Susan LaffertyFirst memory of sand and waves holds fast in the corners of my mind. Living on the island of vacations I experienced. As a child.
There was another beach before that. When I was a toddler. Depicted in family photographs during our sojourn in Thailand.
But Bali reigns in my memory files. Footprints on the beach taking me back.
Hot sun, yellow sand. Volcano in the distance.
The new year approaches.
And we’re looking sideways at the year that was.
2020.
Planned calendar undone.
Change unexpected.
Grief unwanted.
Up close and personal reminders
of all we do not know.
All we cannot see.
She lost her faith, she says. I read the interview and pause on the photograph.
Her eyes are sad. Haunting.
Throughout the day her heart cry crosses my mind and I pray for her. For others like her giving up on faith. Walking out on worship.
Empty. Doubting.
