Three days after Sifra died, on the day she was expected to have been born, Anette and I took the dogs out for a long walk.
We had not made it fully out of town when the sun started its brilliant display.
Somehow, the sky always reminds me that to everything in life, there is a different perspective. From above, things look very different than down here.
Although the sunset was golden and intense,
…my heart connected with the lone tree that had been cut and then grown sideways, reaching for the sky.
Bruised but not broken, tragedy reminds us to cherish the moments we have and enjoy every person in our lives. There are so much love in our hearts, but often, it takes pain to remind us.
As the colours intensified, we took the dogs to climb the rocks. From up there, the horizon owns the view.
For the youngsters, it was a first time.
Malva, the most watchful of them all, posed against the sunset, waiting for Anette to make it to the top.
The rest of the pack joined her.
The sky grew pink and dramatic. A perfect day to skywatch, but my heart was elsewhere.
While the youngsters demanded my attention,
…Sheba was a pondering version of herself, never going far from my side. She’s the kind of dog I don’t have to explain things to, but only asks to be included.
Include, I could. Explain would have been a different matter. There is a time when the heart feels with intensity but offers no words to describe its journey.
Pain does not come readily processed. It’s a journey we must walk and a cost we must allow us to feel.
Today is Sifra’s funeral, some 7000 km away.
My heart is with her family.
For other skies around the world, click here.
32 users commented in " Sifra’s Sunset "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackBeautiful post and stunning images of Sifra’s sunset. The dogs make it poignant and very special. Be blessed my beautiful young friend. (((Hugs))) Jo
There are no words to address such a deep pain and sadness. Nature, the world itself, offers a comfort no words can match.
I am so sorry for your loss, and that of your family.
Incredible photographs…inspired by tragedy.Sending lots of love to you all.
Very beautiful photographs and a touching tribute.
Not an easy day for your family.
The pups are getting so big. How is Sandy? Do the other pups go on these outings too?
Absolutely gorgeous sunset and poignant post. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
This kind of pain so filled with love should never go away as a constant reminder of the special people in our lives. Yet the intensity of the pain eases so we can embrace those we love more closely.
Going out into nature allows the universe to fill us. This gorgeous sunset could overfill one’s cup.
The pack hardly looks like puppies anymore, almost as big as Sheba.
Hugs to you in this difficult time.
a gorgeous set of photos. I too am drawn to the one with the wonky tree – a very apt metaphor.
The little ones are huge! Niger sky is always so spectacular. Hold on tight.
Beautiful post. Great images
Great set of sun shots…
Your pictures are beautiful. You did a very good job contrasting your subjects with the colorful sky. Moving story. Without even knowing the person my heart was touched. Peace be with you. Thanks for sharing.
Nature does indeed have the best and only real answer for our pain. You surely found it on this day with these skies! Exquisite shots and beautiful thoughts. Sifra’s skies were/are there to ease the pain.
Much love to you,
Sylvia
Great series!
So beautiful Esther. Love the siluettes against the lovely sunset.
Gorgeous series of sunset photos. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Beautiful post, Esther. You sound very wise.
Nice series.
Wonderful colors.
Beautiful series of sunset shots. So fitting and true offering to a lost friend. Keep going!
What beautiful skies of Africa!!
Thanks for sharing.
Have a nice day
fabulous sunrise shots
The bent tree is an apt metaphor for the bending of spirit caused by loss. Sifra’s sunset offers natural beauty as a promise of the healing that will come.
what a stunning set of photos, and a “sad” story…..
Gill in Canada
We borrow:
Pain does not come readily processed. It’s a journey we must walk and a cost we must allow us to feel.
Brilliant!
Our thoughts are still with all of you – the photos and feelings are incredible!
Thinking of you still. A beautiful sky indeed and I am glad you have the dogs to keep you company.
~~~ Winged thoughts and prayers ~~~
Esther: What a neat tribute of sky photos to commemorate the loss of the little one. It is a time to turn to ones who love you.
The skies must be rejoicing at Sifra’s arrival. Such a beautiful welcome they gave her!
My thoughts are with you a and your Family a World away. Grief and suffering should never be carried alone. May you and they have much support as you attempt to heal from your loss. Your Sufri sunset tribute is very touching.
So sorry – I should have checked the spelling – Sifra.
These pictures are amazing. This post is so heartfelt. The one about Tabita is beautiful. My heart is with you.
When Chic was born, she had severe jaundice. I did not even realize how serious such a thing was until it happened. The day we took her home, we had to go get tests at a doctor’s office, go to a medical supply to get a light treatment thing. I remember the autumn light of the sky and the traffic. Everything was “normal” except for us. This thing you and your family are going through is so much worse than that, but I think I can relate a little to this hike at sunset.
Esther, my heart goes out to all your family. Amongst so much beauty to carry so much pain…
A really beautiful tribute to celebrate your love. Especially enjoyed the words: “There are so much love in our hearts, but often, it takes pain to remind us.” Just beautiful!
Leave A Reply