Even with the chill at nights, the birds of morn sing the songs of spring. Life on Salt Spring pluses with the energy of beginnings. People out to the Saturday market, planting gardens and falling in love. The energy is contagious. Even among the young women of Pass it On, the days are full as can be with activities outdoors and a fuller plate that comes with longer days.
We have been speaking of spring at Pass it On and what it means to all of us. In our day and age when so many of our lives are spent indoors and less effected by the turn of seasons – except for determining foot wear – spring has a way of asserting itself upon us with it’s energetic buzz. At least here on Salt Spring people have spring in their steps. Spring does herald a time of births, the arrival of blossoms and daffodils, fresh grass, nettles and baby lambs. But, after a warm spring day the evenings are always cool and with birth, death sits on the other side.
This week as spring hit my road with a bang, our cow gave birth to a baby boy. He’s beautiful and healthy and it’s amazing to witness his first every things. But within days of the occasion, a neighbor and friend passed. I am always jarred by death. There is beauty in it but why does it not hold the same wonder that birth brings with it? For it is a passage into a new beginning and birth also the ending of what was before.
The ladies in Pass it On have spoken to their fears or avoidance of death. As if ignoring or denying it, we could bypass the experience. Most of us carry an amazing amount of attachment to life. I know I do. But perhaps we are doing one another a disservice in our avoidance or denial of what is to come. Perhaps the unknown of our time here and the wonder of that final crossing can enable us to be more present with the beauty and fragility of each day. Each bird song, each warm afternoon, each cool spring eve, each star rise can awaken our spirit and lead us to be more truly ourselves.
Kate Maurice – Coordinator, Pass It On Program
Photo: Megan Manning
