A Stirring of Peace

I am coming home to St. Simons. The sound of the marsh, the ocean breeze on my face, the salt in the air — it receives me like it always has. My heart is still finding its way. But I am here. And for now, that is enough.

A few days ago I found myself on a neighboring barrier island, camera in hand. I wasn’t sure i was ready to shoot. I just needed to be somewhere the marsh could surround me, envelop me like a blanket. The salt air filled my lungs. And for a moment, standing at the water’s edge, I simply let myself be in the stillness.

And then I saw her. An egret, standing alone in the marsh. Her beauty caught my eye instantly— the light was perfect, the bright green marsh behind her a beautiful backdrop. I was glad I had my camera. But, it was more than a photograph. I felt a sense of recognition wash over me. I see you, I thought. Standing there all alone. That’s me now too.

The birds don’t grieve in silence. They cry out across the water, wild and unashamed. The marsh receives it all — the beauty, the sorrow, the sound of things that cannot be put into words. Standing there I wanted to do the same. To cry and scream like the birds. To let the marsh hold it.

I am headed home. This first trip back has shown me that my heart still has a long way to go. But soon my feet will be in St. Simons sand, my face will feel the salty breeze, and my body will feel the marsh holding me. I will sit and gaze out over the ocean to the line where it meets the sky, and let my thoughts drift, and my heart begin to heal.

See You In The Stillness.