, reminding me to embrace each new day with the same gentle strength and grace as he did.